Having a constant supply of water is a necessity for all households. Whether you’re running a bath or flushing the toilet, you’ll always need instant access to water throughout your day.
Most homes have wells with pumps that push water through pipelines. However, these require you to manually switch the pump on and off, which can be quite a hassle. Luckily for you, a well pressure tank will solve all your water-related problems, giving you instant access to water!
Choosing the best well pressure tank for your household can be quite perplexing. But fear not! Below, we have laid out some of our top picks along with a buying guide to help you make a more sound decision.
- Best overall: Amtrol WX-202 Well Pressure Tank
- Best fiberglass well pressure tank: Wellmate WM-6 / WM0075 QC Captive Air and Retention Fiberglass Tank
- Best vertical well pressure tank: WaterWorker 25009 20Gal Vertical Well Tank
- Best pre charged well pressure tank: Flotec FP7110T Vertical Pre-Charged Pressure Tank
- Best inline pressure tank: BURCAM 600541B 2.1 Gal Inline Pressure tank
10 Best Well Pressure Tank Review
After putting in hours of extensive research, we have rounded up 10 of our top picks for you. So without further ado, let’s jump right in!
1. Amtrol WX-202 Well Pressure Tank
Having an experience of over 30 years, Amtrol is definitely one of the well-known manufacturers in the game. The WX-202’s shell design and blue color coating facilitate its easy installation.
This pressure tank was designed specifically for residential purposes. The compact size minimizes the use of the floor, making it compatible with most homes. This tough guy comes with a butyl diaphragm with a virgin polypropylene lining on the inside, making it resistant to corrosion.
The inner lining has been carefully applied to avoid peeling, chipping, or flaking. What makes Amtrol one of the best in the business is its effort in producing the best products for you. They have gone with welded stainless steel air valves over the commonly used threaded design, preventing air pressure from escaping the tank.
All these features, while keeping its weight to a minimum, the WX-202 is definitely one of the finest tanks built by Amtrol.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Compact design fits any space
- High-quality stainless steel shell
- Diaphragm and liner secured with a hoop ring seal
Cons:
- Might not come pre-charged at under 40 PSI
- Weak packaging
2. Wellmate WM-6/WM0075 QC Captive Air and Retention Fiberglass Tank
‘Fit it and forget it’ is the motto with Wellmate’s WM-6 fiberglass tanks, as their strong construction makes them almost maintenance-free!
The fiberglass build of the outer shell keeps the tank protected from rusting. This is perfect for coastal areas where the tank might come in contact with corrosive elements. What’s more, they have added an epoxy-resin seal on the outer shell, making it immune to dents.
Furthermore, this lightweight superstar comes with scratch-resistant paint that eliminates the need for touch-ups. At this point, you might be asking yourself, “Is there anything that can damage these tanks?”
Moreover, the WM-6 provides some amazing features that you won’t even be able to imagine coming from stainless steel tanks. Their lightweight body allows for easy and cheap installation, requiring fewer helping hands along with lesser hours to complete the setup.
Pros:
- Larger drawdown than steel tanks of the same capacity
- Rust-proof even in corrosive areas, such as coastal regions
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Homeowners can avail the extended labor warranty
Cons:
- Doesn’t pack the silicone grease needed in the installation process
3. WaterWorker 25009 20Gal Vertical Well Tank
When it comes to buying a well pressure tank for all sorts of harsh conditions, you can’t go wrong with the WaterWorker 25009. If you’re looking for something to last you a lifetime, you might want to give this a try!
To begin with, the manufacturers have used cold-rolled steel to create the outer shell of the tank. While this does boost the tank’s durability and sturdiness, it does not come at the cost of adding extra weight.
Also, the maximum operating temperature of the tank is 200 F (degree Fahrenheit), meaning it would be perfect for areas where the temperature tends to rise high. The cold-rolled steel construction helps to keep the water cool inside the tank, even on the hottest day of the year!
In terms of functionality, this tank comes with a high-quality butyl rubber diaphragm along with a polyolefin liner. What the liner does is prevents the inside of the tank from corrosion, as the insides may come into contact with various elements.
Pros:
- Polyolefin liner increases the lifetime of the tank
- Lead-free to provide clean, drinking water
- High gloss enamel coating makes it resistant to the element
- Max operating temperature is 200 F
Cons:
- Once bought, the product cannot be returned even if it is unused
- The diaphragm may not be very long-lasting
4. Flotec FP7110T Vertical Pre-Charged Pressure Tank
Made in the United States, this is definitely one of the most heavy-duty tanks out in the market. Each of the FP7110T tanks is factory tested to provide top-notch service. Let’s talk capacity, this tank can store an astounding 20 gallons of water! Meaning, you can forget about ever having a water crisis in your home.
