Can I replace an air tank with a bladder tank easily?

System Compatibility

When replacing an air tank with a bladder tank, ensure the existing system is compatible with the new tank type. Bladder tanks are designed to expand and contract as water pressure changes, but they require a specific type of air compressor or pump to maintain the bladder’s integrity. Typically, a bladder tank requires a diaphragm-type compressor or a pump specifically designed for bladder tank systems, such as the 1/3 HP Goulds or the 1/4 HP Taco pumps.

Sizing Considerations

To ensure proper water pressure and system performance, size the bladder tank based on the system’s demand and storage requirements. As a general rule, a bladder tank should be sized to provide a minimum of 2-3 gallons of storage per gallon of system demand per minute (GPM). For example, a 10 GPM system would require a bladder tank with a minimum capacity of 20-30 gallons. Additionally, consider the tank’s bladder volume, which should be at least 10-20% of the total tank capacity.

Installation and Setup

During installation, ensure the bladder tank is properly connected to the system’s pipes and that the air compressor or pump is set to the correct pressure range. Typically, the pressure range for a bladder tank is between 20-80 psi, with a recommended set point of 40-60 psi. It’s also essential to bleed the system and check for leaks before starting the compressor or pump to prevent damage to the bladder or other system components.