Water storage tanks maintain a reliable water supply for millions of homes across the United States. With an estimated 23 million households relying on private wells for their drinking water, owners need to be familiar with how their water storage tank works. This guide explores types of water storage tanks, their functions, and how to choose the right one for your home&#;s setup.
Water storage tanks are integral components of home plumbing systems, especially for those relying on private wells. These tanks serve multiple purposes, including maintaining consistent water pressure, storing water for immediate use, and extending the lifespan of other plumbing components. By acting as a buffer between the well pump and your home&#;s plumbing fixtures, storage tanks help prevent the pump from rapid cycling, which can lead to premature wear and tear.
Additionally, water storage tanks offer a ready supply of water for all your household uses. This is particularly beneficial during power outages, as the stored water can still be used even if the well pump is not operating. Beyond ensuring a steady water flow, storage tanks safeguard your home&#;s water quality by minimizing sediments and other impurities.
There are two main types of water storage tanks commonly used in residential settings: pressure tanks and nonpressurized storage tanks, also known as cisterns. Each type serves a specific purpose in managing your home&#;s water supply.
Pressure tanks are the most common type of water storage tank found in modern well systems. These tanks are typically tall, cylindrical containers made of painted steel or fiberglass. They&#;re installed between the well pump and the rest of the home&#;s plumbing system. Pressure tanks have two primary functions: maintaining adequate water pressure throughout the home and storing a reserve of water to reduce pump cycling.
Nonpressurized storage tanks are large-capacity tanks designed to store a significant volume of water. Unlike pressure tanks, cisterns don&#;t directly pressurize the water. Instead, they act as a reservoir, providing an additional water supply when demand exceeds the well&#;s capacity. These tanks are particularly useful for homes with low-yielding wells or in areas prone to drought.
They can also be used for rainwater harvesting. This eco-friendly practice involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use, reducing the reliance on groundwater and municipal water sources. Implementing a rainwater harvesting system conserves water and lowers utility bills.
Pressure tanks work in conjunction with well pumps and other components to ensure a steady water supply at the right pressure. Understanding how these systems function can help you maintain and troubleshoot your water system more effectively.
A pressure switch is a crucial component in the pressure tank system. It monitors the water pressure within the tank and signals the well pump to turn on or off. Typically, the switch activates the pump when pressure drops to around 30 or 40 pounds per square inch (psi) and turns it off when pressure reaches 50 or 60 psi. This range ensures comfortable water pressure for household use while protecting your plumbing from excessive pressure.
Check valves are one-way valves installed between the well pump and the pressure tank. Their primary function is to prevent water from flowing back into the well once it&#;s been pumped into the tank. This helps maintain pressure in the system and prevents unnecessary pump cycling, which can extend the life of your well pump.
Pressure tanks often contain a bladder or diaphragm that helps maintain consistent pressure and prevents waterlogging. Bladder tanks have a rubber bladder inside that separates the water from the air, while diaphragm tanks use a rubber diaphragm. Both designs help improve efficiency and reduce maintenance needs.
The right tank will improve water pressure and reduce wear on your well pump.
The ideal pressure tank size depends on several factors, including the well pump&#;s flow rate, minimum runtime, and the pressure switch settings. Tank sizes are measured in water capacity, ranging from a few gallons to over a hundred. To determine the right size, you&#;ll need to calculate the drawdown rate, which is based on these factors. Many tank manufacturers offer online calculators or technical support to help you choose the appropriate size for your needs.
When selecting a pressure tank, think about your household&#;s water usage patterns, the performance of your well, and available space. If you&#;re replacing an existing tank, you might be able to use the same size, but it&#;s always best to consult with a professional or the tank manufacturer to ensure you&#;re making the right choice.
Additionally, factor in the tank&#;s build quality and warranty. Investing in a high-quality tank with a longer warranty period can offer peace of mind and reduce the likelihood of future issues. Stainless steel tanks, for example, are highly durable but may come at a higher cost than steel or fiberglass options.
For homes with wells that struggle to keep up with water demand, adding one or more storage tanks can be more cost-effective than drilling a deeper well.
Supplementary storage tanks provide a large reserve of water that your home can draw from during periods of high demand. This can prevent your well from running dry and ensure a consistent water supply even when usage spikes, such as during family gatherings or when filling a large bathtub.
These reserve tanks can also act as a backup during dry seasons, providing peace of mind in avoiding potential water shortages. Additionally, storing water in supplementary tanks can help maintain water quality by allowing sediments to settle over time, reducing the amount of sediment entering household plumbing.
Nonpressurized storage tanks are installed between the well pump and the pressure tank. They don&#;t replace the pressure tank but work in tandem with it. The well pump fills the storage tank, which is then pumped into the pressure tank as needed. This setup allows for a larger water reserve without putting additional strain on the well pump.
Integrating a rainwater harvesting system with your storage tanks can provide an additional, sustainable water source. Collected rainwater can be used for irrigation, flushing toilets, or even treated for potable use, depending on your installation and local regulations. This setup can further reduce dependence on a low-yielding well and improve overall water supply resilience.
Determining the right capacity for your storage tank depends on your household&#;s water needs and your well&#;s performance.
To choose the right tank size, estimate your household&#;s peak water demand. Factor your family size, water-intensive appliances, and any additional water needs such as garden irrigation. For a small family, a 200-gallon tank might suffice, while larger households or those with higher water demands may need tanks with capacities of 500 gallons or more.
Your well&#;s flow rate and the time it takes to refill the storage tank are key factors in determining tank size. A slow-flowing well or one in a drought-prone area may require a larger tank to ensure an adequate water supply during peak usage times. Consult with local well system installers or tank manufacturers to help calculate the ideal capacity based on your specific situation.
