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How to fix a pressure tank leak

We'll locate the leak, tighten fittings or replace the air valve, and tell you when to replace the tank or call a plumber.

How-to · Home plumbing
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Valve core tool (for Schrader valve replacement)
  • Replacement Schrader valve (standard tire valve core)
  • Two adjustable wrenches
  • Tire pressure gauge

At a glance

  • Shut off the well pump and relieve pressure before working on the tank.
  • Locate the leak—air valve, pipe fittings, tank seam, or tank bottom.
  • Tighten loose fittings a quarter turn; do not overtighten—you can crack fittings.
  • Replace a leaking air valve (Schrader valve) with an exact match.
  • If the tank is rusted, bulging, or leaking at the seam, replace the tank or call a plumber.
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Steps

Goal: Shut off the pump, locate the leak, fix fittings or the air valve, and know when to replace the tank or call a plumber.

  • Shut off the well pump at the breaker or disconnect. Open a faucet downstream to relieve pressure. When water stops flowing, the tank is depressurized.
  • Good: No water flows from the faucet. Proceed to Locate the leak.
  • Bad: Water still flows—find the correct shutoff or wait longer for the system to drain.

Locate the leak

Goal: Identify where the water or air is escaping.

  • Dry the tank, fittings, and Schrader valve with a towel. Turn the pump back on briefly and watch where moisture appears—at the air valve, at the pipe fittings on the tank tee, at the tank seam, or at the bottom.
  • Good: You see the leak source. Proceed to Tighten fittings or Replace air valve based on location.
  • Bad: Cannot locate—call a plumber.

Tighten fittings

Goal: Stop leaks at pipe connections on the tank tee.

  • Shut off the pump. Use two wrenches—one to hold the fitting, one to tighten the nut—to avoid twisting the pipe. Tighten a quarter turn. Do not overtighten. Turn the pump on and check for leaks.
  • Good: No drips at the fittings. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still leaks or fittings will not seal—call a plumber.

Replace air valve

Goal: Fix a leaking Schrader valve when only air escapes (not water).

  • Press the center pin. If water sprays out, the bladder has failed—replace the tank or call a plumber. If only air hisses, remove the old valve with a valve core tool and install a new Schrader valve. Check air pressure with a tire gauge; it should match cut-in pressure minus 2 psi.
  • Good: No hissing when the pump is off; air pressure is correct. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Water from the valve—bladder failed. Replace the tank or call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The tank is rusted, bulging, or leaking at the seam.
  • Water sprays from the Schrader valve when you press it (bladder failure).
  • Fittings will not seal after tightening.
  • You are not comfortable working with well equipment.

Do not attempt to repair a damaged tank. For other plumbing fixes, see Fix a water filter that leaks or How to unclog a drain.

Verification

  • No drips at the tank, fittings, or air valve when the pump runs.
  • Air pressure (when pump is off) matches the cut-in pressure minus 2 psi.
  • The pump cycles normally and water pressure is stable at the faucets.

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my pressure tank leak?
Common causes: a loose air valve (Schrader valve), loose pipe fittings at the tank tee, a failed bladder or diaphragm inside the tank, or corrosion at the tank seam. Well tanks hold air and water; a leak can come from either side.
Can I fix a pressure tank leak myself?
Yes, for leaks at the air valve or pipe fittings. Shut off the pump and relieve pressure first. If the tank itself is rusted, bulging, or leaking at the seam, replace the tank or call a plumber—do not attempt to repair a damaged tank.
When should I call a plumber for a pressure tank leak?
Call a plumber if the tank is rusted, bulging, or leaking at the seam; if fittings will not seal after tightening; or if you are not comfortable working with well equipment. A failed bladder requires tank replacement.

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