Top 5 Best Well Pressure Tank Reviews of 2020

If you own a well then you know how difficult it can be to find a quality pressure tank for it. Whether you’re looking for it to replace your old one, or looking for something that’s easier and more convenient to use, we’ve got you covered.

Below we have a helpful guide on how to find the best well pressure tank that’s suitable for your needs. As you’ll see, not all products are made equal. They come in varying designs and finishes, with different features and construction materials. Some of the top models even feature organized installation systems for easy setup.

Read on to find out more about the best well pressure tanks on the market.

Top 5 Best Well Pressure Tanks Compared

To find the best well pressure tank for your needs, it’s important to make a comparison between the available options. This will give you a better idea of what to look for. This way, you’ll also be able to see which option best suits your preferences and needs. That’s why we put together the following comparison table of our recommended products based on our research.

Top 5 Best Well Pressure Tank Reviews for 2020

WaterWorker HT-20B 25009 Vertical Pressure Well Tank

This vertically-inclined pressure tank from WaterWorker works great and we recommend it for any household. It’s backed by the National Sanitation Foundation for meeting the highest standards and it uses a diaphragm to maintain water pressures by staying flexible.

We noticed that one of the best things about this water tank is that it doesn’t stretch, as it’s made from durable materials that include a high strength steel construction. It features a liner that’s made from polypropylene to prevent the water from taking on a bad taste or smell. Meanwhile, its interior is protected by a strong and sturdy material that makes it weather-proof.

We are not hesitated to declare it the best well pressure tank in our list because it has the capacity to keep you safe in extreme emergencies where water supply could be threatened due to a natural or man-made disaster. This is a large capacity tank with dimensions of 15x15x32.

Pros

• Easy to install.
• Energy efficient.
• Supplies enough water for an entire family.
• Works without the need for air controls.
• Made from anti-bacterial and corrosion-resistant materials that are weather-proof.
• It comes with a pressure switch that you can adjust according to your needs.

Cons

• We noticed that the packaging was not strong enough.

Amtrol WX-202 Well Pressure Tank

Amtrol is one of the most well-known and trusted brands among all. They’re known for manufacturing durable and long lasting tanks that sell for affordable prices.

While Amtrol offers industrial models as well, Amtrol WX-202 is meant for domestic use and we think it’s compact and space saving when compared to other tanks. It has an attractive blue-steel color frame that will look good no matter where it’s placed.

This product primarily operates through a butyl diaphragm which helps to ward off bacteria from water and it’s complemented by a resistant liner that’s made from 100% propylene. This means that your liner won’t crack, chip or flake, protecting your water from contamination. To further strengthen the liner and diaphragm the manufacturer has reinforced them with a positive hoop ring seal.

We wouldn’t be doing this review any justice if we didn’t mention the welded stainless steel air valve feature, which helps to prevent air pressure loss. Another feature of Amtrol WX-202 worth mentioning is the custom steel deep drawn dome which keeps the tank low while fortifying it.

This model has been pre-charged to provide 38 psi.

Pros

• Made from tough materials.
• Leak-proof.

Cons

• The shell dents easily.

Flotec FP7120 Vertical Pre-Charged Pressure Water Tank

Flotec has created the perfect product for space-challenged households. This solid quality pre-charged water tank has an impressive water holding capacity when considering its size and offers an extended shelf life due to having a replaceable air/water separator. This helps to prevent harmful metals from getting into the water while reducing the tank’s maintenance needs.

We strongly suggest this product because its air valve is perfect for an effortless hook-up and with its heavy duty gauge steel construction can hold 35 gallons of water. Flotec is also a one-stop-shop for other water storage products and pumps that may be of interest to you.

Pros

• Well-thought-out design.
• Comes with air/water separator to keep harmful metals from getting into your water.
• Has a water capacity of 35 gallons.
• Sturdy inner liner.
• Durable with a long-lasting finish.

Cons

• You have to check the pressure regularly.
• Offers a lower drawdown when compared to its competitors.

WaterWorker HT20HB Horizontal Pressure Well Tank

This is a pre-charged water tank from WaterWorker and not only does it come with a smaller and more compact size but it’s also super easy to maintain.

Don’t let its small size fool you though, as this water tank comes with a digital pressure switch and has a large water holding capacity of 30 to 50 liters which is we have decided to use it instead of the outdated galvanized tanks.

This tank features a plastic plug whose function is to keep the bladder in place, so we recommend you leave it alone and don’t try to remove it as many people do.

Another noteworthy feature of this tank is the internal diaphragm which provides storage for the extra tank until it reaches the pre-set pressure. With its 40-gallon water holding capacity, we think this tank is ideal for off-the-grid families that rely on a well to meet their water needs.

