If you own a well and regularly use water from it, then the well pressure tank is an absolute must-have.
What this device does is store the water from your well so that your water pump does not have to retrieve that water every time.
This way, you get faster water delivery and save money on the fuel consumption of your water pump since you will be using it more efficiently and less often.
In order to help you find a quality model, you will find a hand-picked selection of some of the best well pressure tanks on the market below.
In this post:
5 Best Well Pressure Tanks – Review
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. WaterWorker HT-2B (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. Amtrol WX-202 (Versatile) |
| |
 | 3. WaterWorker HT20HB (Easy to Install) |
| |
 | 4. WaterWorker HT-32B (Durable & Long-lasting) |
| |
 | 5. Flotec FP7110T (Small & Compact) |
|
| PRODUCT |
|---|
1. WaterWorker HT-2B (Best Overall)
|
2. Amtrol WX-202 (Versatile)
|
3. WaterWorker HT20HB (Easy to Install)
|
4. WaterWorker HT-32B (Durable & Long-lasting)
|
5. Flotec FP7110T (Small & Compact)
|
1. WaterWorker HT-2B – Best Overall Well Pressure Tank
Photo: WaterWorker
- Capacity: 2 and 4 Gallons
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 13.7 inches x 8.4 inches x 8.3 inches
If there is one department where the WaterWorker is unbeatable, then it is its price. Indeed, when it comes to price, this tank is one of the best on the market. It is a simple and yet effective pressure tank that does a great job of storing water from your well.
This model is not the biggest capacity tank out there, as it comes in 2 variants. A 2 gallon well pressure tank and a 4 gallon model.
Moreover, this unit is durable and long-lasting as it is made from steel which will not corrode and does a great job containing a high air and water pressure for an extended period of time.
Best, due to its simple design, you will have no problem installing this well pressure tank all by yourself.
Also, if you’re planning to install this tank outside in the heat and sunlight, it will also be able to cope quite well as it has a hard enamel finish that protects it from the element.
All in all, if you don’t need a high-capacity well pressure tank, then this model from WaterWorker is excellent and will definitely fulfill all your needs.
The only problems with this model is that the inside is not fully corrosion resistant. You may find the water rusty if you allow it to sit for a few days without using. In addition, this model has a low capacity of 2 or 4 gallons only. Clearly, it is intended for small-time and casual usage.
Nevertheless, we have no problem nominating this model as the best overall well pressure tank in this review because of its affordable price, versatility, and ease-of-use.
Pros:
- Very affordable. Value for money
- It can be installed outside. This model has a thick enamel finish to protect it
- Uses a Butyl diaphragm that will not crease easily. Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to install by one person
Cons:
- Small capacity of 2 gallon or 4 gallons. For light and casual use
- The inside of the pressure tank is not fully corrosion resistant
2. Amtrol WX-202 – Versatile Well Pressure Tank
Photo: Amtrol
- Capacity: 2 to 44 Gallons
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 15 inches x 15 inches x 31 inches
The Amtrol is the most versatile model that you will find in this well pressure tank review. This tank comes in a wide range of sizes to suit your need. At the base model, you can purchase a unit with a capacity of only 2 gallons. This is intended for very light and casual use.
For those who need a higher water demand, you can purchase this unit with a capacity of up to 44 gallons. This will be more than enough for almost any type of water need, whether it is for residential purposes or for commercial use.
When it comes to the build construction, this tank is made from high-grade steel that is very durable and long-lasting. It also has a mirror finish that is actually a thin and transparent enamel layer that makes it extremely durable and highly resistant to elements like air and water. Therefore, it can be installed outside if you need to have your tank closer to your well or water pump.
This model also contains a heavy-duty ring seal at the bottom to prevent any water or air pressure leakages from happening.
Also, another nice feature is that it has an air valve at the top that will allow you to quickly and easily remove any excess air pressure that builds up in this well pressure tank.
The only issues here is that it is difficult to get warranty on this pressure tank. Moreover, even if the manufacturer advises you to pre-charge it with 40 PSI, you will need a little more pressure for it to work properly.
Pros:
- Versatile. Comes in a wide range of sizes to suit your need
- Very durable and long-lasting. Made from steel and coated with a layer of enamel
- Ring seal to prevent leakages
- Air valve at the top allows you to quickly and easily remove any excess air pressure
Cons:
- Difficult to get a warranty on this product
- It requires more pressure than the advertised 40 PSI
3. WaterWorker HT20HB – Easy to Install in Different Position
Photo: WaterWorker
- Capacity: 6, 14 and 20 Gallons
- Material: Metal
- Dimensions: 16.3 inches x 30.5 inches x 17.3 inches
The WaterWorker HT20HB has been built for ease of installation in the mind. Indeed, it has a mounting clip at the top and mounts at the bottom that makes it very easy to install in a wide range of positions.
