Well Water Pressure & Storage Tanks

A well pressure tank is a sealed tank (typically steel with a rubber diaphragm or bladder inside) that stores water under pressure between your well pump and your plumbing. When you turn on a faucet, water is drawn from the tank first. When tank pressure drops to the pump's cut-in setting (commonly 20 or 30 PSI), the pump switches on to refill the tank. This cycle keeps pressure consistent and prevents the pump from short-cycling, which can cause premature failure.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they technically describe different things. A well pressure tank (also called a hydro-pneumatic tank or pressure tank) stores a pressurized water reserve and uses an air-over-diaphragm design to maintain system pressure and protect the pump from short-cycling. A true water storage tank is a large atmospheric vessel (more like a cistern or holding tank) that stores water volume without pressurization. The tanks in this collection are well pressure tanks, designed for active well and booster pump systems, not passive water storage.

Common signs that a pressure tank is failing include rapid pump cycling (the pump turns on and off every few seconds), waterlogged tank (no air charge remaining, causing the tank to feel heavy and deliver no drawdown), visible rust or corrosion on the tank exterior, fluctuating or inconsistent water pressure at fixtures, and air spurting from faucets when the pump is running. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us or call 1-800-252-6665 to discuss replacement options.

Tank sizing depends on your pump's flow rate (GPM), your pressure switch settings, and your household's peak demand. As a general rule, a larger drawdown volume means fewer pump cycles per hour, which extends pump life. For a typical residential well, a 20–44 gallon tank handles most single-family applications. Larger homes, irrigation systems, or commercial applications often call for 60–120+ gallon tanks. Call us and we can help you match the right tank to your setup.

Drawdown volume is the amount of usable water a tank delivers between the pump cut-in pressure (when the pump turns on) and the cut-out pressure (when it shuts off). A 44-gallon tank, for example, doesn't deliver 44 gallons of water per cycle or the actual drawdown at a 30/50 pressure switch setting is closer to 14 gallons. Drawdown volume varies by tank size and pressure switch setting and is the most important spec to match to your pump's flow rate when sizing a replacement tank.

All WellRite and Amtrol tanks in this collection are compatible with standard 20/40, 30/50, and 40/60 pressure switch settings. The factory pre-charge pressure on each tank should be set to match your pressure switch cut-in pressure (typically 2 PSI below the cut-in setting). For example, a 30/50 system requires a 28 PSI pre-charge. Always verify and adjust the air pre-charge before installing a new tank.

Well pressure tank replacement is a task many experienced DIYers and homeowners comfortable with plumbing can complete, but it requires shutting off the pump, relieving system pressure, and correctly setting the air pre-charge before installation. In most states, well system work does not require a licensed contractor for a simple tank swap, but local codes vary. If you're unsure, our team can recommend a qualified pump contractor in your area.

Most pressure tank installations also require a tank tee package, which is a pre-assembled fitting assembly that connects the tank to the water line and typically includes the pressure switch, pressure gauge, drain valve, and union. Depot Pump stocks tank tee packages and other pump and tank accessories to complete your installation.