Pros

• Made from durable and strong materials
• Has a large water holding capacity
• Doesn’t have water logging issues

Cons

• It needs to be placed on a level surface to function optimally

WaterWorker HT-2B in-Line Pre-Charged Pressure Well Tank

This is yet another stellar product from WaterWorker and this particular model offers a special well-pressured tank that actually applies vertical pressure. It operates through a butyl diaphragm which doesn’t stretch, but it does crease and flex much like bladder tanks.

What we liked most about it is that the interior is lined with a polypropylene liner that helps prevent debris from entering your water because it doesn’t come with the risk of chipping, peeling, flaking or cracking.

This tank also features weather-proof construction with a high gloss enamel finish frame and super tough diaphragm.

Pros

• Has an impressive water holding capacity
• Made from strong materials
• Anti-bacterial and corrosion-resistant
• Energy efficient
• Doesn’t need air controls

Cons

• The packaging could use some improvement because it can compromise the quality and performance of the tank

What is a Well Pressure Tank?

A well pressure tank is a repository of the water that comes from your well. It helps to prolong the lifespan of your water well by preventing the requisite of your pump from getting switched on by activities like using the shower, washing dishes in the sink etc. It’s also responsible for maintaining a balanced water pressure.

The benefits of having a solid well tank are numerous. For example, it helps to prevent signals getting mixed when two people are using water at the same time in the house.

Who Actually Needs a Well Pressure Tank?

A well pressure tank is the perfect investment for homeowners who live off the grid and have to rely on private water sources like wells. While going private will help you save money, it’s also quite challenging because you have no-one to report problems to and you have to figure everything out yourself.

This is where a pressure tank comes in. It helps to regulate water pressures and evens the temperature so you won’t experience any problems with either.

Well Pressure Tank Benefits

Here are just a few of the advantages that come with installing a water pressure tank:

Constant Access to Water

A popular benefit of owning a tank is that it helps to provide running water continuously and without interruption. Most modern high-pressure tanks come with a cutting-edge mechanism that protects the water pump from damage. While well pressure tanks have a minimal run-time, they still manage to provide all the water needed to run a household.

Affordable and Saves Power

Compared to average tanks, well pressure tanks are way more affordable and yet they’re energy efficient and will save you a ton of money in utility bills.

Doesn’t Waste Water

Owning a tank eliminates the possibility of water wastage because it’ll determine projected water use beforehand to make sure that water is used efficiently. It’ll also tell you how much water it’s storing so that you’ll never waste water again

Types of Well Pressure Tanks

Generally, there are three different types available; namely diaphragm tanks, air-over-water tanks and bladder tanks.

Air-Over-Water

This type of tank has a very antiquated design that features only one internal air and water chamber. This means an increased risk of air and water getting mixed up which threatens the water pressure.

Diaphragm

The diaphragm tank works great when it comes to separating air and water at first. But, after some time, it can be susceptible to wear and tear, which leads to water mixing in with air, thus compromising the water pressure balance that it’s supposed to maintain.

Bladder 

Works similarly to a diaphragm, with the only difference being that it uses a bladder. The bladder doesn’t come with the risk of wear and tear that comes with the former which makes it the safest option.

Which One You Should Choose?

It’s important to consider the following factors when choosing the perfect product for you:

• Check for the capacity (this refers to the amount of water that the tank can handle and distribute).
• Check the tank’s size. The tank size you choose will depend on your water and energy needs. Smaller tanks are usually perfect for people that mostly use fresh water, while larger tanks are a great option for anyone that’s looking to save energy.

How Does a Well Pressure Tank Work?

Using compressed air, well pressure tanks produce water pressure so that the water can travel through the pipes quickly and in the right quantities. A lot of homeowners prefer to keep their water pressure levels between 40 to 80 pounds per square inch (psi). If the levels drop below that the tank has to step in and maintain equilibrium. So this means that your home will always have adequate pressure and you’ll hardly ever experience water problems with your well.

How to Choose the Perfect Well Pressure Tank For You – Features to Consider before Buying

You should consider the following features for buying the perfect product for you:

Tank Capacity

Tank capacity is undoubtedly one of the most important features to look out for because it will determine the tank’s ability to meet your needs. Most people prefer a well pressure tank with a large capacity so that they know they’re covered in emergency situations. A large water tank will also guarantee that your household’s water needs are taken care of at all times, even if multiple people are using water at the same time.

Sturdiness

It’s crucial that you choose a well-built tank that’s made from sturdy and weather-proof materials. Keep in mind that the tank will be exposed to all types of weather conditions so you want it to perform reliably no matter what the circumstances are. Be sure to check the inner liner of the tank because it will protect your water from taking on a chemical taste. The coating should be smooth as well, with no cracks or chips that may affect water quality.