In addition, the heavy-duty gauge steel construction adds to the overall durability of the tank. Along with durability, the tank goes through rigorous tests in providing a stable water temperature. The steel construction enables the tank to keep the water colder than the room temperature.
And the FP7110T is a pre-charged tank, which means that the pressure settings will be set into the tank. You’d be pleased to know that this tank provides a maximum pressure rating of close to 100 PSI. So you can manually use the pressure switch to determine what works best for you.
Pros:
- Dependable as it offers up to 20 gallons of water
- Offers a maximum pressure rating of 100 PSI, giving you more flexibility
- Comes pre-pressurized, making it easy to install and set up
- Heavy-duty
Cons:
- Might leak upon installing
- Customer service is below par when compared to other manufacturers
5. WaterWorker HT-32B Vertical Pressure Well Tank
If your home is one that uses heavy amounts of water on a daily basis, then this is the tank to go for. The HT-32B from WaterWorker comes with a large tank to store almost 32 gallons of water.
Similar to other high-quality pressure tanks, this model is also pre-pressurized. This saves up a lot of time when installing the tank. You must know that this heavyweight comes with a 100 PSI working pressure, giving you the liberty to change the pressure according to your needs.
Next, we look into the polypropylene liner of the tank, which plays a crucial role in locking the air pressure and separating it from the water. Also, the liner is responsible for removing any sort of bad odor from the water and keep it safe.
Pros:
- Pre-pressurized tank saves trouble when installing
- Holds a massive 32 gallons of water
- Provides a maximum pressure setting of 100 PSI, aiding flexibility
- Polypropylene liner keeps bad odor away from the water
Cons:
- The product is non-returnable once bought
- Might develop leaks
6. Red Lion RL6H Horizontal Precharged Diaphragm Well Tank
Homeowners have been facing issues with their tank diaphragms for ages now. The next product on our list caters to that specific need with its high-quality diaphragm. The pre-charged RL6H tank by Red Lion has been made with your needs in mind.
And the tank comes pre-charged right out of the factory along with the jet pump, all you have to do is install it. What’s more, you will notice that this tank is equipped with the option to switch volts. Depending on your household electricity line, this tank lets you switch between 115 volts and 230 volts.
The compact size of this tank is perfect for homes with limited space, all you need to do is find a small corner and leave it be. The horizontal design of the tank also cuts down on the height of the tank, aiding its compact form factor.
Pros:
- The high-quality diaphragm is built to last long
- Compact design takes up the least amount of space
- The flexibility of choosing between 115 volts and 230 volts
- Easy to install as it comes pre-charged and factory assembled
Cons:
- Third-party pumps may deliver better performance than the jet pump
7. BURCAM 600541B 2.1 Gal Inline Pressure Tank
Up next on our list, we have the BURCAM 600541B 2.1 Gal Inline pressure tank, which stands out because of its unique no water to metal contact design. You should know that this pressure tank is designed for systems with a jet pump. If you don’t already have a jet pump, you should consider buying one along with the tank.
Furthermore, the 600541B is a bladder pressure tank, which means the water is kept inside a balloon-like chamber called the bladder. This tank is designed with a replaceable bladder system, so you don’t have to replace the whole tank.
Out of the box, you will notice the default bladder made of butyl rubber, which ensures increased longevity and reliability.
While it’s true that each of the BURCAM 600541B’s has been tested to withstand pressures of up to 100 PSI, it can only operate at a maximum value of 75 PSI.
Pros:
- Epoxy-baked finish which aids durability
- No water contact with the metal, eliminating the risk of rusting
- Pre-charged from the factory allowing for easy installation
- Comes with a replaceable bladder system
Cons:
- Longevity of the rubber bladder is questionable
8. Amtrol WX-102 Pre-Pressurized Well Tank
This next well pressure tank on the list is yet another one from Amtrol. The WX-102 is a diaphragm pressure tank with the thickest diaphragm in the industry! And the extra thickness prevents the diaphragm from losing its flexibility while adding extra strength.
The reliability factor of this tank is constantly reassured by its features. And the tank is equipped with a hoop ring alongside its groove design, enabling proper placement of the shell, diaphragm, and liner.
Amtrol focused extensively on getting the design right with this one. The WX-102’s design goes in line with the shell, avoiding any sort of creases or bubbles that might trap water.
