If you rely on well water for your home's drinking water
supply, chances are you have one or more water storage tanks in your system.
These tanks play a crucial role in maintaining consistent water pressure,
providing immediate access to water, and prolonging the lifespan of plumbing
components in your home. In this article, we'll explore the different types of
well water tanks, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your
needs.
Pressure Tanks: Managing Water Supply
Most modern well water systems come equipped with what's
known as a pressure tank. This tall, painted steel or fiberglass cylinder sits
between the pipe leading from the well pump and the rest of the home's
plumbing. Its main job is to regulate water pressure in your pipes and store a
reserve of water so that your well pump isn't constantly turning on and off.
A well tank works in conjunction with a well pump, a
pressure switch, and a check valve to keep water pressure in a safe and comfortable
range. Inside the tank is a rubber bladder, similar to a tire inner tube, that
holds pressurized air to force the water out of the tank and into your pipes.
The pressure switch on the tank tells the well pump when to turn on and off
based on the pressure level in the tank. A one-way check valve prevents
pressure from leaking back down into the well.
Choosing the Right Pressure Tank
The correct size pressure tank holds enough water in reserve
to allow the well pump to run for a manufacturer-specified number of minutes
each time it turns on, minimizing wear and tear on the pump. Pressure tanks
come in a range of water capacities, from just a couple of gallons to over a
hundred. The ideal size for your plumbing system is determined by your well pump's
flow rate, minimum runtime, and the on/off settings of the tank pressure
switch.
To find the right size tank, you can use an online
calculator provided by manufacturers such as Amtrol or consult with a tank
distributor. If you're unsure or find the process confusing, it's best to seek
the help of a plumber.
Storage Tanks: Meeting High Water Demands
If your well water system doesn't meet your household's high
water demands, you can install additional storage tanks to avoid running your
well dry. Non-pressurized storage tanks, also known as cisterns, don't replace
the pressure tank in your well system. Instead, they're installed between the
well pump and the pressure tank to provide a reserve that the home can draw
from when water demand is high.
A pumped storage system uses a float valve in the storage
tank to control the well pump. When the tank gets low, the valve tells the pump
to run continuously until the tank fills back up. The pump automatically turns
off if the well runs dry, but under normal conditions, there will still be
reserve supply in the tank.
Modern storage tanks, like the Epp Well Solution System, use
digital flow meters to monitor the output of the well and manage backup water
supply more efficiently.
Choosing the Right Storage Tank
The capacity of your water storage system depends on your
peak water demand. For a small family, a 200-gallon storage tank may suffice
for several showers and occasional high demands. For larger families or high
water-demand situations, a bigger tank may be necessary. Slow-flowing wells or
drought-prone regions may require tanks that hold more than a day's reserve.
Water storage tanks come in different shapes, sizes, and
materials, so it's important to consider your location and the installation
requirements before making a decision. For instance, small plastic tanks may be
ideal for limited-access areas like basements, while some types of steel,
plastic, and fiberglass tanks can be buried underground.
In Conclusion
It's worth noting that storage tanks do not pressurize
water, so a pressure tank is still necessary for homes with storage tanks.
Additionally, an additional pressure pump is required between the storage and
pressure tanks to provide the home's water pressure. While a storage system for
a low-yielding well adds complexity and cost to the system, it can be an
essential expense for those who require a high water demand.
In summary, understanding the different types of water
storage tanks and their respective functions is essential for maintaining a
well water system. Choosing the right pressure and storage tanks for your
home's needs can help prolong the lifespan of plumbing components, maintain
consistent water pressure, and provide immediate access to water. Seeking the
advice of a plumber or tank distributor can help ensure that you make an
informed decision for your home's potable water supply system.
