What the tank and switch do
When you open a tap, pressure in the tank drops and the pressure switch turns the pump on. The pump refills the tank until pressure reaches a preset level, then the switch turns it off (HomeGuide's description of how a well system works). The tank stores water under pressure so the pump does not start every time a tap opens.
Signs the tank or switch is failing
- Rapid clicking or short-cycling: the pump turns on and off every few seconds. Usually a tank that has lost its air charge, or a switch problem.
- Pressure that swings from strong to weak while one tap runs.
- No water, pump not running: a failed switch can leave a healthy pump off.
- Water from the tank's air valve when pressed: often a ruptured bladder.
Short-cycling is the most common thing that shortens a pump's life, which is why a tank fix can protect an expensive pump. Not sure what you are seeing? Start with no water from your well.
Options and materials
Recharge the tank
A contractor checks the tank's pre-charge, which should be set relative to the pressure switch's cut-in setting, and adjusts it. It takes a few minutes.
Replace the pressure switch
Switch contacts burn and pitted contacts can stick. HomeGuide lists replacement at $25–$100.
Replace the bladder or the tank
A ruptured bladder means a waterlogged tank. HomeGuide lists a tank bladder at $50–$100 and a full tank replacement at $500–$1,000.
Consider a constant-pressure system
A variable-speed pump holds steady pressure and allows a smaller tank, at $2,000–$5,000 installed (HomeGuide). It adds electronics that can fail, so it fits larger households best.
The process, and what to ask
- Check power and read the gauge while a tap runs.
- Drain the tank and test its pre-charge.
- Inspect the switch contacts and settings.
- Quote in writing before replacing parts.
Questions to ask the contractor
- What pre-charge did you find, and what should it be for my switch setting?
- Is the bladder intact, or is the tank waterlogged?
- Should the switch be replaced while you are here, and what does it cost?
- Has short-cycling damaged the pump, and how did you check?
- What warranty comes with the tank and the labor?
Safety
The pressure switch carries line voltage (115 or 230 volts). Reading the gauge is fine; opening the switch cover is a job for the contractor.
What it costs: typical national ranges
| Item | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Pressure switch | $25–$100 |
| Tank bladder | $50–$100 |
| Pressure tank | $500–$1,000 |
| Constant-pressure system | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Submersible pump, for comparison | $1,000–$2,500 |
Ask whether the quote includes draining and recharging the tank, a new switch if the contacts are worn, and haul-away of an old tank.
Pressure systems in Kankakee County
USGS estimated that about 23.5% of Kankakee County residents supplied their own household water from groundwater in 2010, and a private well system relies on a pressure tank and switch. Iron and hardness are common in Illinois well water, and the Illinois State Water Survey reports that about three quarters of Illinois wells exceed 0.3 mg/L iron; mineral buildup is one reason switch contacts and tank fittings wear. If the water also looks or tastes different, pair the repair with a test through the Kankakee County Health Department's well program.
Sources
Checked October 2026. We link the public source for every figure on this page.
- HomeGuide, Well pump cost (2026) — national cost ranges, pump lifespan, replacement time
- USGS, Estimated Use of Water in the United States, county data 2010 (Kankakee County, FIPS 17091: self-supplied domestic population 26,679 of 113,449) — share of residents on self-supplied (well) water
- Illinois State Water Survey, Water quality and treatment of domestic groundwater supplies — iron in Illinois wells
- Kankakee County Health Department, Well Program — water sample kits, sample days, permits