RO Water Tank Guide: Pick The Perfect One? Must Read!

Understanding RO Water Tank Selection: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide helps you understand the factors involved in choosing the right storage tank for your RO (Reverse Osmosis) purified water. We’ll delve into the different types of tanks available, the considerations for capacity, materials, and certifications, and provide practical advice to ensure you pick the best option for your needs. The primary focus will be on factors influencing the suitability of the storage tank of RO purified water.

Why is Choosing the Right Storage Tank Important?

The storage tank plays a vital role in your RO system, going beyond simple water holding. It affects:

• Water Purity Preservation: A suitable tank maintains the purity achieved through the RO process, preventing contamination.
• System Efficiency: The tank ensures readily available water, reducing the frequency of the RO unit cycling on and off, thus prolonging the life of the RO membrane and pump.
• Water Pressure: Proper tank pressure ensures consistent and adequate water flow from the faucet.

Types of RO Water Storage Tanks

Understanding the types of tanks helps narrow down your options.

Bladder Tanks

• Description: These tanks contain an internal bladder (typically made of butyl rubber or similar material) that separates the water from the pressurized air.
• Mechanism: The bladder expands as the tank fills with water, compressing the air. This compressed air provides the pressure to push the water out when you open the faucet.
• Advantages:
  • Prevents air from coming into direct contact with the water, reducing the risk of contamination.
  • Provides consistent water pressure.
• Disadvantages:
  • Bladders can eventually degrade or rupture, requiring replacement.
  • Slightly smaller usable capacity compared to bladderless tanks of the same size.

Bladderless Tanks

• Description: These tanks do not use a physical bladder. Instead, pressurized air sits directly on top of the water.
• Mechanism: As water enters the tank, it compresses the air at the top. This compressed air forces the water out when a tap is opened.
• Advantages:
  • Typically less expensive than bladder tanks.
  • Higher usable water capacity.
• Disadvantages:
  • Air can potentially dissolve into the water, leading to a flat taste.
  • May require periodic re-pressurization.
  • Potential for the tank to become waterlogged if air leaks out.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tank

Several factors must be weighed to ensure the chosen tank meets your specific requirements.

Tank Capacity

• Household Size: Larger households generally require larger tanks. Consider the number of people using the water and their daily consumption habits.
• Water Usage Patterns: Evaluate peak water demand times (e.g., during cooking or cleaning).
• Available Space: Ensure the chosen tank size physically fits in the designated installation area.
• Rule of Thumb: A family of four often benefits from a 3-4 gallon capacity tank, while smaller households may find a 2-gallon tank sufficient.

Tank Material

• Plastic Tanks: Typically made of food-grade polyethylene.
  • Advantages: Lightweight, durable, and relatively inexpensive.
  • Considerations: Ensure the plastic is BPA-free and NSF certified.
• Metal Tanks: Usually made of stainless steel.
  • Advantages: Highly durable and resistant to corrosion.
  • Considerations: Can be more expensive than plastic tanks.
  • Liner: Ensure metal tanks are lined with a food-grade material to prevent leaching of metals into the purified water.

Certifications and Standards

• NSF International: Look for tanks certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 or 61. This certification assures the tank has been tested and meets strict standards for material safety and performance regarding RO systems.
• BPA-Free: Ensure the tank material is BPA-free, as BPA can leach into the water and pose health risks.

Tank Pressure

• Pre-charge Pressure: Understand the pre-charge pressure of the tank, which is the air pressure inside the tank when it’s empty. This pressure influences the water pressure at the faucet.
• Adjustable Pressure: Some tanks allow you to adjust the pre-charge pressure to optimize water flow. Consult the RO system manufacturer’s recommendations for the ideal pressure setting.

Tank Dimensions and Installation

• Physical Size: Measure the available space to ensure the tank fits comfortably.
• Connection Type: Verify the tank’s connection type (e.g., 1/4" NPT) is compatible with your RO system’s tubing and fittings.
• Mounting: Consider whether the tank requires floor or wall mounting and ensure you have the necessary hardware and support.

Comparing Tank Types: A Quick Reference

Feature	Bladder Tank	Bladderless Tank
Water Contact	Water touches the bladder	Water touches the tank’s interior & air
Pressure	Consistent	Can fluctuate
Maintenance	Bladder replacement possible	Requires periodic repressurization
Cost	Generally higher	Generally lower
Usable Capacity	Slightly lower	Slightly higher
Contamination Risk	Lower	Higher

Alright, that wraps up our guide to picking the perfect RO water tank! Hopefully, you’re feeling confident in making the right choice for your needs. Remember, a little research goes a long way when it comes to keeping your **storage tank of RO purified water** in tip-top shape. Happy hydrating!