Well Pressure Tank Installation: Comparing 3 Different Pressure Tank Designs

Well Pressure Tank Installation and Purchasing a Pressure Tank? In this video we compare 3 different brands of well pressure tanks and give the pro's and con's of each pressure tank design. We examine everything from cost, warranty, weight, material thickness, material selection for the bladder, and connection design. This will give you a better idea of well pressure tank designs and which type of well pressure tank you should consider buying.

[@AdmiralDG]

Not sure if anyone else said it already, but "Well-X-trol" and "Water Worker" are made by the same company. The difference is that Water Worker is a contracted brand by the big box stores, they specify what they want(such as thinner steel, cut corners etc) and design the warranty around what they know to be an inferior product. Spoke with an Amtrol rep on the phone and asked them directly when they told me both brands of tank are the same, and they said "Well, the one is a little thinner in places. Our Well-X-Trol is a better product."

[@kaboom362]

Thanks. Good comment.

[@videolife007]

Very informative video. I'm helping my neighbor who is a widow and I want to make sure she is protected by choosing the proper replacement tank. Because of your video, I now understand why her tank has lasted about 17 years; it's a Challenger. It's a no-brainer. Thank you for taking the time to shine the light on the her "Challenger" brand tank. If this video helps even 1 person, you have provided a free valuable service. If you operated in Florida, I would call you for all my well & pump needs.

[@lennyc624]

I agree with your tank recommendations. I serviced wells for 21 years and never saw a bad challenger that wasn't at least 20 years old. The big box store tanks are junk. Fiberglass tanks are ok but not great. Well-x-trol and challenger are top of the line. Worth the price.

[@kaboom362]

If you have professional experience. Can you help a look at a comment I just left for Wendell. I asked a few questions about running pressure and tank size

[@lennyc624]

@@kaboom362 I Checked out your questions. First, I have a video on my channel explaining tank sizing which I urge you to check out. Regarding tank air pressure, the tank pressure on an empty tank should be about 2 or 3 pounds less than the turn-on pressure. For example, if the switch is set to 40-60, there should be about 38 psi in the tank. If you're using a 1/2 hp jet pump, your limiting factor will be the pump. That being said, a bigger tank will always increase your cycle time. When I say the pump is the limiting factor, I mean that if the pump pumps 7 GPM and you are trying to use 8 GPM, you will have a low-pressure situation regardless of the tank size. It's a low-volume situation more than a low-pressure situation. Hopefully this helps. Feel free to ask me any other questions you may have. I'm happy to try to help.

[@kaboom362]

@@lennyc624 Thanks a million lenny. I totally understand what you mean. I'm going to check see what the Burcam pump is rated for and if it's less than 10 gpm then I'll size the pump with a 30 gallon troll. Do you know of a preferred name brand for pumps. I've tried a few over the years and found them to all be around the same. 🙏

[@lennyc624]

@@kaboom362 They are all pretty similar. None stand out as being better than the rest. I would look for one made with plastic instead of cast iron. Cast iron does not hold up very well against most well water. Other than that, They're all about the same when it comes to jet pumps.

[@mikee5306]

Thank you thank you thank you. I was considering replacing my wellrite with a home depot brand. The first 5 minutes of this video pushed me to check the date of manufacture on existing WR and is is 23 years old!!! No way I'm going to replace it with something cheaper to save a dime in the short run. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with the world.

[@l0jack]

Thanks for the video. Im about to replace my 22 year old Challenger tank with a Amtrol Well-X tank, and your video aligns with what I’ve read that these are the best 2 tanks on the market. Also, I learned that the Well-X has an anti microbial liner and a turbulator that decreases sediment build up by swirling the water. There’s a great Amtrol video on you tube that walks through the entire tank construction. Now it does have a middle dome and a second dome internally and their purpose is explained in the video.

[@sissymurphy9620]

GREAT INFO I retired in 2004 and last time I dealt with a well was on the farm when I was a child . But I have learned a lot since 2004 from youtube . Never knew what the inside of pressure tanks looked like

[@paulvaleri373]

Ive replaced 4 water tanks in 21 years living here at my house , I appreciate the comparisons, now I know better what to buy.

