Originally Posted by jlisenb768
Easy enough to check the bladder. There is a little air valve at the top of the tank. Press the valve stem a few seconds. You should get air, not water. I'm going to guess you are going to get air, but if you get water, then the tank is shot.
But I don't think the tank is your problem. Your pump is simply not building pressure. From what you said, it sounds like the pump is coming on since you are getting some pressure. So here is the big question: If the pump is coming on and building some pressure, then what is making the pump cut off? There are two possibilities. The switch might be bad, even though you said it is new. When the pump is off, CHECK THE POINTS ON THE SWITCH! If they are open (not touching), then the switch had turned the pump off, which points to a switch problem. If they are closed (touching), then the pump has, for some reason, cut itself off. Check those points and get back to us.
BTW, do you have a filter or water softener on this system? Also, is there a cutoff valve between the tank and the house?