Bladder Tank vs Pressure Tank: What's the Difference? (2023)

Water tanks play a key role in many homes and industrial environments. They are used to store water for various purposes such as irrigation, drinking and cleaning. The most common use of a water tank in a household is to supply pressurized water from a well to the water mains.

There are two main types of water tanks: bladder tanks and pressurized water tanks. While both types of tanks can hold water, they have some important differences that you should be aware of.

We've shared everything you need to knowbladder tanks vs pressure tanksin this guide.

🤔 What is a bladder tank?

ONEwater tankit is a kind of reservoir in which water accumulatesflexible bladder, diaphragm or bagwhich is made of a durable material such as rubber or plastic. The bladder is usually placed in a larger metal or plastic container.

The pressure of the water presses against the walls of the bladder. As water is used, the bladder contracts, and when refilled, the bladder expands.

The purpose of the bladder tank is to supply water under regulated pressure to the domestic plumbing system. With the bladder tank, you will enjoy an even flow of water and devices such as showers and faucets will work properly.

One of the key benefits of a water bladder tank is thistakes up less spaceinstead of a traditional water tank. Since the water is stored in a flexible bladder, the tank itself can be made much smaller. This makes bladder water tanks a good choice for homes with limited space.

In addition, water bladder tanks arerelatively easy to set up and maintainmaking them a popular choice for many people.

🧐 What is a pressure tank?

The water pressure tank is a type of tank thatstores pressurized water. These types of containers are usually made ofmetal or fiberglassand is usually used in conjunction with a sump pump.

When the sump pump is turned on, it forces water into the pressure tank. The pump stops pumping water when a certain pressure is reached.

Then, when you turn on a faucet or water-using device, the compressed air pushes the pressurized water out of the tank and the pressure in the tank drops. When the pressure drops to a certain level, the well pump turns on again to fill the reservoir.

Pressurized water tanks serve the same purpose as bladder tanks:for supplying pressurized water to the domestic plumbing system. You will enjoy the same benefits of a regular pressure tank as you would of a bladder pressure tank - the only difference being the design of the tank.

🆚 Pressure Tanks vs Bladder Tanks: What are the Main Differences?

Now we know the definition of pressure work and bladder tank, how do they compare?Below are the main differences.

balloon system

The main difference between the membrane pressure tank and the traditional pressure tank system is that the water tanks have a bladderballoon system, while pressure vessels do not.

This difference in design affects other characteristics of the tank, including size and maintenance requirements.

System size

Another key difference is the difference in the size of diaphragm and pressurized tanks.

Bladder tanks only need to produce compressed air with the bladder and not the entire tank, which means they can be much smaller than standard stainless steel pressurized water tanks.

Tank size affects the draw.Bladder tanks have a stronger and more efficient draw than stainless steel pressurized tanks, even though pressurized water tanks have the same amount of space inside.

Because the membrane pressure vessel is compact, it can be used for many purposes and is much more suitable than a standard pressure vessel for smaller homes with less floor space.

Related: How to determine the size of a pressure vessel

Maintenance requirements

Another difference between pressure vessel and diaphragm pressure vessel is maintenance.

ONEThe pressure vessel usually requires more maintenancefrom the bladder reservoir due to the increased possibility of overflow. Since air and water are combined in this type of water tank, the air can gradually penetrate into the water.

There must be a pressure tank to avoid overfilling problemscheck and reset every 3-6 months. This problem does not occur with bladder tanks because the air and water never come into contact with each other, so overflow checks are not required.

Efficiency

ONEThe bladder expansion vessel is more efficientthan a standard steel pressure vessel due to the vacuum created by the bubble in the vessel. Regarding air pressure, the bladder pressure reservoir continues to progress regardless of water pressure.

To create pressure inside the tank, a galvanized pressure tank requires a large amount of water, and a pressure tank loses air pressure as the water pressure in the tank decreases, which is generally a less efficient process.

Related: Explanation of expansion tanks in relation to pressure tanks

Resilience

The last key difference between pressure tanks and bladder tanks is their durability.

A typical stainless steel pressure vessel isresistant tobut nomy immune systemcorrosion. Over time, tank materials will rust, which will affect water quality.

In the case of a membrane tank, this problem does not occur. Even if the materials of the tank corrode, bits of rust and metal will not get into the water because the rubber lining acts as a barrier between them.

This allows you to use your bladder pressure tank longer, even when it begins to corrode, without affecting water quality.

In addition, corrosion in a bubble tank is slower because the water never touches the metal.

⚖️ Which is better: a bladder tank or a standard pressure tank?

Which tank is the best option for you: a membrane tank or a standard pressure tank?

The preferred choice is a modern bladder pressure vesselbecause it is more efficient and durable than a standard steel pressure vessel, it requires less maintenance and can be installed in confined spaces.

Most people will find membrane tanks to be better value for money, but they are still worth buying if you are looking for a pressure tank. If you want a second opinion from a professional, talk to your local plumber or specialist.

❔ Bladder Tank vs. Pressure Tank: Frequently Asked Questions

Do all pressurized water tanks have bubbles?

So.They are therevarious types of pressure vesselsand not everyone has a bladder adjustment. The oldest type of pressure vessel - the standard stainless steel vessel - does not have a bladder. State-of-the-art bladder pressure tankHe worksthey have a bladder: an inner rubber lining that separates water and air.

Can I replace the bladder in a pressure vessel?

I,you can replace the bladder in the pressure tank. The average lifespan of a bladder in a pressure vessel is 5-7 years. To keep the tank in good condition, you will need to replace the bladder.

What is the purpose of the bladder tank?

A bladder tank is one type of tank usedstorage and delivery of pressurized water. It has a flexible rubber or plastic bladder enclosed in a rigid container. The bladder is filled with water, and the space between the bladder and the vessel is filled with air. The purpose of the bladder water tank is to store water in a compact and efficient way, while ensuring that you can easily pump or drain the water as needed.

What is the difference between a bladder tank and a membrane tank?

Both bladder tanks andIn membrane pressure vessels, a flexible membrane is usedto retain water, but differ in the way the membrane is supported and the design of the tanks. The bladder tank contains a vinyl tank that is easily replaceable, while the membrane tank contains a rubber flat diaphragm, vinyl or butyl tank that cannot be replaced.