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

sure thing thanks for watching

[@dallasclement4682]

Thanks for the great analysis of these tanks. I have a 20 year old Challenger PC266R 85 gallon tank that is still going strong. Nice to see what's inside this thing. Hoping it will make it another 10 years!

[@DeniseStabley]

I cant thank you enough for making these videos! We all know your busy as shit, and its cool of you to still do videos teaching us about stuff we otherwise would never learn. Just closed on my dream house, with 5 acres and it has a 249' well. I know nothing about wells, but with your videos, I can learn.

[@TechnicalLee]

10:30 - Normally the bladder will never touch that expansion control baffle unless the pressure switch is bad or the cut out is set way too high. It's actually a good feature to save the bladder from exploding in the event of a pressure switch sticking. The Well-X-Trol tanks also have this same feature, since they are both made by the same company, Amtrol.

[@mava5634]

you right men

[@Foche_T._Schitt]

It's probably necessary to have that for horizontal tanks so they probably make one tank for both types.

[@rockyford702]

P

[@melvin_0bviously]

@@Foche_T._Schitt no I ki

[@OGRH]

Not to mention it's a diaphragm tank. So when he said he wasn't going to cut below that because there was nothing more to see he basically cut off his own education.

[@GSCHAN-rw9bu]

Perfect timing for me finding this.... I"m replacing a POS electronic 'new and improved' always-on pump that's left me without water twice in 6 months. I need to put one of these in and just take care of things myself, and not rely on tech support troubleshooting over the phone and then telling me to call some distributor to get replacement parts. Thanks much for making this. I was leaning toward your direction, and you've reinforced my decision- buy quality from a plumbing supply house.

[@rayhadley1590]

DARN GOOD. i never knew much of nothin about water wells and the tanks. But DAMNITMAN, i know more now after 2 videos than i ever thought i would. THANX MAN

[@craiggerber3740]

thank you... I've got a wellx and it was installed1999. it let some air bubbles out and currently keeping eye on it. I appreciate the diff. wellx it is! current pump Franklin elect. was 1999??1/2 HP. still good .thanks for educating us.😊😊😊

[@kaboom362]

@WendellLee One of you viewers from out here in Canada. What is the best size tank for a house with 3 washrooms. The furthest from the tank is approximately 60 feet of pipe away from the tank. Also, the pipe is copper, so what pressure do you recommend. If I set the well switch to 60/45 psi, how much should I set my tank to. Lastly, what size tank should I install to try and minimize the fluctuation. Because the house is still under renovation, right now I have just one washroom up and running. I'm sure that once the other 2 washrooms are commissioned, the kids are going to have battles in the morning about one stealing the well pressure in the morning. I forgot to mention. I'm using a Burcam 1/2 hp Jet Pump

[@yooper7753]

I just replaced my Well-X-Trol WX-202 by Amtrol, which was installed Nov, 12 1990 = over 33 years in service. I replaced it with the same Well-X-Trol WX-202 by Amtrol, installed myself. Easy installation.

[@ChuckD59]

Good to hear. I'm in the exact same situation but mine's 20 years old. Seems to be working well (sorry!). Having a two-story house, I run it at 80/60. But it's been on my mind and it does look like a DIY job. I did the pressure switch and rerouted some copper some years ago. This looks manageable.

[@bigtimepimpin666]

Does it make any significant difference if the tank is kept in a pump house safe from the elements, or just out in the open?? It seems im the only one in my town that doesnt just have the pump and tank out in the elements hit by the sun.

[@sb7909]

Great videos, thank you! Do you have one that goes into sizing the tank for your water system? Pump and well capacity? What happens when you put a larger tank into your system than what you originally had? Thank you again.

[@drewd8697]

I have a 88G Challenger that's been in service since our the house was built. 1990. I've been testing it and watching it for leaks but there isn't a thing wrong with it. I'm going to replace it eventually due to age but man does Challenger make a good product.

[@murky2502]

I enjoyed your video, especially the view inside each of the tanks. It would be nice to see the diaphragm on the Water Worker The Water Worker has the same diaphragm as a Well-X-Trol and also that extra metal dome inside. That is a benefit. That's to keep the diaphragm from over expanding if the system isn't set up and running correctly. I think you're showing the difference between a diaphragm and a bladder when you show how its attached to the sides.

