I currently have an 82 gallon pressure tank. I need to replace the tank. Any retail outlet I visit only has a maximum of a 32 gallon tank. They all tell me the new 32 gallon tanks are designed to take the place of my larger tank. (residential). Is this true? I filled a gallon of water in about 5-6 seconds which tells me I probably do need at least an 82 gallon tank size.

They all tell me the new 32 gallon tanks are designed to take the place of my larger tank. (residential). Is this true?

I don't accept that. The size of the tank determines the "draw down", the amount of water you have available between the time the well pump turn on and off. The greater the draw down the less frequently the pump starts and stops. The number times the pumps starts and stops, not the run time, is the primary factor in pump life.

You said pressure tank. Do you mean pressure tank or bladder tank. Pressure tank will be unpainted, galvanized tank.
Bladder tank will be painted, often blue, will have air valve on the top.

You said pressure tank. Do you mean pressure tank or bladder tank. Pressure tank will be unpainted, galvanized tank. Bladder tank will be painted, often blue, will have air valve on the top

That's a big question. If you have a galvanized tank which has no bladder, then you will NOT be able to simply replace it with a bladder tank. It it a different type of system. It can be done, but it takes some modifying.

Why are you replacing the tank?

If you have a galvanized tank which has no bladder, then you will NOT be able to simply replace it with a bladder tank
Why do you say that?


Why are you replacing the tank?

That is a good question. I should have asked it.

H.K. the tanks that have no bladder have a different way of maintaining an air charge. When the pump shuts down, there is an air valve above the well pipe that allows air in. The water column "retreats" all the way to the pump. When the pump cuts on, it shoves that air into the tank. A valve in the tank prevents the tank from overfilling with air. If you put a bladder tank on that system, it will simply fill the tank with air. You have to disable the air valve above the well pipe in order to change tanks.

By the way BelievesinHim, you can get any size you want online from, for instance, Home Depot. (Like your name)

http://www.homedepot.com/b/Plumbing-Pumps-Well-Pumps-Systems-Pressure-Tanks/N-5yc1vZbqld