Bladder Tank Vs Pressure Tank – 4 Things Made them Different!
The difference between bladder tank and pressure tank can be noticed by just giving them a close look, how? Well, they’re different from each other when it comes to the build quality. Bladder tanks are nothing but air-filled balloons, while the diaphragm and galvanized pressure tanks are mostly made of steel.
The article on bladder tank vs pressure tank is going to show you what you’re looking for! We did hours of research to find out some of the specific things, which make them a little different, if not completely.
So, let’s dive in!
Bladder Tank Vs Pressure Tank: Comparison Chart
Let’s have a look at this chart below if you’re in a hurry and need to make a decision within no time:
| Key Points | Bladder Tank | Pressure Tank |
| Water Holding Capacity | Can hold around 25 to 25,000 gallons of water | the diaphragm pressure tank is able to hold 2,000 to 4,000 gallons of water |
| Build Quality | Usually made of butyl rubber and polyvinyl chloride | Mostly manufactured with steel |
| Differences In Lifespan | Can last for up to 7 years | 10 to 15 years of average lifespan |
| Price Ranges | Relatively less expensive | Galvanized pressure tanks are so costly |
Right now, we’re going to explain the differences in detail, especially for those who want to know about them deeply!
Differences in Tank Size
Size matters in almost every case. And when we specifically look for a water pressure tank, it becomes necessary to consider the overall shape and size.
A bladder tank, also familiar as a pillow tank, comes in a pretty large size in order to store a large amount of liquids, especially the water. The maximum range of capacity is up to 25,000 gallons, and the minimum range is around 25 gallons. To hold such amounts, it requires to be quite bigger in size.
Speaking of the pressure tank, the range of size is going to be different, depending on the type. For instance, a diaphragm pressure tank appears comparatively smaller than the bladder tank that is able to hold approximately 2,000-4000 gallons, sometimes even less. Thus, it’s mostly used in DHW (domestic hot water) systems.
But a typical bladder tank won’t beat any galvanized pressure tanks in terms of size! The enormous structure makes them able to hold around 4000 to 6 million gallons of liquids, which is why they’re ideal for industrial liquids, storing huge amounts of oil, and other commercial purposes.
Functionality Differences
While comparing diaphragm vs bladder pressure tank, you may find noticeable differences, especially in terms of how they function. Although they utilize two individual chamber systems instead of one for the water and air, bladder tanks have been found with air-filled balloon that usually contracts or expand to trigger pumps.
Unlike the bladder, a diaphragm pressure pump has been found with a well-attached rubber diaphragm to each side of the tank, keeping air and water fully separated.
Longevity Comparing- Pressure Tank Or Bladder Tank
The bladder tank is so flexible that generally uses polyvinyl chloride and butyl rubber as primary materials. And needless to say, you’ll find it more like an air-filled balloon, which means it’s relatively softer. And when it comes down to longevity, it can last between 5 to 7 years, depending on how you actually treat it.
Also Read: Expansion Tank Vs Pressure Tank- Which One Do You Need?
Talking about the lifetime of pressure tanks, it depends on which type you’ve selected for you. But in general, 10 to 15 years is the approximate or average lifetime of typical water pressure tanks.
Beneficial – Bladder Tank or Pressure Tank
Speaking of the benefits, both bladder tank and pressure tank play a key role. But they aren’t actually designed to meet your same requirements!
Let’s say, pressure tanks allow users to get access to well water instantly, meaning, it won’t be necessary to switch on the pump manually.
What about the advantage of using pressure tanks? Well, they aid in maintaining the overall pressure of water at a constant level.
A bladder tank, on the flip side, comes in a unique design that eliminates the requirement of having an extra pump. The surprising fact is, it works as a pump without even taking assistance from power, and you’ll be able to feed boilers, dishwashers, and such things using bladder tanks.
Price Differences
This is where you’ll find a difference, especially while comparing the galvanized pressure tank vs bladder tank. The enormous size, huge liquid-holding capacity, and sturdy build quality make a galvanized pressure tank so pricey! The range of cost is around $1000 – $2600 or even more at times. As a result, they’re only used for commercial purposes.
When we talk about a pressure tank for well, you’ll find it in a range of $150 to $300, depending on the models. As you can see, it’s more affordable than the galvanized pressure tank, making it ideal for homeowners.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do all pressure tanks have a bladder?
Frankly speaking, most of the modern pressure tanks include rubber bladders or diaphragms. These days, a lot of water systems find it effective to utilize bladder-type tanks while the older generation was much familiar with the galvanized steel water systems.
Is a bladder tank the same as a pressure tank?
Indeed, bladder tanks are nothing but a common type of pressure tank that’s used for multiple applications. Because of their extensive usage and versatility, most people are making them completely different from pressure tanks, that’s it.
What happens when a bladder tank goes bad?
Unfortunately, so many things may occur when your bladder tank goes bad! “Frequent water hammers” are the main culprit behind weakening the older joints and stressing water pipes. It can happen at times, especially when your bladder tank becomes unable to hold the optimal or constant water pressure.
Which Water Tank You Should Go For?
As you’re familiar with some of the different types of pressure tanks, it seems like you’re getting confused about which one suits you most, right? Well, let us help you a little more –
If you’re someone who prefers a tank of higher water-holding capacity for their houses, feel free to rely on the bladder instead of the diaphragm tank. But the case might be different if you need something for commercial purposes because a galvanized pressure tank is way bigger in size, even than the bladder.
As for longevity, pressure tanks earn the gold standard as they can easily last around 10 to 15 years. But if you’re ready to compromise for the sake of price, then the bladder should be your go-to tank due to its reasonable price tag.
So hopefully, we’ve successfully delivered the massage on which one you need to look for through the bladder tank vs pressure tank post. Now, it’s all up to you!
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