[@stevenheinen493]

Thanks for doing this video! I wish you guys were down in FL instead of SC. I just had a well drilled and all the equipment is installed. I'll have to check to see what brand & type was installed. This video was VERY helpful! Thank you! Wishing you continued success in your line of work. People need good quality contractors with Integrity and you guys certainly check all the boxes!

[@trumanmiller94]

I'm a 3rd generation well driller and pump installer. I enjoyed the video with solid info and professionalism

[@neildigiovanni1570]

Hey, love the videos. I purchased a Zilmet pressure tank. The tank was damaged during shipping near the bottom, where the round meets the upper straight part. It’s pushed in about an inch or so by 2 “?wide. My concern is the bladder rubbing over time and prematurely failing. What are your thoughts?

[@jamesnugent5197]

Great presentation ! Based on what you showed me I’m buying a Amtrol XL

[@reflectalite]

They are manufactured in USA too. Did you buy one?

[@kennyphillips8255]

Thanks for all that good information man

[@notcharles]

Why not a fiberglass tank? Esp for outdoor/shed /wellhead installation??

[@glennalan]

Great video. I was just about to buy a water works at home Depot but thanks to your video I am not. Are you kidding me, three and a half to 4 years compared to 20??!!! So helpful and informative. I'm an electrical contractor doing my own well at my home... thanks for the video. Just subscribed.... Anyone know where I can buy a challenger or wellxcontrol?

[@stargazer1477]

was wondering the very same ?

[@BrendaProfitt-w6z]

How much would one of these tanks cost to get one and have it installed

[@michaellasare5678]

It would have been nice to include a fiberglass tank in the comparison. I'm putting in a new system and I'm curious if a fiberglass tank would be comparable.

[@rayray7349]

Excellent analysis the way you conveyed the information was very helpful.

[@chaseme202008]

Where can i order the challenger tank from for 300 ?

[@jameswalker590]

I didn't pony up for the Well Xtrol when I had the well drilled at my previous house in Nov 2007; instead I got the challenger. When the challenger developed a pin-hole leak at the bottom connection fitting in July of 2015, I replaced it with a Well X trol. I've moved, so not sure how it's holding up. My current home has what I assume is the original well x-trol from 1977 if I'm reading the date code correctly (33103177).

[@180MAX]

Another GREAT Video. Thank You So Much. You are really helping us understand our system.

[@hedhntress1]

Thank you for this video well done. I’m in the process of having my home build. I will definitely get the more expensive one, in the run you save money. Suggestion if maybe you can put links to better quality tanks. Or the names of the companies that sell long term tanks. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@lh98]

Interesting, my house has always been on 30/50 pressure setting and ive wondered about raising it to 40/60. Would there be much noticeable difference in the water pressure and would it shorten the life of the pressure tank? I’ve heard it does. Or is there a specific 40/60 tank and control?

[@domenicfp]

Only halfway through it and it is an awesome video so far.

[@claritamorales4093]

Thanks, experience is so helpful in decision to make.

[@paulemerson4476]

Thanks thanks your analysis was based on evidentiary proof

[@shawntalley7676]

Nice comparison, in my experience though the Global Water Systems, LLC tanks are by far the best quality, nicer finish and never loose pressure because of a o-ring sealed air valve. Plus the composite base can never rust and most of these tanks are installed outside.

[@JessicaBriarmoon]

I have a question I hope you can answer. We have a well for our property and its only pumping 6gpm. We want to make sure we don't run out of water and have good pressure in the house. Should we get a big water storage container for directly from the well, before it goes into the well house and into the pressure tank and all the filters? Or the pressure tank before the water storage? Should I just run a sediment filter before the pressure tank? (the water is good quality mineral wise, but cloudy). I've picked our water purification stuff, I'm just trying to figure out all the other parts to get. I'm seeing lots of individual videos but can't seem to find one that pieces it all together.

[@stefanschug5490]

The old old style pressure tanks didn't even have the diaphragm or bladder, just compressed air above the water. So if you have a waterlogged tank and you remove the water above the diaphragm you can still use it if your valve and top sealing nut are air tight and there are no rusted through spots. Only disadvantage, a few litters less water between pump kick-ins.

