NGC - Waterlogged WellTrol pressure tank

[ohiorider]

I was zip-tying some wiring from a months-old emergency installation of a sump pump in the basement.  Happened to bump the WellTrol pressure tank, and noticed it didn't even budge on its platform as usual.  Rapped on the tank .... no hollow sound from middle to top.  Must be water-logged.

The house water system has been working ok (I thought,) but I was probably cycling my pump a lot more than was necessary.

Cut off power to pump, drained the tank, and then used the small compressor I use on my bike tires.  It was a struggle getting to recommended 30psi, but it got there and held. 

Turned on pump and refilled the tank.  No issue.  The tank obviously had an air head.  I'd previously set the cut off at approx 65psi on the Square D switch, cut in at approx 40psi.  That was still ok

I suspect the bladder in the tank is leaking.  I installed it 13 years ago.  Being a single person household, the water system doesn't get overused, but maybe 13 years is pushing it.

OK here's my question.  Do any of you have experience with WellTrol or similar bladder tanks?  And can the bladders develop a small pinhole leak that will allow the bladder to work for a while if tank is drained, pressure adjusted, and tank refilled?  Or do you think I'm wasting my time fooling with it, and should simply have a new tank installed?  I did the install on this tank in 2007, but my back issues will most likely force me to pay the piper (plumber.)  Hate when this happens!

Bob

[Zoom Zoom]

Yep, sounds like the bladder has ruptured. It will cause the pump to run more often.

ZZ

[RinkRat II]

      If you refilled it to 30 psi and it held ,the bladder should be  good. I suspect the schrader valve has been barely leaking for quite a while. Replace the schrader with one from your Guzzi stash and be sure to put a cap on it, that's actually what seals the valve. It's not uncommon for tanks to do this, some of the easiest service calls I've been on was to do exactly as you did

       Paul B

[Zoom Zoom]

Not true.  Btdt. If water comes out the valve it's bad

[ohiorider]

Not true.  Btdt. If water comes out the valve it's bad

Yo, John ...... I didn't see any water coming out of the Schrader valve when I checked the tank pressure.  Having said that, I'm thinking that 13 years on one of these tanks might be pushing it.  I'm going to keep an eye on it (check air pressure periodically,) and time how long it takes the pressure to drop from cut off to cut on. Might just run downstairs now and see how things are working, a few hours after draining and refilling.

RR II, thanks for your input, too.  I always like a couple of good anecdotal opinions.  First hand info good!

Man, if it isn't bike issues, it's house issues.

John, BTW ........ How's that good looking small block running?  Is the Stelvio lonesome?

Bob

[BillinPA]

The pressure should be set at 2 psi below cut on pressure setting of pressure switch.

I had to air mine up about 6 months ago, pump was running immediately upon turning on water. Works good now, but I am still keeping close eye on it,  im sure you will as well.

[ohiorider]

Makes me think that our houses with sump pumps, water softeners, and pressure tanks are only slightly less complicated than keeping a wooden boat afloat.  Maybe more so!

Thanks to all for your suggestions.

Bob

[BillinPA]

Since the tank comes pre charged new, the logical move to me is kill pump power drain down tank,  air up, then restore pump power.

Its worth a try, i too thought I needed a new tank. But it was a holiday, had a house full of guests,  it was free to try and it worked. I suppose over time they can lose a little air and it not be noticed. Once too low, water demand is direct to pump powering up.

[Ncdan]

I had the same issue a few years ago in my rent house. I just installed a submersible pump and eliminated the pressure tank.

[StuCorpe]

I have had to replace the Weltrol twice at my house, the bladder develops a Pin hole leak and fills up with water.  After putting more air in it shortly fills up again and repeat cycle until it won't take any more air.  Each cycle is a shorter period of time.  You might as well bite the bullet and put in a new one.

[ohiorider]

Yep.  New one installed when I bought the house in 1992, it worked until 2007, the current one is #3, I installed 13 years ago.  They're not all that expensive, but a PITA to install, what with the rusty pipes. (and being 77 yo and doing this sitting on the floor!)  It's plumber time!

Bob

EDIT:  StuCorpe, question.  Do you think that's why I couldn't quite re-pressurize to 30psi?  I used the same small Sears tire compressor I've used for years on my bike tires, and it has no problem inflating them to over 35psi.  I was able to re-pressurize the tank bladder to about 27psi, but no more.

[StuCorpe]

Do you think that's why I couldn't quite re-pressurize to 30psi?  I would think so, the space that is normally air above the bladder get's full of water and the water doesn't compress as much as the air so there is less volume.

As an experiment with the last one I took out I drilled 4 1/8" holes around the upper part of the tank where all the water was to see how long it would take to drain out.  It ended up taking over a month as the 1/8" holes would get plugged up with this black gunk from inside the tank and I had to keep cleaning them out.  No idea what that crap is.