What’s even better is that the tank comes pre-charged at 38 PSI directly from the factory, which makes the installation process a piece of cake.
Pros:
- Factory pre-charged at 38 PSI, aiding ease of installing the tank
- Thick diaphragm for a longer life span and increased flexibility
- Groove design and hoop ring adds strength to the tank
- Reliable
Cons:
- Tank might contain dents out of the box
9. Falcon Stainless EXPT-2 Thermal Potable Water Expansion Tank
Made for residential use, the Stainless EXPT-2 thermal tank by Falcon will provide you with all the basic features you need. What’s even better, this model is guaranteed to eliminate any accumulating system pressure effectively!
Moreover, the pressure tested expansion tank is constructed of stainless steel, which might reduce the chances of corrosion but not avoid it. However, its 16 gauge steel tank definitely begs to differ when its durability is being questioned.
In addition, the EXPT-2 is fitted with a steel ring on the inside of the tank. Essentially, this ring controls the expansion of the diaphragm and keeps it from coming into contact with the tank wall, reducing wear and tear. If you are looking for a good hot water heater pressure tank, then it can be the best choice.
Pros:
- Clench ring on the inside prevents the diaphragm from wear and tear
- Tank is fully factory tested
- Expansion tank is made of stainless steel
- Ideal for home use
Cons:
- Stainless steel build doesn’t prevent corrosion completely
- Tank might come dented out of the box
10. APEC Water Systems Tank-4 4 Gallon Residential Pre-Pressurized Reverse Osmosis Water Storage Tank
Our final pick is APEC’s Tank-4, which can hold up to 4 gallons of water. Compared to the other tanks mentioned before, this tank is much smaller in terms of water capacity. However, it does not compromise on its features, packing a whole reverse osmosis system within a compact design.
What’s even better is that this tank comes with a stand which enables you to place it both horizontally and vertically. So if you don’t really have a long width of space, you can simply choose to layout the tank vertically. This feature comes in handy when there is limited space.
Also, the tank’s bladder, which stores water, has been FDA approved, making it safe and reliable. APEC claims that the bladder is food grade, which means that the water sent out from the tanks is safe to drink as well!
Pros:
- Comes pre-pressurized from the factory
- Food-grade bladder to ensure safe and clean water
- Features a stand
- FDA approved bladder
Cons:
- Reverse osmosis system can become slower with time
- The pressure is noticeably lower than other tanks
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Well Pressure Tank
Before putting your hard-earned money into buying anything, it’s always a good idea to do a little research about the product. Otherwise, you might just end up with a poor performing good that barely meets your preferences.
When it comes to buying the best water pressure tank, you must look into your requirements as well as the features that come with the tank. We have listed a few pointers that will aid your decision-making process.
Brand Reputation
The rule of thumb when purchasing something is to look into the brand name, which plays a vital role in determining the value of the product. It is no different when you’re choosing the best pressure tank either!
We would advise you to refrain from purchasing local tanks. Well, reputed brands have a strong sense of the customer’s needs as their reputation is a reflection of their product quality.
Tank Capacity
This should be one of your top priorities when making your decision. The more water you need for your household, the larger the tank needs to be. Investing in a small tank already limits your instant access to well water and also puts pressure on your well pump, as it will be running in smaller intervals.
Keep in mind, we’re talking about water, so it’s always a safe bet to invest in a large tank. This will not only save electricity by avoiding the frequent use of the pump but also satisfy all your watery needs!
Compatibility
There’s no point in investing in a well pressure tank if it doesn’t fit the space you’ve allocated. This is why you need to pay close attention to the tank’s design along with its size.
Installing the tank shouldn’t be an issue as you are already aware of the setup of your housing pipelines. You can choose to bear the additional cost of hiring a professional to mount and fix the pipes, but if you’re up for a challenge, you can try to install it on your own at ease.
Tank Construction
The construction of a pressure tank is mainly focused on the outer casing, which in most cases, will be made from stainless steel.
Stainless steel acts as armor to the tank and protects it from fall damage or dents. However, this also means the tank will be susceptible to rusting if it comes in contact with certain elements.
Alternatively, pressure tanks made of fiberglass are highly durable and have zero chances of rusting. What’s more, they do not carry as much weight as its stainless steel counterpart.
Information about Well Pressure Tank
Here we’ll give you some important info regarding well pressure tanks.
What Is a Water Pressure Tank?