[@lexbroken8101]

Can you post a link for the Challenger tank? Thanks.

[@lorennicholls5901]

I've got aH2O-TO pressure tank (by amtrol) that's 28 years old,so far still working

[@normanboyd]

Sorry I'm late to the party. A friend's well is equipped with a 2 tank system. One galvanized pressure tank that appears to be pressured up with a venturi from the pump pressure, some how. A second tank sits between the well and the pressure tank and collects any sand that is pumped up (a sand trap/filter). Can you do a video on this type system?

[@rwdplz1]

We had a Challenger go bad at 12 years, but that's a lot better than 3 years.

[@michaelsadach5401]

Thank you, needed to know the air pressure ( 40 to 60 lbs ) for the challenger tank. I learned a lot. Thank you

[@kathyho472]

Can we use two water pressure tanks in one well for two houses?

[@repairfreak]

Is there a standard pressure that we can check for to know if we have lost any over the years? If the bladder is leaking in anyways this would cause a loss of air pressure correct? With a leaking bladder would it also cause short cycling of the pump ? Thanks, great videos. 😎👍

[@AlanSanderson-u4t]

Turn off your pump and drain the tank. Check the pressure on the Schrader valve with a tire gauge. It should be set to 2 psi below your turn on pressure. Example: 20-40 switch set to 18 psi. 40-60 set to 38 psi. If it will not hold pressure, replace the tank.

[@mikewhite3293]

thanks for the info.🙂

[@Guido_Sarducci007]

Great in depth explanation! Thank you!

[@albertlittle2897]

what about using the tank only for irrigation for your garden how does this effect the pump kicking on and off

[@longevitymedicine]

I like your videos

[@danpodhany6395]

Great information. Simple and to the point. Well done.

[@michaelmilewski350]

Hello, I hope you can help me. I am in Texas. I have a well, holding tank and pump house with a pressure pump and tank. My tank is a 40/60 but I can not get pressure above 50. So the pump will not turn off unless I do it manually. My tank, switch and pressure gauge are all new. The pump is old and makes rattling noises when running. Can an old pump be the reason why I can't get the pressure up? Can you give me an idea on why I can't get proper pressure?

[@nyathouwp.j9594]

I prepared the challenge it worth money. Thank you

[@kylelaw7210]

Will a bigger pressure tank make your pump last longer since it won’t be turning on and off as much?

[@cprpremiumhandymanservices3735]

Living off grid am installing a 2500 gallon tank do you know what size tank I need it's for a 3 br 2 bath house with 20 fixture count

[@mikeb7095]

I realize this is an old thread but it is addressing a subject I need to deal with, pressure tanks. BTW, I have really enjoyed watching your videos. Thanks for all the great advice. If I did not live in Oregon, I would come buy and pick up my material from you. I am about ready to install a new Well-Rite tank and noticed it has a 1.25" SS inlet/outlet fitting. Does this mean I need to use a SS tank tee (to avoid corrosion)? I have read mixed opinions on the web but thought I would ask an expert. Thanks in advance for your advise. Mike

[@chasentube]

Awesome Video! challenger makes many types. which do you recommend? Thanks

[@dougtroutman5695]

I have a well xtrol tank, it's 17 years old. It's just starting to have issues. I will buy another one. You get what you pay for.

[@donlewis1140]

glade I found your vid before a went to HD for a tank.

[@reflectalite]

Do you recommend getting the Xtrol from a distributor or online. Online voids the warranty?

[@lindaswann6664]

in Charleston SC, where can I buy a Challenger tank?

[@greenpea9412]

What size tank is recomended for a home? 20, 36, 86?

[@poseypapusdiazfamily4630]

Can you buy clearish fibreglass non bladder tanks?

[@heavyfeather6682]

Thanks for the great video sir, in your opinion what is the best brand tank that you would recommend?

[@stephenzies8867]

Wells Amtrol 100 Percent

[@Dan-sq7zg]

Well rite and well x troll are the only tanks I would consider installing in my home. Would not use any other amtrol or flexcon tank including challenger.

