Storage tank for water supply: how to install?

The water supply system, which operates autonomously, does not surprise anyone today. Such structures are practical and very convenient, however, for their work very often devices are required, which people who operate a centralized water supply simply do not know.

Need to use

For example, an autonomous water supply system for a long time will be able to operate smoothly only if it has an expansion tank. In the market of modern goods, you can find many different models of such devices. In order to choose the best option, you need to navigate in the types of equipment and imagine the principle of its functioning.

Equipment arrangement

The storage tank for water supply is designed to support a certain pressure in the water supply system. The closest membrane tank is most often used for this. It is carried out in the form of a container, inside which there is a rubber membrane. It divides the described device into two compartments: one of them is air, the other - water. The electric pump after filling the system fills the water chamber with water. The volume of the air compartment is reduced. The smaller the volume of air in the tank, the higher the pressure. As soon as it exceeds a certain mark, the pump automatically turns off. It will be used only after the pressure drops below the minimum mark, the water will then come from the water compartment. The on / off cycle will be repeated automatically. The user can check the pressure in the system by the manometer, which is installed on the equipment. You can customize the device by selecting the most suitable working pressure range.

Expansion tank functions

The storage tank for water supply is designed to perform several functions at once, namely: maintain the pressure in the case when the pump is switched off; Protect the system from a hydraulic shock, which can be triggered by air entering the pipeline or by voltage drops in the network. Among other things, this element of the water supply system can keep a certain amount of water in stock. This component is also required to protect the pump from premature wear. The use of the tank allows, with low water consumption, not to use the pump, but to satisfy the fluid requirements due to the volume that is stored in the reserve.

Tank selection

If you decide to install a storage tank for water supply, it will be important initially to understand what kind of membrane equipment you will need. You can pick up a device that has a replaceable membrane. As a distinguishing feature here is the possibility of replacing the membrane. It can be removed through a special flange, which is held by bolts. It is necessary to take into account one more point: if it is a device of impressive volume, then to stabilize the membrane, it is additionally fixed by the rear part to the nipple. Another distinguishing feature of this device is that the water filling the tank will remain inside the membrane, not contacting the inner surface of the product. This protects metal surfaces from corrosion processes, and water from pollution, prolonging the life of the equipment. If you select a storage tank for water supply, then the model with a replaceable membrane you can buy in both vertical and horizontal versions.

When to choose a fixed diaphragm tank for installation

In these devices, the internal part of the tank is divided into two compartments by a membrane. It can not be replaced, and therefore, if you fail, you will have to change the equipment completely. In one compartment there is air, and in the other - water, which contacts the inner surface of the device of metal, which can cause rapid corrosion. In order to prevent the destruction of metal and contamination of the liquid, the inner surface is covered with a special paint. But such protection is not always durable. Such devices you can choose in a vertical or horizontal version.

Features of the right choice

If you decide to install a storage tank for water supply, you should pay attention to its main characteristics. It is on their basis that equipment should be purchased. When choosing the volume, it is important to consider how many people will use the water supply system. It is also important to calculate the number of water intake points: cranes and showers, as well as household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. Please note that there is a possibility of spending water at once by several consumers. In the store, you should pay attention to the limiting number of stop and start cycles per hour for pumping equipment.

Preparation before installation

Choosing a storage tank for water supply, you must buy one, whose volume is from 20 to 24 liters. This is true in the case when the number of consumers is not more than 3 people, and the pumping equipment has a capacity of 2 cubic meters per hour. You should prefer a tank capacity of 50 liters, if the number of consumers increases to 8 people, and the pump capacity is 3.5 cubic meters per hour. The maximum volume, which is equal to 100 liters, is suitable for a number of consumers of more than 10 people and pump capacity within 5 cubic meters per hour. Before selecting a specific tank model before starting the installation, it should be noted that a smaller volume of the tank will facilitate more frequent pump shutdown. Among other things, a smaller volume will indicate a greater probability of pressure spikes in the water supply system. Due to the fact that the equipment acts as a storage tank for water storage, it is possible to adjust the volume of the expansion tank even before the equipment is purchased. The device design allows for the installation of an additional tank. This can be done already during the operation of the main equipment, without carrying out laborious dismantling. After the installation of the new device is complete, the volume of the tank will be determined by adding the volumes of the tanks installed in the system.

Advice of a professional

If you decided to make a water supply device with a storage tank, it is important to take into account that it is not worth chasing a small price, choosing a tank of a little known manufacturer. The pursuit of cheapness can cause more substantial expenses. Most often, inexpensive materials are used to make cost-effective models, and as practice shows, they are not always of high quality in all cases. In particular, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the rubber that forms the basis of the membrane. This will determine the life of the tank, as well as the safety of water.

When buying a storage tank for hot water supply, you must specify the price of the consumable element, which is true for models with a replaceable membrane. Most often, in the pursuit of profit, unscrupulous manufacturers overestimate the cost of a replaceable membrane. In this case, experts advise selecting a model of another supplier company. Large firms are responsible for the quality of products, as they value their reputation.

Features of the installation

The water supply system with a storage tank assumes the installation of a capacity in that room, the temperature in which does not fall below 0 degrees. The air valve must be fully accessible, this will allow to correct the pressure in the air chamber. During installation, there should be no obstacles when accessing the shut-off valve, label or drain cock. Under no circumstances should the membrane tank be subjected to a static load, it should be protected from pressure from the pipe or other aggregates. The installation of the pressure reducer, which must be located after the water meter, will provide a certain pressure in the expansion tank. When the safety valve is operated, the pressure level must not exceed the maximum permissible value. The installation of the expansion diaphragm tank assumes that the safety valve is installed in front of the flow fitting, it must be positioned along the course of the flow. Considering the installation scheme of the expansion tank, it must be taken into account that the installation must be carried out from the side of cold water supply to the heating device. Experts exclude the possibility of installation at the output.

How to avoid errors during connection

If you have a storage tank for water supply (200 liters or less - not so important), then, of course, you can install it yourself. However, you need to prepare an exceptionally high-quality tool for gas and wrench. These components will be the key figures in the installation work. In addition to them, you may need a key for mounting metal-plastic pipes, as well as a stepped key intended for detachable connections. Do not use in the role of sealant materials that are not used for such work. For example, some inexperienced home masters use cheap sealant for plastic windows, and in fact it is designed for a different temperature. Initially, such compounds may have a very attractive appearance, however, when the system is started, the sealant will not withstand the effects of high temperatures. In any case, after that, we will have to deal with the elimination of the leak. If you are installing the water supply of a private house, the storage tank should be installed in such a way that the approach to it is not difficult. Do not choose the amount of storage capacity by eye. The installation should be carried out in accordance with safety standards and regulations.

What else is important to consider for self-installation

If you independently install a storage tank for the water supply of the dacha, it must be provided for the possibility of dismantling the connecting pipeline, which may be necessary for repair and replacement of equipment. The diameter of the connected elements of the water pipe should not be less than the diameter of the pipe. Be sure to ground the device, only so you can eliminate electrical corrosion. If the water supply of the house with a storage tank is arranged, then the device should be installed from the suction side of the pumping equipment. On this segment, which is located between the pump and the connection point, all elements that can introduce hydraulic resistance into the system must be eliminated. The make-up line must be connected to the system circulation circuit.

Conclusion

The storage tank for water supply of hot water is an integral part of the autonomous system. It is able to maintain the required pressure, preventing premature wear of pumping equipment. Among other things, it can save some water.