My 10 year old well tank sprang a few leaks today

Not a lucky day for me that's for sure. Our well tank blew out (holes in two separate locations) and it was spraying all over, so I had to spend my Sunday locating one and replacing it. The Amtrol Well-X-Trol unit that I replaced today was only 10 years old. I didn't imagine it failing at only 10 years, but such is life. It was replaced with a Flowtec unit, since that was what they had on hand at the local Home Depot. I hope this one lasts more than 10 years. What is your experience with well tank longevity?

The leak issue is not particularly common, however the rubber membrane can fail at any time. If your water has any special pH issues, that could be part of the problem. Remember, nothing lasts forever, and routine wear will sure make Murphy's Law your slogan to live by. I've replaced over a hundred in the last 20 years, and no brand seems more likely to fail than any other..... Feel lucky you could replace it quickly!

I have had 4 of my own fail at: 7 years (120 gal tank), (2-80 gals at 6 years) and a 62 gal one at 4 years.

Is your well water acidic?

Iron water also can affect a tank. Fiberglass tanks have the advantage to not rust and leak. For the interior membrane, steel or fiberglass tank is the same. Good to check the air volume calibration (as supposed to be calibrated) once in a while. Tanks are usually waranty 5 Yrs so it says all.

Rob R. wrote:Is your well water acidic?

Whistlenut and Rob, I'm not sure what the pH of our well water is. I'll have to get some pH paper and test it.

The acceptance volume of the tank must be properly matched to the well pump, and the air pressure properly set. I doubt your issue is due to sizing or pressure, but I thought I would mention them anyway.

I would add that I'm sure your water has a couple issues, but unlike the old Galvie tanks they seemed to last forever, I always drill a 3" or larger hole with a hole-saw just to satisfy my curiosity.

More often than not, the damned membrane has chafed a hole in itself, perhaps from rubbing on the rusty side walls every time the empty/refill occurs.....or because they aren't tough enough to make much more than 5 years. The very same thing can occur in an Extrol boiler pressure tank, however the heating side of the equation usually has less expand and contraction cycles. 30's, 60's or multiples. HINT: I ALWAYS keep a spare on hand, and if you did not install the shutoff in the air scoop, take the time to do just that as the weather warms and the demand decreases.....like today! 88 here! You can watch the plants and grass grow!

I would add that I'm sure your water has a couple issues, but unlike the old Galvie tanks that seemed to last forever, the ballast membrane style, don't!!!
I always drill a 3" or larger hole with a hole-saw just to satisfy my curiosity.
More often than not, the damned membrane has chafed a hole in itself, perhaps from rubbing on the rusty side walls every time the empty/refill occurs.....
or because they aren't tough enough to make much more than 5 years.

The very same thing can occur in an Extrol boiler pressure tank, however the heating side of the equation usually has less expand and contraction cycles. 30's, 60's or multiples.

HINT: I ALWAYS keep a spare on hand, and if you did not install the shutoff in the air scoop that leads to the pressure tank, take the time to do just that now, as the weather warms and the demand decreases.....like today! 88 here! You can watch the plants and grass grow!

I went with a fiberglass tank after our last one....




Also, a Fiberglass Hot Water Heater....

Good thinking...prices are very close I think.

Chris, don't you have "Moonshine" on tap down there? No wonder you have changed to fiberglass!!! Sippin' Whiskey, Huh?

lsayre wrote:

Rob R. wrote:Is your well water acidic?

Whistlenut and Rob, I'm not sure what the pH of our well water is. I'll have to get some pH paper and test it.

I have noticed my well tank has 2 rust blisters on it and recently a rust stian below.
I noticed when using larger amounts of water the tank sweats,could it also be from a sweatting tank.
I guess a new tank is in store this summer for me also

Mine was real rusty, so I replaced it in '08. No leaks though. Was a Well-X-Trol, over 20 years old at least, and constantly wet that whole time. The cheap Lowe's one I replaced it with started to rust at year 3. Better to spend the dough on a good one. Who knows how long this one will last ...

whistlenut wrote:Chris, don't you have "Moonshine" on tap down there? No wonder you have changed to fiberglass!!! Sippin' Whiskey, Huh?

And I would like to say that a seriously rusted tank can become a real Bomb. Fiberglass tanks don't rust outside or inside. Few years ago some brand had bad membranes but that has been corrected now.

I don't think the bladder tanks are worth it. I put in two large galvi tanks and a Gould pump 17 years ago. No rust and no problems.