If you have never installed a pressure tank before and need a slim tank, this is an excellent model to consider.
Moreover, this model has a metal build construction for durability. It also comes in a wide range of capacity for flexibility, ranging from 6 gallons up to 20 gallons depending on your need.
One of the distinctive features of this unit is that it has a Butyl diaphragm and not a bladder as you normally see in cheaper and less efficient pressure tanks. Indeed, the diaphragm of this pressure tank can expand and retract a lot of times without suffering from any wear and tear.
This translates directly into a longer lifespan as well as a better efficiency on the long-term for the tank.
The only caveat with this model is the instructions manual is very basic. It could have been better written with more details.
Pros:
- Easy to install in different positions
- It has a protective layer of high-gloss enamel. Can be used outdoors
- The diaphragm system used in this unit is more durable and heavy-duty than a traditional bladder
Cons:
- Instructions manual is not very detailed
4. WaterWorker HT-32B – Durable and Long-lasting
Photo: WaterWorker
- Capacity: 32 Gallons
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 16 inches x 16 inches x 46.8 inches
The WaterWorker HT-32B isn’t a model for everyone. In fact, this model is the most expensive model in this water worker pressure tank review. However, since it is more expensive, it makes up for it by having a more durable build construction made from steel.
With this type of capacity, this tank is suitable for both residential and for commercial purposes for a small building. What we like about this unit is that it has a polyethylene surface which adds an extra layer of protection. It can be used both indoors and installed outdoors if this is a more suitable location for you.
Furthermore, the surface will not crack or chip and will offer you a very long lifetime. This model comes pre-charged which means that you will not have any water logging problems. This is a common problem that you will face with galvanized tanks that do not come pre-charged.
To ensure that it is an efficient tank, it uses a diaphragm system that separates air and water in 2 different compartments. The diaphragm is also more heavy-duty when compared to a regular bladder system.
The only problems here is the size as this model is tall at 46.8 inches. You will need a bigger installation space. The price could also have been more competitive.
Pros:
- Made from steel. Durable and long-lasting
- High water capacity of 32 gallons
- Uses an efficient diaphragm system that is heavy-duty and efficient
- Come pre-charged to prevent waterlogging
Cons:
- Bigger and taller when compared to other models. Needs a big installation space
- The price. It is more expensive
5. Flotec FP7110T – Small and Compact
Photo: Flotec
- Capacity: 19 Gallons
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 15 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches
The Flotec FP7110T is a small and compact well pressure tank that has a maximum height of 15 inches and a width of 14 inches. With such small dimensions, you will have no problem installing it in a small space.
What we appreciate about this tank is that despite its small and compact size, it is still heavy-duty as it uses a diaphragm that automatically contracts and expands based on the pressure inside the tank.
Also, there is an air valve at the top that will allow you to calibrate the pressure of this tank to your liking. By default, it comes pre-pressurized by Flotec.
Basically, if you’re looking for a small and compact tank for casual use, then this top-rated well pressure tank will definitely fit the bill.
However, this model is not perfect. It has a maximum pressure of 100 PSI only and can only hold 19 gallons.
Pros:
- Small and compact. Easy to install
- It comes pre-pressurized by Flotec
- It has an air valve at the top for easy pressure calibration
Cons:
- Relatively small water capacity of 19 gallons only
- Low maximum pressure rating of 100 PSI
How to Buy the Best Well Pressure Tank
Photo: amtrol.com
1. Types of Well Pressure Tank
There are several types of well pressure tanks on the market. Here are a few of the common ones that you will encounter:
Air-over: The air-over is the oldest type of well pressure tank. It contains only 2 compartments, one that contains air and the other water.
The way it works is quite simple. When the air dissolves in the water, the air pressure diminishes which then activates your water pump.
Diaphragm: The design of the diaphragm well pressure tank is very similar to the air-over. However, the diaphragm sometimes moves up or down which allows air inside the tank to mix with the water, thus decreasing air pressure which then engages the water pump.
Bladder: While the diaphragm model totally separates air and water within the tank, the bladder well pressure tank allows air and water to constantly cross the bladder. This generally does not require any movement which in turn makes the bladder well pressure tank very silent in operation. However, the bladder tank is not as effective as the diaphragm system.
2. Capacity
The capacity is basically the amount of water that your pressure tank will be able to store. If you have a high-water demand, then evidently you need to choose a model that has a high capacity.
Most of the time, a 20-gallon water tank will be enough for most people. If you need more capacity, then there are a few top-rated well pressure tanks on the market that can hold 44-gallon or more.
3. Strength
Strength is a very important aspect here. This is because this tank is generally under high pressure and you want it to be as strong as possible.
