Can a bad pressure tank cause air in water lines?

Author: Vince Ankunding  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Air in water pipes is commonly caused by a waterlogged pressure tank. Reduced water pressure is also a common indicator of air in water lines. Early detection of air in water pipes can prevent pump breakdowns. Act quickly if your well pump and water pipes need repairs.

What causes air to get into your water lines?

Aerators and Faucets: One of the most common ways air enters water pipes is through aerators or faucets. When the water supply is turned off, air can get drawn into the pipes through open faucets or fixtures.

What happens if water pressure tank is too high?

If there the air pressure is too high (Fig 4) the water has discharged completely at 30psi, before the pump starts at 20psi, causing a brief interruption in water flow and a sudden surge when the pump cuts in. The pump will also cycle more rapidly.

Why does my well water have air bubbles in it?

If the pressure at the bottom of a bedrock well is high, or if the depth of water is great, a higher concentration of some gasses can be dissolved into the water. When the water is pumped up from the well into your home, the pressure is reduced, and the gasses can release into your water in the form of small bubbles.

How do you get air out of well water lines?

Starting with the faucet closest to the main valve, turn on all your faucets halfway. This creates a channel for the air to leave the plumbing system and avoids putting too much pressure on any single tap. Apart from fixtures, you should also turn on any appliances connected to your water supply.

Common Pressure Tank and Well System Problems

What are the symptoms of air in a water system?

Spluttering taps, irregular flow and loud noises coming from your pipes can indicate the presence of air in your water lines. Air in water lines is not usually a serious problem for your plumbing system. However, if left unchecked, it can cause severe water-flow and noise issues in your home.

What psi should a well pressure tank be set at?

Your well tank's pressure should be set at 2 psi below the pressure switch's cut-on point. This differs depending on your tank's pressure settings. Most well tanks come set at 30/50. The cut-on pressure for the well pump is 30 psi, so the pressure of the tank should have a pressure of 28 psi.

What happens if your expansion tank pressure is too high?

Expansion tanks are pre-charged to about 40 PSI, but the pressure must be adjusted based on the home's water pressure. If the pressure within the tank is too high or too low, it can cause the tank to fail. Should this happen, the rest of your plumbing system risks being damaged by high water pressure.

What is the life expectancy of a water pressure tank?

If your water is clean and you're using the right size tank, the average life-span is around 15 years.

Will a bad pressure tank cause air in water lines?

Air in water pipes is commonly caused by a waterlogged pressure tank.

How do I stop air in my water line?

By turning off your main water supply and running all faucets for 10-15 minutes, you force any trapped air through your water pipes.

Why is there air in my hot water lines every morning?

Air in hot water lines is normally caused by corrosion happening inside your water heater. When corrosion is happening inside the water heater, hydrogen can be created because of the chemical reaction happening in that corrosion cell.

How much does it cost to replace a well pressure tank?

Diaphragm Well Pressure Tank

This membrane is welded shut, preventing any air from escaping. Most individuals pay around $200 to $500 for a new diaphragm well pressure tank, but the cost can be upward of $2,500 for large well pressure tank sizes (such as 120 gallons) and if you switch out vinyl materials for all metal.

How to tell if an expansion tank is bad?

You can tell if your thermal expansion tank is working by pushing the air valve (Schrader valve) on the bottom of the take and seeing whether or not air comes out. If air comes out, your expansion tank is working. If nothing or water comes out your tank is bad and needs to be replaced.

Should there be air in my expansion tank?

The air pressure within an expansion tank should match the system pressure. Most expansion tanks come calibrated at around 40 psi.

What is the difference between a pressure tank and an expansion tank?

An expansion tank holds the steam and excess water created by heating, preventing it from over-pressurizing the system. A pressure tank acts as a reservoir, storing water to be pumped through the system at the correct pressure.

How do you tell if you have a closed water system?

If your home has a Backflow Prevention Device, Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV), re- circulating pump with check valve, or anything else that prevents backflow of water installed, its plumbing system is considered "closed".

What happens if a pressure tank has too much air?

The Role of Air in Pressure Tanks

However, an excessive amount of air can cause issues, affecting the whole thing from the tank's integrity to the machine's standard efficiency.

Is 70 psi too high for water pressure on a well?

How High Is Too High? The ideal water pressure level is between 50-70 PSI. If your water pressure goes above 70 PSI (even occasionally), you should install a pressure regulator to your main water line.

Will a bad pressure tank symptoms?

Bad Pressure Tank Symptoms

Frequent, widespread water pressure fluctuations. Multiple faucets that spit water instead of providing a steady stream. Clicking sounds that seem to come from the pressure tank. Increasing electric bills due to a failing check valve, causing the well pump to run constantly.

Why am I getting air in my well water lines?

If your well can't get enough water supply due to drought, the pump system will suck in air as it functions. The trapped air will make its way into your piping and faucets. The problem will persist for as long as the drought continues.

How do I get the air out of my water lines?

Remove air from your pipes in five easy steps:
  1. Turn Off Your Main Water Supply Valve. ...
  2. Open all the faucets in your house. ...
  3. Wait for All Faucets to Run Dry and Flush Toilets. ...
  4. Turn the Main Water Supply Back On. ...
  5. Turn All Faucets Off Again in the Correct Order.

What happens if air gets in water lines?

Noise: Air bubbles in your pipes can create loud, annoying noises, such as hammering or gurgling sounds. Sputtering faucets: Air in the pipes can cause water to sputter out of your faucets, resulting in an inconsistent flow and potential water waste.

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