Incorrectly Sized Expansion Vessel

An expansion vessel cushions pressure changes. If it is too small, the system will experience violent pressure spikes and frequent pump starts.

What you’ll usually notice

You may notice: – pump switching on and off every few seconds – loud thumping (water hammer) during use – pressure gauge needle bouncing rapidly

What’s normally behind it

This usually happens when the vessel size does not match the pump's flow rate. Typical causes include: – undersized vessel during installation – internal bladder failure – system upgrades without upgrading the vessel

Why quick fixes don’t stick

Pumping more air into a burst bladder provides only a temporary fix for a few hours.

How this is normally handled

Water Usage Monitoring & Metering

This service diagnoses the real cause and fixes the system properly, not just the symptom.

What actually fixes it

This problem is normally handled by calculating the correct volume for the pump’s output and replacing the vessel.

What you can check yourself

You can check a few things yourself:
– tap the side of the tank (it should sound hollow at the top)
– press the air valve; if water comes out, the bladder is burst

When to call someone in

If your pump cycles rapidly even for a small glass of water, the expansion vessel needs attention.

Why does my borehole water look dirty or sandy?

Dirty or sandy borehole water usually indicates poor borehole development, pump placement issues, or the need for proper sediment and media filtration.

Why do filters block so quickly?

Filters blocking quickly is often due to incorrect filter selection, unexpected water quality issues, high sediment loads, or lack of staged pre-filtration.

Why is my water pressure low?

Low water pressure is usually caused by undersized pumps, incorrect pressure settings, pipe restrictions, or supply limitations from municipal, borehole, or tank-fed systems.

Why does my pump keep switching on and off?

Rapid pump cycling is typically caused by pressure tank issues, incorrect pressure switch settings, leaks, or pumps that are oversized for the system demand.

When should I call a water system professional?

You should call a professional when problems repeat, systems behave unpredictably, pumps fail regularly, or when you need clarity before making costly system changes.