The EPA estimates that about 13 million American homes have their own wells. For those lucky homeowners, installing pressure tanks is an important step in taking full advantage of their well. 

But what are well pressure tanks? How do they help my home and what different types are there?

That’s what we’re here to look at today. Read on to find out about the different types of well pressure tanks!

What Are Well Pressure Tanks?

Homes that aren’t connected to a municipal water service need wells to provide water and tools to circulate that water. That’s what well pumps are for. 

Pumps deliver water from the well to the plumbing pipes in and around your house. The pump is connected to a pressure tank, which essentially serves as a reservoir to store water in your home. 

Pressure tanks, unsurprisingly, are filled with compressed air. This effectively determines the water pressure in your home or the strength of your water’s flow in your kitchens and bathrooms. 

While well pressure tanks all serve the same purpose, different types bring different elements to your home. Let’s take a look at the three most common types of well pressure tanks. 

3 Types of Well Pressure Tanks

The three most common types of well pressure tanks are as follows: air-over-water, diaphragm, and bladder. Let’s take a look at what each of these tanks brings to the table. 

Air-Over-Water

Air-over-water pressure tanks are composed of single chambers filled with water and pressurized air. These pressure tanks are common in older homes and not as prominent today. 

Becuase of their older, bulkier design, air-over-water tanks tend to burn out quicker. Waterlogging is also a common issue. With that said, it’s still perfectly functional for most homes. 

Diaphragm

Diaphragm pressure tanks have two chambers, one for air and the other for water. As water is pumped into the tank the diaphragm is pushed up in the air chamber to trigger the pump to shut off. 

These pressure tanks are more efficient but have some reliability issues. For instance, water can leak into the air chamber and cause issues with the overall pressure. 

Bladder

Bladder pressure tanks also use a two-chamber system. The bladder in question is a sort of balloon that expands and contracts to trigger sensors that activate the pump. 

Bladder pumps are more durable than other types and address the common issue of dislodged diaphragms. 

How to Choose a Pressure Tank

Choosing the right pressure tank requires you to take stock of the size of your home. 

How much water does your family use? How big of a tank will facilitate that usage rate?

Getting a big enough tank is crucial if you want the right water pressure from your well. The three different types of pressure tanks might also be applicable depending on the age of your well.

Leverage Pressure Tanks Today

Wells are often only as good as the pumps and pressure tanks that you use them with. Use this guide to help you choose the right pressure tanks today. 

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