How to Bleed a Bladder Tank

Maintenance or replacement of bladder tanks requires that they be bled of all air and water pressure. The bladder in a well system pressure tank expands when filled with water supplied by the system’s water pump. Compressed air surrounds the bladder, forcing the water to whatever tap or appliance demands it. As the volume of water from the bladder decreases, the pressure falls, causing the pump to supply more water. You can bleed the bladder tank with a valve core tool and basic water system knowledge.

Step 1

Shut off the electrical power to the water pump.

Step 2

Find the Schrader valve on the top of the water pressure tank. The Schrader valve is used to add air to, or bleed air from, the bladder tank.

Step 3

Remove the cap of the air valve by turning it counterclockwise by hand.

Step 4

Bleed the air pressure from the tank by depressing the center stem of the air valve with a valve core tool. The blunt end of the tool is designed for this purpose.

Step 5

Remove the valve core from the Schrader valve when all the air has been bled. Insert the forked end of the core tool into the valve and turn the core counterclockwise.

Step 6

Open a nearby tap and allow it to remain open until all water has ceased flowing. Once the water has stopped, the bladder tank has been successfully bled.