In addition to size, consider location and access to your storage tank. Placing the tank in a convenient location for both installation and future maintenance will save time and effort. Local building codes may also influence where and how you can install your tank, so check these regulations before making a decision.
Water storage tanks come in various materials and can be installed either above ground or underground, depending on your needs and local regulations.
Above-ground installation is often simpler and less expensive, making it easier to access the tank for maintenance. However, it requires dedicated space on your property. Underground installation saves space and protects the tank from extreme temperatures, but it can be more costly to install and maintain.
Common materials for water storage tanks include the following:
Fiberglass and concrete tanks tend to have long lifespans but can be more challenging to repair if damaged. Plastic tanks, while easier to handle and install, may degrade faster with exposure to UV light. Steel tanks, on the other hand, require regular maintenance to prevent rust, particularly in humid environments.
Regular maintenance ensures your system&#;s longevity and efficiency.
Inspect your tanks annually for signs of wear, damage, or contamination. Clean the tanks as recommended by the manufacturer, typically every five years, to prevent sediment buildup and maintain water quality.
In addition to inspecting the tanks, check associated components such as pipes, valves, and the pressure switch. Ensuring these parts are in good condition will help maintain efficient water flow and prevent potential problems from arising.
Common problems with water storage systems include the following:
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If you encounter these issues, consult your system&#;s manual or contact a professional for assistance. Addressing problems promptly can prevent more serious damage and prolong the life of your water storage system.
Water tank storage is a storage solution for water, used for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. Water storage tanks come in a range of materials, shapes, and sizes, depending on the intended use of the tank.
The main role of a water storage tank is to store water before it is used for drinking, washing, cleaning, and so on - but many storage tanks are more complex than they seem.
There are several common types of water storage tanks used in the home, explained in detail below:
Well pressure tanks are installed in properties that get their water from a well supply. A well pressure tank maintains water pressure and prevents the well pump from cycling on and off throughout the day, lengthening its lifespan.
How does a well pressure tank work? The tank fills contains a steady supply of water that is sent to appliances before the well pump needs to kick into action. This means that the well pump isn&#;t required to switch on and off to provide small amounts of water - such as water to wash your hands with.
Well pressure tanks compress air when water fills the storage tank. When water is needed, pressurized water is released into the plumbing system.
Thermal expansion tanks are used to increase the capacity of tank-style hot water heaters. These water heaters expand when they heat water up (known as thermal expansion). The expansion and contraction of the tank put strain on the walls of the tank, increasing the likelihood of bursting.
A thermal expansion tank prevents the risk of expensive damage to a water heater by connecting to the water tank and providing additional space for water to go during heating. This prevents water from pushing against the sides of the tank heater, controlling pressure build-ups.
Reverse osmosis storage tanks are small-scale versions of water pressure tanks. The role of a reverse osmosis tank is to provide pressurized, purified water whenever it is needed. The reverse osmosis process takes several minutes, and without a tank, there would be a delay in water production. Storage tanks allow instant access to RO water and require the RO system to only operate when the tank needs to be refilled.
Rolled steel and butyl are common external and internal materials for reverse osmosis tanks. Most RO tanks are designed to fit underneath a kitchen sink, as a final stage to an under-sink reverse osmosis system. To avoid contaminating water with potential bacteria buildup inside the tank, a final filter stage is usually featured at the point at which water leaves the tank.
The exact way that a water storage tank works depends on the tank&#;s purpose.
In most cases, water storage tanks are used to provide instant access to water. For instance, well pressure tanks provide water immediately for quick jobs like filling a glass of water, preventing the need to wait until the well pump has kicked in and brought water up from the well.
The same goes for reverse osmosis tanks: the tank fills with purified water when the water isn&#;t needed. This means that when water is needed, it can be accessed from the tank instantly.
There are two types of tanks used for water storage: pressure tanks and atmospheric tanks.
Pressure tanks, as the name suggests, produce water pressure using compressed air. An air bladder or chamber is used inside a pressure tank. The weight of the water filling the tank compresses the air, resulting in a building of pressure inside the tank.
Once a certain pressure is achieved, the tank stops admitting water. When water is needed, pressurized water from the tank is propelled through the plumbing system and into the appliance. Because water has left the tank, the air will expand and the pressure will decrease inside the tank. The tank&#;s low pressure will prompt the well pump or reverse osmosis system to produce more water to refill the tank.
Atmospheric tanks hold water at ambient pressure - or the pre-existing water pressure in the tank&#;s location. A water booster pump is needed to draw water out of this type of storage tank and send it through the plumbing system.
Large-scale or outdoor applications are more likely than indoor applications to use atmospheric tanks. For instance, UV-stablilized atmospheric tanks are used for agricultural purposes, water distribution, rainwater collection, and transporting wastewater. Atmospheric tanks can hold thousands of gallons of water and tend to be more weather resistant than pressurized tanks.
Water storage tanks have a range of uses in commercial, industrial and residential applications. In the majority of situations, if water needs to be stored, a water storage tank can be used.
Some of the common uses of water storage tanks are as follows:
The tank&#;s size, materials, and specifications will be tailored to its intended use and water demands.
Water usage and purpose of use are both considered when determining the appropriate size of a water storage tank. There must be enough water to meet demand at all times, and sizing too small may result in a temporary water shortage as the tank refills with water.
Specific information, such as flow rates, pressure switch setting, and tank drawdown capacity are needed when sizing a well water storage tank. Manufacturers can support homeowners in deciding on the right-sized tank for an at-home water storage solution.
Water storage tanks are used to store water and provide faster access to a water supply. Atmospheric and pressurized water storage tanks are available, and atmospheric tanks are more commonly used for outdoor, large-scale applications, while pressurized tanks are used for indoor applications. Water storage tanks have a variety of uses across a number of industries.
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