Installation Flexibility

As mentioned, these products come in all sorts of different designs, so be sure to choose a design that complements your home. That way it’ll be easy to install without compromising the stability of your yard, and there should be enough space for it as well.

How to Maintain and Clean the Well Pressure Tank

Here are some tips and a step-by-step process to help you keep your well pressure tank clean:

• Turn Off Power

Turn off the power first at the breaker box before you start cleaning the tank. Test the tank after you’ve switched the breaker off to make sure that it’s truly off.

• Drain Water from the Tank

Get a garden hose and attach it to the drain which is located at the bottom of the tank. For the best results, screw the hose onto the faucet-like outlet.

• Remove the Air Regulator

The air regulator is placed at the very top of the tank and gives you an update on the amount of pressure left in the tank. Use adjustable pliers to remove it gently and be careful so you don’t damage it.

• Remove the Access Hatch

Next, you need to detach the access hatch by loosening the screws that attach the access panel to the tank. Once you’ve removed the access hatch from the tank, get a flashlight to get a better view of the tank’s interior.

• Clean the Build Up

Calcium build-up is a common problem in pretty much any structure that has to hold water. So, use a cleaning rag to wipe the interior of the well to remove any build-up. If this is proving to be a challenge, go in with some steel wool to scrub off all the calcium deposits from it.

• Replace the Air Regulator

Use an air pressure tester to test the air regulator and make sure that it’s working as it should. Replace it if you must to keep your tank working optimally. To do this, you’ll need plumber-grade Teflon tape, which you’ll tape around the threads in order to screw the new air regulator into the housing. Get your pliers and use them to tighten it up securely.

• Check the Condition of Pipes

Again, use your flashlight to check on the condition of the pipes this time, both the ones traveling to and from the pressure tank. You want to check for problems like leaks or cracks so that you can repair them using a clamp or by adding new pipe sections. Switch the breaker on and allow the pump to refill with air and water pressure.

Well Pressure Tank Troubleshooting

Here are some helpful solutions to some of the most common problems you may find:

• Check the well water pressure tank’s air charge
• Switch off the pump and disconnect it from all power sources
• Open the closest faucet to the tank so that you can drain it
• Go to the topmost part of the tank and place an air pressure gauge there to check the pressure
• If the gauge reads pressure to be less than 2 psi, add more air using an air pump or air compressor.
• If the pressure is exactly at 2 psi and above, be sure to release some of the air out.
• Take a solution of soap and water and drip it into the air charging valve to check for any leaks.
• Restart your pump and test its performance by putting it through a regular cycle. Should you experience abnormal temperature drops, check the tank bladder for any holes or tears.

FAQs:

1. How long does a pressure tank for a well last?

Some of the quality products last for about 10 to 15 years on average. But this depends on the quality of construction on the tank.

2. How much does it cost to have a well pressure tank installed?

The answer to this question depends on the size and model of the water pressure tank, but the installation typically ranges from $100 to $200. Make sure you hire a professional for the installation.

3. How often should a pressure tank cycle?

Most of the products have a cycle of 30 seconds to 1 or 2 minutes. But this could be longer for large capacity products.

4. Can a well pressure tank be too big?

The well pressure tank you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. A small water pressure tank is fine for a small family with moderate needs but it will require regular pump runs. This shortens its lifespan which defeats the purpose of wanting a solid quality product. For the best results, consult with a knowledgeable seller who’ll walk you through the process of finding the perfect one for your needs. They’ll evaluate your water usage first to determine what size tank you need.

5. Will a larger pressure tank increase water pressure?

There are mainly three factors that determine water pressure tank size, namely:

• Pump flow rate which is measured in gallons per minute (GPM)
• The pump’s preferred run time. Ideally, it should have a run time of one minute.
• The pressure switch’s cut-in and cut-out psi. This allows the pump to switch on after reaching low-pressure cut-in/off, whereas it will switch off after reaching high-pressure cut-off.

Once you’ve figured out where you stand in these three factors, you’ll be able to decide on the tank size you need to achieve the drawdown capacity needed. Most experts just recommend going for a large sized model as this increases the pressure of water.

Final Verdict

A well pressure tank is a great investment for anyone who wants to become more self-sufficient with their energy use and water supply. However, in order to find the best one for your needs, you need to consider the factors we mentioned in this article and use them as a guide to help you make an informed decision.

In our opinion, the WaterWorker HT-20B 25009 model is the best pressure tank as it offers a great all-around option. It’s well-made, doesn’t stretch and even has the approval of the National Sanitation Foundation. With its propylene liner, you’ll never have to worry about your water getting contaminated by metals or chipping. It also features a large water holding capacity and has weather-proof construction.