Pressure tank and pressure switch repair

The pressure tank and switch are the cheapest, most repairable parts of a well system — and the cause of a big share of “no water” and “bad pressure” calls.

Waterlogged tank symptoms

• Pump kicks on every few seconds, even with one tap open
• Pressure gauge bounces or surges at the tap
• Tank feels heavy and solid all the way around (it should sound hollow at the top)
• Pump relay clicking like a metronome in the pump house

Switch and control problems

• Pump won’t start at all — burnt contacts, seized relay
• Pump never shuts off — stuck contacts or a failed check valve letting pressure bleed back
• Cut-in pressure set too low, so the tank never fills properly

What it costs

Switch and tank repairs typically run $350 – $850 including parts and labour; the diagnostic ($95–150) is often credited toward the repair. If the diagnosis points at the pump instead, jump to pump replacement.

A worn tank kills pumps

A waterlogged tank makes the pump short-cycle, and short-cycling is what overheats pump motors. Fixing a $400 tank problem promptly can save you an $800–2,200 pump replacement.