Pressure Tanks

What Are They and How Do They Work?

In a nutshell: The pressure tank in a water well system creates water pressure by using compressed air to bear down on the water. Because of this pressure, when a valve is opened water is pushed out of the tank through the pipes in your home. When the water in the pressures tank drops below the required amount, a pressure switch is activated turning on the pump. The pump then refills the pressure tank. The combination of the pressure tank, pressure switch and the pump is what allows water to flow through your home.

Pressure tanks, which also act as reservoirs for the home, are generally set to keep pressure within 20 pounds per square inch (PSI) of your starting and stopping parameters. For example, most homes have pressure of 30 PSI to 50 PSI or of 40 PSI to 60 PSI. If the pressure drops below 30 PSI or 40 PSI (depending on the the pressure switch), the pump kicks on and brings the pressure back 50 PSI or to 60 PSI (depending on the the pressure switch) before cutting off again.

Because the tank acts as a reservoir, it allows water to be drawn from the tank without the pump cycling on and off each time the water is turned on. This ultimately protects and prolongs the lifespan of the pump. Pressure tanks also reduce instances of water hammer as they reduce air in the pipes and control the pressure of the water.