Bladder tanks are common and easy to maintain. They are a balloon-like bag with one opening for water to flow in and out; however, most of what you find in the bladder is air and very little water. There is "charged" air within the bladder that does not mix with the water, though the air may eventually escape due to wearing of parts.

If it seems like the air pressure in your bladder is low, there is a simple way to check. Turn off the pump, open the faucet and use a car pressure gauge on the shrader valve for a pressure reading. To add air, use an air compressor. If the bladder does not accept air, it is probably ready for replacement. For bladder tanks installation and maintenance, consider the following possibilities:

1. Find resolutions for problems with bladder tanks.

2. Learn tips on maintaining bladder tanks.

3. Install bladder tanks by using in-house employees.

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Look for answers to troubles with bladder tanks

Is your bladder tank not working right? Sometimes you have a problem that is common and easy to fix. If the problem is that the pump is cycling too often, consider a cycle stop valve to maintain a constant pressure, which limits your pumping cycle. A CSV also reduces energy costs and wear and tear on your pump.

I recommend: If you're trying to figure out why your bladder tank is not working properly, see WaterTech Online.com for trouble-shooting ideas. The Washington State Department of Health also has helpful bladder tank information. Cycle Stop Valves provides a PBS video review of their product and more.

Discover simple maintenance for bladder tanks

To extend the life of the bladder, periodically check the pre-charged air pressure. Look for around 2 to 10 PSI lower than the start pressure and adjust as needed. In addition, extend the life of the bladder and pump by reducing the frequency of the pump cycles. These hints reduce the flexing of the bladder, which increases the life of the bladder.

I recommend: Terry Love's Plumbing and Remodel site provides easy-to-follow maintenance suggestions. Instructions for checking tank air pressure in a reverse osmosis system are available at WaterFiltersOnline.com.

Remove and replace bladder tanks

If you realize you need to replace your bladder tanks, but need time to find the replacement, sometimes you can add air to the bladder for a very temporary fix. When it comes to replacing the tank, turn everything off before starting. It also helps if you empty the tank before removal; drill a hole in the side of it to drain the water. This lightens the load when you move the tank away from the hook-up area.

I recommend: For systematic instructions with pictures for replacing a pressure tank, see HammerZone.com. For detailed instructions for installing a Series ETA and DETA, ASME Code Expansion Tank, see WATTS.

Bladder tanks use a flexible membrane to store, distribute or pressurize fluids. Bladder tanks commonly store and distribute water, but bladder storage tanks can be used to house hazardous chemicals. The design of the bladder tank depends on its intended use, but all bladder tanks separate a fluid from the surrounding air. Storage bladder tanks consist of only a bladder and are often found temporarily storing water, fuels and oils at project locations. Other types of bladder tanks use a bladder within a tank made of a protective material such as steel.

With the exception of bladder tanks used solely for storage, this type of tank uses the air pressure between the bladder and the outer tank to function. Companies often use bladder tanks to resolve pressure fluctuations within their applications. Residential and commercial plumbing, HVAC and industrial water applications all use bladder tanks. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, or ASME, code dictates the standards of bladder tanks with ASME tanks labeled as such. When purchasing a bladder tank, consider the following:

1. Buy bladder pressure tanks for water storage and distribution.

2. Use bladder storage tanks for on-site storage.

3. Install bladder tanks in HVAC applications.

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Purchase bladder tanks for water storage and distribution

Bladder water tanks used for water storage and distribution function as both a tank and a pump. The pressure that builds up between the bladder and surrounding air releases when a line, such as a faucet or toilet, opens. You use this type of bladder tank to resolve pressure fluctuations in plumbing applications and deliver pressurized water in industrial water applications.

I recommend: Order a bladder water tank from APS Water Services. The company offers pre-pressurized tanks with a sealed in charge. AA tanks manufactures bladder style hydro-pneumatic tanks for commercial well and water systems, booster systems, irrigation systems and similar applications. The company offers bladder water tanks ranging in size from 10 to 3,963 gallons.

Use bladder tanks for on-site liquid storage

Bladder storage tanks, also referred to as flexible tanks and pillow tanks, provide quick on-site storage. This type of bladder tank isn't housed in a larger outer tank. You can use the collapsible bladder for both temporary and long-term storage. Many storage bladder tanks are designed to store hazardous liquids, including fuel and oil.

I recommend: Interstate Products manufactures both standard and custom bladder storage tanks. This manufacturer's bladder tanks are ideal for storing bilge slops, potable water, grey water, chemicals or fuel. ModuTank also manufactures bladder tanks capable of storing potable water, fuels, chemicals, slurries and liquid wastes. This company's tank capacities start at 3,000 gallons and exceed 210,000 gallons.

Order bladder expansion tanks for heating and cooling applications

Bladder expansion tanks are installed in heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications to absorb expanding fluid and limit building pressure. The flexible bladder accommodates the different water volumes, as the water heats and cools. The use of a bladder tank allows a much smaller design of the HVAC unit than units that use a traditional pressure tank.

I recommend: Browse an inventory of bladder expansion tanks at Wessels Company. The tanks range in size from 10 gallons to 4,000 gallons. Mechanical Room Supplies offers ASME bladder tanks for hot water applications. This company designs its bladder expansion tanks to absorb the expansion of non-potable fluids in hydronic and cooling systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A leak or hole in the bladder causes a bladder pressure tank to lose pressure. Many manufacturers sell replacement bladders individually.
• •  Bladder tanks placed directly on the ground are susceptible to rust, with the exception of bladder storage tanks.