As the name suggests, a water pressure tank is responsible for maintaining water pressure throughout the house. What’s more, having a well water pressure tank increases the longevity of your well pump.
When you flush the toilet or run a bath, you require a steady flow of water from your water well. Without a pressure tank, you would have to wait for the well pump to turn on and flow water through your pipelines.
requently switching on the well pump can cause it to lose some good years and fail early.
Essentially, a pressure tank stores a separate quantity of water, which is exhausted before triggering the well pump. This way, the pressure tank also maintains a steady flow of water around the house rather than having short sprays while waiting for your well pump.
How Does a Well Pressure Tank Work?
The pressure tank acts as a reservoir of water from which water is sent to all the required zones in the house. It uses compressed air to create pressure within the tank, which shoots the water out and into the pipelines of your house.
Each tank has a set pressure limit (measured in pounds per square inch or PSI), which decides when the well pump turns on. When the water level inside the pressure tank goes below a certain level, it causes the overall pressure of the water to go down.
This, in turn, will trigger the pump to be switched on using a pressure switch. And so, the tank replenishes its water supply while providing you with a steady flow.
Why Use a Well Pressure Tank?
Imagine if you had to go through the trouble of turning on the well pump every time you needed water, not the ideal situation to be in, right? That’s where pressure tanks for water wells come to play!
These tanks give you instant access to well water. Moreover, it cancels out the need for manually switching on the pump. As a result, the on and off cycles of the water pump are delayed, increasing its life span.
Types of Well Pressure Tank
Generally, the pressure tanks are distinguished by their mechanism and how they compress air to pump water.
Let’s look at the three different types of pressure tanks:
Air over Water Pressure Tank
What sets this tank apart from the others is that it contains air and water in one single chamber. The air pushes on the water to send it flowing through the pipelines.
Diaphragm Pressure Tanks
This tank comes with two chambers: one for water and the other for air. Using a rubber diaphragm, the air and water are kept separate from one another. When the pump fills the tank with water, the diaphragm is stretched upwards, which compresses the air.
Bladder Pressure Tank
Like the diaphragm pressure tank, this one also has two separate chambers for air and water. However, the water holding tank is a balloon-like chamber called the bladder. Pumping water into the tank expands the bladder, which, in turn, compresses the air.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Well Pressure Tanks
Here we have the most commonly asked queries regarding the best well pressure tanks:How far can the pressure switch be from the tank?
It’s always a good idea to keep the pressure switch as close to the tank as possible. Try to avoid placing the switch on a different floor as the elevation can cause problems.
Where should the pressure tank be located?
It is always an ideal situation to place your pressure tank downstream from the well pump. This ensures the proper flow of water into the pipelines.
How much does a new well pressure tank cost?
The cost of a new well pressure tank depends on a variety of factors, starting from the tank capacity to the features and construction. Installing a new tank can cost you as low as $200 to as high as $2000.
How do I drain my pressure tank?
Firstly, you must ensure that the pressure tank is off. You will then want to make sure that you have a pipe/hose connected to the drain valve to channel out the water.
Next, you will need to open the drain valve to allow the water to leave the tank. You are required to open a nearby faucet or any plumbing fixture in order to let air into the pipelines. This will cause the water to be pushed out of the tank.
Now you just have to wait till all the water has left the tank. Try rocking the tank gently to get a better feel of the water level inside it.
Fiberglass vs. steel pressure tank?
Steel pressure tanks are considerably less expensive than fiberglass constructed tanks. Also, the stainless steel shell aids the tank’s durability and sturdiness. One of the drawbacks is the weight that comes with the strong stainless steel body, which can make it hard to install.
Fiberglass tanks also provide a strong outer shell and are long-lasting. One of the upper hands this has over the stainless steel tanks is that it does not rust. Hence, it doesn’t need to be maintained and looked after as frequently.
But you must know, these tanks are not cheap, so consider all your preferences before you make your decision.
Final Words
A well pressure tank is, without a doubt, a vital component of water supply systems at home.
And so, it is important that you take into account your own preferences and cross-match them with the features each tank provides. Hopefully, the points mentioned above will help you choose the best well pressure tank for your needs.
Good luck!
This is an excellent review of different well pressure tanks! I like that you included pros and cons for each tank and a buyer’s guide. This will be very helpful for me when I am ready to purchase a tank. Thanks!
Thanks for the positive feedback! We’re glad you found the review helpful. We know it can be tough to choose the right well pressure tank, so we wanted to provide as much information as possible to help our readers make the best decision. We hope you have success in choosing the perfect tank for your needs!