How long does a well pressure tank last?

You can expect a well pressure tank to last 10 to 25 years, with an average of 15 years. The factors that will affect a tank’s longevity include: 

•• The tank material, with unlined steel tank having a shorter life than more expensive bladder type with corrosion-resistant tank.

•• Aggressive, acidic water cause premature corrosion.

•• Sand in the water abrades the tank interior.

•• Heavy usage and/or short cycling also reduces lifespan. See our blog post Why does my well pump turn on and off every time I use water? for more on this. 

    Here’s a bar graph that compares the life expectancy of a pressure tank to other well and septic components.
    Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components. To understand the basis, potential use, and limitations of lifespan ratings, see How accurate are the average life expectancy ratings of home components? Are they actually useful?  

Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about WELLS:

• What is the blue dumbbell-shaped tank at the well equipment?

• What is the tank marked "potassium permanganate" in the water treatment system for? 

• Does an abandoned well need to be capped or removed?

• Does a homeowner need a permit to drill a water well on their property in Florida? 

• Is a high iron level in well water a health hazard?

• How often should a well be disinfected? 

• Should I test my well water for arsenic?

• What is the danger of radon in well water? 

• What size generator do I need to run my submersible well pump?

• Why would a well need to have a chlorinator/dechlorinator system? 

• What is the required water testing for an FHA, VA, or USDA mortgage application? 

     Visit our WELLS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. 

NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMae, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.