Bladder tanks are typically made of flexible rubber or rubber-like materials and are used to store or transport liquids such as water, chemicals, oil and fuel. Those who work in the agricultural industry or the emergency response field may use bladder tanks to store water, whether drinkable for disaster relief situations or non-drinkable for watering purposes. Those who run chemical plants may need bladder tanks to store hazardous substances, and bladders often serve as fuel reservoirs on small, high-performance aircraft.

If your business requires the storage of liquids, a close look at bladder tanks' pricing and costs will show you that they can be an economical option. Not only are they relatively inexpensive, bladder tanks can be folded up, often to the size of a pizza box, making them easy to store when not in use. Plus, they can last for as long as 50 years, depending on the manufacturer. When considering investing in a bladder tank, think about what kind you need and how you will maintain it. For example, you may need:

1. Regular bladder tanks for storing liquids.

2. Specialized bladder tanks for operating a water system.

3. A service company to repair existing bladder tanks.

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Purchase collapsible liquid storage bladder tanks

Liquid storage bladders come in a range of sizes and are designed to hold a variety of substances. Some storage bladders are made with FDA-approved materials for holding healthy drinking water, while others are suited for rainwater collection for agricultural purposes. There are also storage bladders made specifically for holding fuel, typically used aboard aircraft and boats.

I recommend: To prepare for an emergency situation, business owners can purchase 60-, 150- or 300-gallon collapsible drinkable water storage bladders from Promolife for prices ranging from roughly $170 to $350. For those in the farming business, Northern Tool + Equipment offers a 1000-gallon, non-drinkable water storage water bladder for about $900. Cyber Bridge Marine sells fuel bladders suitable for boats; a 200-gallon model sells for just over $1000, while a smaller, 50-gallon model goes for just under $700.

Price out hydropneumatic bladder tanks for well and irrigation systems

In addition to serving as storage devices on their own, bladders are used as components within hydropneumatic tanks, or tanks designed to hold both liquid and gas. A hydropneumatic tank typically consists of a butyl rubber bladder within a larger steel case. Pressurized air surrounds the water-filled bladder, which allows the water to be pumped out by the pressure. Hydropneumatic tanks can be used in commercial wells and other water systems.

I recommend: Bladder Tank Wholesale offers a number of hydropneumatic bladder tanks in 158- to 528-gallon sizes for between approximately $3,000 to $8,000. Hanson Tank carries similar tanks in 264-gallon to 660-gallon sizes for between $5,000 and $8,450.

Consider repairing, rather than replacing, bladder tanks

Bladder tanks are by no means indestructible. Those used to store fuel are especially prone to damage because of chemical additives in fuel, which tend to break down the bladder's rubber. Rather than spending a lot of money on replacing leaking bladders, business owners can save cash by having them repaired instead.

I recommend: Goliath has an informative article on the benefits of repairing versus replacing aircraft fuel bladders. Hartwig Aircraft Fuel Cell Repair will fix leaking fuel bladders for $40 an hour, plus material costs.

From storing petroleum to dispensing drinking water, bladder tanks have their place in many industries. Whether you're searching for small residential bladder tanks for a new construction project or are in need of a large industrial bladder tank for on-site storage, knowing the key terms for the tanks and their accessories can simplify your purchase.

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Pounds per square inch (PSI)

In layman's terms, the pounds per square inch (PSI) of a bladder tank is the amount of air pressure inside the tank's membrane. The PSI is measured with an air pressure gauge.

I recommend: Read through examples of how PSI affects the function of bladder expansion tanks at Armstrong.

Reverse osmosis

Reverse osmosis is a method of filtering water by using pressure to force the liquid through a membrane. The membrane traps pollutants so only clean water passes through the membrane.

I recommend: For an example of a reverse osmosis bladder tank, visit WaterFilters.net. To learn more about reverse osmosis bladder tanks ideal for industrial use, read through the product specifications at Instawares Restaurant Supply.

Cycle stop valve

A cycle stop valve prevents a bladder tank's pump from cycling needlessly, which can decrease the lifespan of the pump. This type of valve, which is often referred to as simply a CSV, also maintains the tank's pressure while the pump is in use.

I recommend: To learn more about cycle stop valves, visit Pumps and Tanks. Water Online offers a simple explanation of how cycle stop valves work.

Pre-charged air pressure

A pre-charged air pressure bladder tank is shipped from the manufacturer with the proper PSI. A pre-charged tank eliminates the guesswork of preparing the tank for use.

I recommend: For an example of a pre-charged air pressure tank, visit The Tank Depot.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) sets standards for bladder tanks, among other mechanical products. An ASME bladder tank will comply with public building codes.

I recommend: Read more about the ASME at Virginia Tech. To see examples of non-ASME bladder tanks, which are acceptable for residential use, visit the Wessels Company.

Waterlogged

A bladder tank becomes waterlogged when there is too much water within the tank for it to operate. A waterlogged tank can lead to pump burnout, tank failure and all the issues that come with stagnant water.

I recommend: Read about troubleshooting a waterlogged bladder tank at WaterTechOnline.com.