How much does it cost to install a pressure tank on a well pump?

Author: Dr. Lora Thiel  |  Last update: Thursday, April 24, 2025

Replacing a well pressure tank costs $500 on average, but it can cost between $300 and $700, depending on the tank's size, capacity, and labor costs for professional installation. Well tank replacement costs hover around $500 but vary from $300 to $700 based on the tank type, size, and location.

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

Your only cost to replace a well pressure tank will be the price of a new one, which is around $400, on average. But if you're completely new to plumbing and feel uncomfortable tackling this project yourself, look for a well pump service professional near you to ensure the job's done right.

What is the average life of a well pressure tank?

A well pressure tank typically lasts between 5 to 15 years, depending on maintenance, water quality, and usage frequency. Key signs that a well pressure tank needs replacement include water pressure fluctuations, unusual noises, and visible leaks.

Do plumbers work on pressure tanks?

If there's no water in the pressure tank, it's time to call a plumber to service or replace the unit.

Can you install a well pump without a pressure tank?

Yes you can run a well pump without the pressure tank. It's similiar to what you seem to already know. There is no water or pressure unless the pump is running. Since you don't want the pump to run all the time and dead head, you will want to install a simple electrical switch.

Well Pressure Tank Installation | The Home Depot

How long should it take for a well pump to fill pressure tank?

If the home has a ten gallon per minute well pump, it's cycle time will be 3.5 minutes when called upon to fill the 119 gallon tank. Well pumps should have a minimum 2 minute cycle time to avoid premature failure.

Will a bad pressure tank ruin a well pump?

A failed pressure tank bladder can be very hard on the well pump's electric motor over time, and it can drastically reduce the pump's life expectancy, so as soon as you hear a noise, call a qualified plumber to inspect your well pump.

What can I use instead of pressure tank?

With a tankless pressure pump, we eliminate all of that complexity. With that pump, we simply plumb it into our water source, give it power using our TPP controller and batteries, or we hook directly to AC, and it simply runs and provides pressure. From there, we can hook up a hose and a sprayer and it's ready to run.

What is the difference between a pressure tank and a bladder pressure tank?

Bladder tanks are better if efficiency is the owner's primary concern. The reason being bladder tanks function with a vacuum to self-regulate the air pressure. Pressure tanks need to contain more water to create a sufficient amount of air pressure. The less water inside, the more the air pressure decreases.

How to tell if a well pressure tank is going bad?

Signs of a bad well pressure tank

Increased sediment in water. Change of color, odor, or taste in water. Increased hardness, iron, or sulfate in water. Decreased water pressure.

What is the best size pressure tank for a well?

General Rule of Thumb for Sizing a Pressure Tank
  • 0-10 GPM: 1 gallon of drawdown per 1 GPM of flow.
  • 10-20 GPM: 1.5 gallons of drawdown per 1 GPM of flow.
  • 20 GPM+: 2 gallons of drawdown per 1 GPM of flow.

Can I replace my own well pressure tank?

When the time comes, you can save a lot of money by installing your own well pressure tank. To replace your old well pressure tank and install a new one, you'll first have to get the old one out of the way. Next, remove the water line from the old tank and connect it to the bottom of the new one.

Can a well pump last 30 years?

30 years is a possibility, but it is at the far end of the range for pump lifespan. Anecdotally when I chat with customers who are looking to replace a well pump, less than 10 percent will have pumps older than 25 years. In my experience most are looking to replace pumps around the 10-15 year range.

What is the average cost to replace a well pump?

Most well pump replacement projects fall between $975 and $2,575, but many factors can add additional costs. A small hand pump can cost as little as $200, while a high-end constant-pressure well pump could set you back as much as $5,000.

Can you put in too big of a well pressure tank?

Can My Tank Be Too Large? There is no such thing as a pressure tank that's too large.

Are well pressure tanks buried?

The tank is typically buried in the ground near the well and is connected to the well pump and the home or business's water supply.

What is the most reliable well pressure tank?

The Well-X-Trol series by Amtrol is the gold standard in well pressure tanks for private well systems. Amtrol invented the pre-pressurized tank design over 50 years ago as a better solution to the air-over tank.

How long does a bladder last in a pressure tank?

On average, a bladder pressure tank lasts 5–7 years. Please refer to Pressure Relief Valves on Pressure Tanks (331-429), a one-page illustrated tech tip. It explains design requirements, how pressure relief valves protect pressure tanks, and how to ensure pressure relief valves are approved and installed properly.

Which is better, a horizontal or vertical water tank?

It would be ideal to choose a horizontal tank when you are placing the tank outdoors. Horizontal tanks fare better when they are exposed to outside elements, and they can remain steady during windy conditions. Additionally, it is also easier to transport horizontal tanks because they have greater stability.

Can I run my well pump without a pressure tank?

Well pumps are still able to function without a pressure tank, but it's highly recommended to install a pressure tank because they increase the lifespan of your well pump. Well pumps aren't designed to operate rapidly or continually; when this happens, they tend to engage in something called water cycling.

What is the life expectancy of a well pressure tank?

How often should I replace my pressure tank? If your water is clean and you're using the right size tank, the average life-span is estimated at around 15 years, but the brand and quality of your tank make a huge difference, just like any other major appliance.

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

Replacing a well pressure tank costs $500 on average, but it can cost between $300 and $700, depending on the tank's size, capacity, and labor costs for professional installation.

Is a 20 gallon well pressure tank big enough?

The 20 gallons are almost always too small and tend to be “contractor specials”. You are ALWAYS better having a larger tank than a smaller one. This chart shows how many gallons of water is really inside your storage tank. This assumes a pressure setting of 40/60.

Is a bigger pressure tank better for a well pump?

Yes–it's virtually impossible for there to be a pressure tank that's too large. The bigger the well pressure tank, the fewer pump cycles are required to fill the tank, therefore extending the life of the entire system. The only drawback of an oversized tank is the increased cost and size of the tank itself.

How do I know if I need a new pressure tank for my well?

Common Signs of a Well Water Tank Problem

Unstable water pressure as the pump cycles on and off. A pump that runs less than 30 seconds to pressurize the tank. A pump that cycles on and off frequently or remains running. Water leaks at the pressure tank.

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