Pressure Tank Service & Replacement in Spokane, WA

Your pressure tank is the unsung hero of your well water system. It stores pressurized water so your pump does not have to run every time you open a faucet, and it maintains consistent water pressure throughout your home. When your pressure tank fails, the symptoms can range from annoying to system-damaging.

Pump Division provides pressure tank diagnosis, repair, and replacement for homeowners across Spokane, Spokane Valley, and the surrounding Inland Northwest. We carry the most common tank sizes on our trucks for same-day replacement when needed.

How Your Pressure Tank Works

Understanding your pressure tank helps you recognize problems early. A well pressure tank is a sealed vessel divided into two sections by a rubber bladder or diaphragm. One side holds water from your well pump, and the other side holds a cushion of compressed air.

When your pump runs, it fills the water side of the tank, compressing the air cushion. When the pressure reaches the upper set point on your pressure switch (typically 50 or 60 PSI), the switch turns the pump off. As you use water in the house, the compressed air pushes the stored water out of the tank and into your plumbing. When the pressure drops to the lower set point (typically 30 or 40 PSI), the switch turns the pump back on to refill the tank.

This cycle keeps your pump from running continuously and provides a reserve of pressurized water for immediate use. A properly functioning pressure tank also protects your pump motor from the stress of frequent short cycling.

Signs Your Pressure Tank Needs Service

Pressure tank problems are among the most common well system issues we see in the Spokane area. Here are the warning signs to watch for.

Rapid cycling, also called short cycling, is the number-one symptom of a failing pressure tank. If you can hear your pump kicking on and off every few seconds while water is running, the tank has likely lost its air charge. This happens when the bladder ruptures or develops a leak, allowing water to flood the air side of the tank. Short cycling is not just annoying — it dramatically shortens the life of your pump motor and wastes electricity.

Water pressure that drops quickly when you open a faucet, then recovers when the pump kicks on, suggests the tank is not storing much usable water. A healthy pressure tank should provide a steady draw-down of water between pump cycles.

A tank that feels uniformly heavy when you tap on it, or that feels cold and full from top to bottom, is waterlogged. A properly charged tank should feel hollow and resonant when you tap the upper portion (the air side) and solid on the lower portion (the water side).

Visible corrosion, rust streaks, or water weeping from the tank itself means the vessel is compromised and should be replaced before it fails catastrophically.

Spurting or inconsistent pressure at your fixtures, especially when multiple fixtures are in use, can indicate a tank that is too small for your household demand or one that is not holding its pre-charge.

Pressure Tank Services We Provide

We offer complete pressure tank services, from simple adjustments to full system replacements.

Pressure tank diagnosis involves checking the tank's air pre-charge with a gauge, testing the bladder integrity, inspecting the tank for corrosion, and evaluating the pressure switch settings. This tells us whether the tank can be serviced or needs replacement.

Air charge restoration is sometimes all that is needed. If the bladder is intact but the tank has slowly lost its air pre-charge, we can re-pressurize the air side to the correct level and get your system cycling properly again. We also check for and repair any Schrader valve issues that may have caused the air loss.

Pressure switch adjustment or replacement is a common companion service. If your pressure switch is not cutting the pump on and off at the correct pressures, or if the contacts are pitted and worn, we can adjust or replace it to work properly with your tank.

Full pressure tank replacement is necessary when the bladder has failed or the tank is corroded. We carry a range of tank sizes from 20 gallons to 119 gallons and can install the right size for your household on the same visit in most cases. We also properly dispose of your old tank.

Choosing the Right Size Pressure Tank

Tank sizing matters more than most homeowners realize. A tank that is too small forces your pump to cycle more frequently, which wears out the motor faster and increases your energy costs. A larger tank means longer run times, fewer cycles, and more stored water for peak demand.

As a general guideline, a two-bedroom home with one bathroom can work with a 20-gallon tank, but a 32 or 44-gallon tank is better. A three to four-bedroom home with two or more bathrooms should have at least a 44 to 86-gallon tank. Homes with irrigation systems, multiple bathrooms, or high water demand benefit from larger tanks or even multiple tanks in parallel.

We also consider your pump's flow rate. The tank needs to provide enough draw-down volume to keep the pump from running in cycles shorter than one minute. We calculate the optimal tank size based on your specific pump output and household demand.

Pressure Tank FAQ

How long does a pressure tank last? Most quality pressure tanks last between 10 and 15 years, though some cheaper tanks may fail sooner. Water quality plays a big role — high mineral content or sediment can accelerate bladder wear. Regular maintenance can help extend tank life.

How much does a pressure tank replacement cost in Spokane? Replacement costs typically range from $500 to $1,500 depending on tank size and installation complexity. Larger tanks cost more but provide better system performance and pump protection. We provide a clear estimate before beginning any work.

Can I replace my pressure tank myself? While it is technically possible, we do not recommend it for most homeowners. Improper installation can damage your pump, create leaks, or result in incorrect pressure settings that shorten the life of your equipment. The cost of professional installation is modest compared to the risk of getting it wrong.

What pressure should my tank be set to? The air pre-charge in your pressure tank should be set to 2 PSI below your pressure switch's cut-in (low) setting. For example, if your pressure switch is set to 30/50, the tank pre-charge should be 28 PSI. This must be checked with the tank empty of water for an accurate reading.

Get Your Pressure Tank Checked

If your pump is short cycling, your water pressure is inconsistent, or you suspect your pressure tank is failing, call Pump Division at (509) 214-9355. We will diagnose the problem accurately and recommend the most cost-effective solution — whether that is a simple adjustment or a new tank. We serve Spokane, Spokane Valley, and communities throughout the Inland Northwest seven days a week.