[@jameswright4777]

what happen to old standard 20/40 psi?

[@bluestingerborg]

I want to run my irrigation system at 60.1 psi per head how do I increase my water pressure for that?

[@michaelreed9652]

Great presentation, Thank you

[@MRM5J]

Do you come to Charlotte NC?

[@bajanboytoy1]

Hi what do you think about the pro source and Goulds pressure tanks ???

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

they aren't the best tanks out there but they are better than a utilitech or water worker.

[@otischeatomjr22]

Great video's very informative

[@damonhill4909]

Yes. My parents had a plain steel non-bladder 40gal tank with a multistage jet pump over a 90ft well. The tank had an air-volume control to keep the tank from water-logging. It never worked that well and usually put too much air into the tank which I had to manually release and then start over. The current setup on our farm is a new remote well with a submersible pump a few yards away that fills 11000gal of storage that feeds into an irrigation pump and 22Gal bladder tank inside the old pump house. I troubleshot the system because the irrigation pump was short-cycling and would only build about 45psi instead of 60psi. The bladder is ruptured and I could not fill it with an air compressor, the air came shooting out the inlet after I emptied the tank to get a true reading (which you have to do anyway), so that proved to me right there the bladder was ruptured. We are currently pricing tanks and they arent cheap here in Northern California!

[@ml9633]

Awesome video again :) thanks, Maurice

[@wysiwyg654]

Well X Trol and Water Worker are both made by Amtrol. Both brands have the internal steel dome. Well X Trol touts it in their product literature.

[@patd2765]

How can I tell if the tank is bad or the bladder is leaking?

[@garyteague9555]

Great information

[@cowboymcq6711]

Fantastic video dude thanks a lot ❕❕

[@jamesgraham7083]

GREAT VIDEO BROTHER!

[@capitol699]

Great video. Buy once, cry once.

[@cprpremiumhandymanservices3735]

Thank you!

[@charliechoo6324]

Getting ready to replace my 30yr old AO Smith just because. Another video showed a 5 yr old Water Worker replaced because of leak

[@brasshound4442]

Just replaced a 20yr old well troll with another one. It was much more expensive but I don't have time or patience for water supply issues and I got enough stuff to work on than to monkey around with a cheap tank.

[@nick.schneider1445]

Great Video ! Nice Job -

[@johnlaband770]

Very useful. Thanks.

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janszy9735]

fantastic video

[@kenheyward9658]

Thanks for the info 👍

[@gilzr473]

Thanks for sharing,👍👍

[@nelsondog100]

Anyone have experience with A.O. Smith MDX series tanks?

[@alanlevine3984]

What would cause the pressure tank to loose pressure from 55psi to 38psi over an 1 hour period when no water is being used?

[@limestonequarry1]

I had a small leak in my supply line to my house

[@danpodhany6395]

Check your check valve.

[@whaleoilbeefhooked3892]

5:15 for the 5 second master plan.

[@deacadeind]

Awesome vid

[@domenicfp]

Thank you

[@marshallsanders5672]

I wish people understood quality over lowest price ! Not to mention installation and downtime 100 more All Day Long !

[@kyledray6623]

AO Smith?

[@scottsmith4145]

Outstanding

[@YarnKilla54]

When a tank has been bad for a significant amount of time what kind of bacteria can build up in it? Does the water become contaminated? Can you get sick?

[@bigpardner]

We have lived in this house almost 19 years with same 20 gal. tank. House was built in 1985 making the tank almost 35 years old IF the original tank. I'll have to check the brand but do not believe it is still being made. In any case I am close to going ahead and buying a larger XTrol thinking ours can't last much longer. Old tank is "aquatrol" made by Water Systems Division of State Industries. I see Nashville, TN on label. I see they still make pressure tanks, among other things, but not "aquatrol" brand.

[@bigpardner]

Looks like Challenger/Flexcon does not sell to the public like Amtrol and you would probably have to use contractor/plumber.

[@johnnyversaci7091]

My well trol went bad in 7 years or less 🤷

[@jimmaldonado-cy8hq]

One of them standard and on of them bladder

[@DOOBERtv]

buy once cry once... thank you sir