Can a Well Pressure Tank Be Too Big? (Choose Wisely!)

To save your good pump from breaking down soon, a good pressure tank is a must-have. But the confusing part is choosing a pressure tank of the right size. Because there are a lot of options. 

Now, you may get only larger pressure tanks available in your area. So, the question might arise in your mind can a good pressure tank be too big

Yes, the good pressure tank is too big. In contrast, big pressure tanks are good for your good pump’s durability. As the pump will have to take less load. Electricity consumption will be less too. The only issue is that it will cost more and take up more room. But, a tank can be too tiny for your home.

Read the whole article. Because I am gonna assist you in choosing the right size well pressure tank. 

Can a Well Pressure Tank Be Too Big?

Well-pressure tanks are important to take off the extra load from your water pump. As you know, it holds some water for your immediate use. So your good pump doesn’t have to be turned on and off frequently. 

But, Is it OK to oversize a good pressure tank? It’s just for holding water, right? Yeah, it’s fine if you have an oversize well pressure tank. Let’s see why. 

Increases Well Pump Longevity

It keeps the good pump functional for a long time. But how? For that, you have to understand first what it does. 

Each time you turn on a water tap you basically demand water from your well. And then what happens? Your well pump has to turn on to provide you will the water. But imagine how many times you need water in a day. 

So, turning the pump on and off this much will make it break down soon enough. 

For that we use a good pressure tank, right? So we can save some water there. Each time we turn a water tap or shower on, we get water from the pressure tank. And when the pressure tank is empty, the good pump is required to be turned on. 

So, suppose you have a big pressure tank. The pump has a longer cycle between turning on and off. Your pump’s longevity will increase. 

Sometimes your good pump can face problems. You can repair the good pump by troubleshooting yourself. Or just go to a repair shop. 

Stabilizes Household Water Pressure

Imagine that each time you turn on the faucet, there is a shortage of water. Your pump needs to kick in. in this situation, there is sputters and spits of water. Because the faucet waits for the pump to catch up. 

This is a very irritating situation, right? 

But when you have a big pressure tank, you don’t have to wait for getting water. The water pressure of your overall home will be stabilized.

Handles Big Amount of Water Demand

Suppose you have to wash a big load of dirty clothes. Or your kids take up forever in the shower. 

Let’s say you gonna need 50 gallons of water for one of these situations. And your pressure tank has only a capacity of holding 10 gallons of water. 

Yeah, you guessed it right. Your pumps need to be turned on and off 5 times only for one job. 

So, bigger tanks will save you from this short-cycle problem when you need a lot of water. 

By the way, as you have a well, did you ever consider a campfire beside it? Try it with your friends and family. And trust me you won’t regret it. You can use aspen firewood for the campfire as it’s available everywhere. 

Reduces Electric Consumption

Turning the good pump on and off again requires a lot of electric consumption. A big pressure tank will help avoid this situation. And less well pump turning on means less electric consumption. 

So, you see, a wall pressure tank can’t be too big. Although sometimes your pump can produce more heat. As it has to run for a longer time at once. Also, it will cost you some more money. And it gonna take up a bigger space. But in my opinion, it’s worth it. 

Can a Well Pressure Tank Be Too Small?

A good pressure can be not too big in size. But it can definitely be too small. A small pressure tank will increase the turn-on and off cycle of your good pump.

So, your good pump will break down soon. And it’s really costly to replace. Motors in pumps and other machines frequently get worse if not handled properly. 

Lathe machine motors are one of them. You can replace those motors by yourself. 

The electric consumption for this frequent well pump on and off is also higher. That even increases when you are using water in a bulk amount. And that’s inevitable in a house with kids. 

And also the water flow of your house faucets and showers will be unstable. You will face much irritating sputtering of water. 

How Do I Size a Well Pressure Tank?

Now, it’s clear to you that a big well pressure tank is more beneficial for you. But how big? As is it comes with a cost and takes up space. There should be a safe size. 

Don’t worry! Here’s a method by which you can measure your required pressure tank size. 

Determine the Flow Rate

All pumps have a flow rate. It is the capacity, that how many gallons of water they can produce in a minute. You gonna find it in your pump’s description that comes with the pump. It is known as the pump’s GPM ( gallons per minute) 

Determine the Pump’s Run Time

The good pump’s minimum run time is another aspect to watch out for. It is linked to the pump’s GPM. Suppose, the flow rate of the good pump is 10 gallons. The minimum run time should be 1 GPM. 

If the flow rate is more than 10 gallons, the minimum run time is usually 1.5 GPM. 

Calculating Draw-down Capacity

The formula for calculating the draw-down capacity is really easy. You just have to multiply the flow rate of the pump with the run time. 

For example, your pump’s flow rate is 13 gallons. And the run time is 1.5 GPM. So, the draw-down capacity is 13 x 1.5 = 19.5 gallons. 

If I round it up, I am gonna need a pressure tank with a 20-gallon capacity. A Water Worker 20-gallon pressure tank can be a good option. 

Consider Pressure Switch Setting

The pressure switch setting is another thing to think about when purchasing a pressure tank. It is a baseline that gives a signal to the pump to turn off or on. Typically you will find tanks with pressure switches, 20/40, 30/50, and 40/60. 

For example, 20/40 means, the pump will turn on in 20 PSI pressure.  And it will turn off at 40 PSI. 

Remember, If the operating pressure is higher, you need a bigger tank. Tank size and pressure are directly correlated.  As one rises, the other follows. 

Less drawdown occurs at higher pressure settings, and you gonna need a tank with greater capacity.

So, that’s how you can choose a pressure tank for your home. This math is not much complicated. Just give it a try.

Remember, you have to check the air pressure of the pressure tank occasionally. If your tank doesn’t have any bladder. 

Do you do these works and other replacements and woodwork by yourself? Then you may consider using triton tools, there are of good quality. 

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Well Pressure Tank? 

The cost depends on the capacity and quality of the pressure tank. You can get pressure tanks from $270 to $550. You can get a 20-gallon tank for $300-350. 25-30 gallons are on a little expensive side. The tank will cost more with a composite base. 

What Happens When A Pressure Tank Goes Bad?

The first thing you will notice if your pressure tank goes bad is unstable water pressure. When you turn the faucet there may be a sudden rush of water. Or the eater may keep changing direction and sputter. Your pump will turn on and off more than it usually does. 

Do I Need To Add Air To My Pressure Tank?

You need to add air to your pressure tank occasionally if it doesn’t have a bladder. Bladderless pressure tanks often lose their air charge and you need to correct it. But a pressure tank with a bladder doesn’t have this problem. It does not lose air unless there is a leak.

Conclusion

So, what do you think? Can a Well Pressure Tank Be Too Big? To me, it’s actually better if you can accommodate some extra space. 

If you need to change the pressure tank, buy it as soon as possible. Because your well pump has to overwork without it. That’s all for now. 

Have a good day!

Kevin Smith

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