Furthermore, if you are planning to install your tank outside, then it may be exposed to direct sunlight or heat which will cause an increase in air pressure inside the tank.
Therefore, ensure that the tank you are getting is made from a heavy-duty and very tough material like steel or any other equivalent material.
4. Easy to install
Installing the pressure tank must not be a difficult task. Especially if you have never installed one before. Luckily, many manufacturers ship their tanks with a well-illustrated and detailed manual that will show you exactly how to install it.
A good model that is exceptionally easy to install is the WaterWorker HT20HB. It comes with both a mounting clip at the top and mounting holes at the base, so you can install it in a wide range of positions depending on your need.
5. Brand
When purchasing a pressure tank for your well online, you may sometimes be tempted to save some money and go with a no-name brand.
This is not recommended and in fact, can be very dangerous because the quality control, as well as the overall quality of the no-name tank, will be subpar when compared to a model that is made by some of the best well pressure tank brands on the market.
If you want to get a quality product, then look for a model made by brands like WaterWorker, Amtrol, and Flotec.
6. Air Valve
An air valve is extremely important. This will allow you to manually remove any excessive pressure that builds up in the tank.
Most of the time, this air valve will be located at the top of the unit, and you may need a tool like a screwdriver to use it. As far as possible, always choose a tank that has an air valve for convenience as well as security.
How to Install the Well Pressure Tank
Step 1 – Turn Off your Water Pump
First and foremost, switch off your well water pump. You may either switch it off directly on the water pump or use your electrical breaker. Additionally, empty the plumbing system from any water by opening your water faucet or tap.
Step 2 – Install a T-joiner
Before you can connect your water pump to the well pressure tank, you need to install a T-joiner on your main water pipe. This will facilitate the connection later on. You will need to cut your main water pipe to connect the T-joiner. Don’t forget to use plumber’s tape or silicone to prevent any leakage on this connection.
Step 3 – Choose a Location
Choose a location for your tank. For maximum efficiency, make sure that it is not too far away from the water pump. This way, the water pump will not have to push too hard to fill the tank.
Step 4 – Connect the Pressure Tank
Once the T-joiner has been installed on your main water pipe and you have chosen a suitable location, use a 90-degree fitting and an extension pipe to connect your main piping to the tank. Use a wrench to tighten the connection but don’t overdo it.
Step 5 – Test
Switch on the water pump and see if your tank is powering on your water pump and accepting water. Additionally, see if there are any water leakages at the connection joints.
How to Clean and Maintain the Well Pressure Tank
In order to have your well pressure tank working in tiptop condition for an extended period of time, you need to perform regular maintenance on it. Doing maintenance on this device is simpler than it looks. Here is how to proceed in a stepwise manner.
Step 1 – Switch Off the Well Pressure Tank
Switch off the tank as it can be dangerous working with a powered-on tank. You can do this by flipping the breaker switch if you have one.
Step 2 – Remove Air Valve
In order to make it safer to perform maintenance on the tank, you need to remove any pressure inside the tank. You do this by removing the air valve which is usually located at the top of the tank.
Most top-rated well pressure tanks should come with an air valve. If your model does not have one, then you can always consult your user’s manual to check how to remove pressure from your tank.
Step 3 – Empty the Tank
Now that there is no power and pressure to the tank, you need to empty it from its water before you can start cleaning it.
Most well pressure tanks have a drainage valve at the bottom of the tank that will allow you to quickly and easily evacuate any water inside.
If this valve is not present in your model, then don’t worry, you can use a hose to siphon the water out.
Step 4 – Remove Access Panel
With all those steps above performed, you now need to gain access inside the tank for cleaning. You do this by removing the access panel at the top of the tank.
Most models have a bolt system where you can remove the access panel by using a wrench. Once you have unscrewed all the bolts, remove the access hatch.
Step 5 – Start Cleaning
Having gained access to the inside of the tank, you can now start cleaning. Use a clean rag to wipe the inside of the tank.
There should be layers of calcium build-up from hard water inside the tank. Do not hesitate to wipe those calcium deposits clean.
With the cleaning part done, inspect the inside and outside the tank one last time and then perform the steps above in reverse to get the tank working again.
Conclusion
As we have seen, this type of tank is the ideal solution for storing the water that comes out of your well. This way, your water pump does not have to work excessively and pump water from you well every time you need it.
Tanks like WaterWorker HT20HB are very easy to use and can be installed in a wide range of positions to suit your installation area.
And if you have never installed a well pressure tank before, then check out the WaterWorker HT-2B. It is the best overall well pressure tank in this review because it is affordable and has a rich feature set.
Sources
- How to Replace a Water Well Tank – SFGuide
- How to Install a Well Pressure Tank – Hunker
- How to clean and Maintain a Well Pressure Tank – doityourself