[Kspann]

Hello all. Constant visitor. First time poster.


House was built in 1986. I purchased about a year ago. I have no idea what this is. It is a copper tank on a 10" copper stand in line before the electric water heater. No access for media, but there is a spigot about 40% up from the bottom.

 

[joecaption]

Looks like an old style pressure tank to me.
I say old because that much copper would cost way to much today.
https://www.hunker.com/13417147/how-does-a-pressure-tank-on-a-well-work

 

[Missouri Bound]

Take it out of the loop and make a still out of it.

 

[Kspann]

Take it out of the loop and make a still out of it.

Taking it out tomorrow. Brilliant idea though. Or maybe clean it up and use it as decoration inside the house.

 

[Kspann]

I did forget to mention that we are on a deep well. Used to be a shallow well a couple years before we bought it.

 

[Kspann]

Looks like an old style pressure tank to me.
I say old because that much copper would cost way to much today

Thanks!! I have a bladder tank next to the water heater on the other side. Here's hoping I don't need this copper guy any longer.

 

[ktownskier]

Before you remove it, are you on a well or are you on city water? If on a well, then you may need it.

Or perhaps it is a pressure tank to stabilise the system, much like a small pressure tank like we use today.

 

[ktownskier]

Then you need the tank to stabilize the pressure coming out of the well. Either keep it, or replace it with a modern air-bladder tank.

The one on the other side of the water heater is not the same. It is a water heater expansion tank

I would suggest replacing it as modern pressurized tanks are able to make the deep well pumps last longer with less cycling.

Sizing - count the number of water fixtures in and outside the home and multiply that # by 3; fixtures include faucets, spigots, shower heads, dish washer, washing machine, etc. for hot tubs and sprinkler systems add 1 to 2 fixtures for each; there are no disadvantages to having a larger well tank as fewer pump cycles will extend pump life and save money on electricity

 

[SeniorSitizen]

We have a water well and a similar tank installed as a sediment tank but our tank is a water heater tank salvaged from the scrap iron pile and not nearly as valuable monetarily.

 

[chandler48]

Bladder tank is the best solution. I do love the copper, but it will waterlog too easily if left in the system.

 

[Missouri Bound]

A couple of things come to mind.
I think it's a tank to temper the water before the water heater.
It brings the water up to room temperature and makes it easier for the heater to bring it up to required temperature. Really not a bad idea. It would collect sediment as well and keep it out of the heater.
And are you sure it's copper? Have you tried a magnet to check?
That's a pretty expensive holding tank.
If it is copper and you decide to make outdoor art out of it keep it secured.
It's probably worth as much as the catalytic converter the thieves are cutting off of cars.

 

[Kspann]

All great info. Let me get a better shot. I already have the pressure tank for the water. I tried to get a shot that shows everything. The white PVC line is from the well. It then goes to the pressure tank (53 psi 👍). From there it heads towards a T where water goes either to the rest of the house, or into this copper tank. From the copper tank, it goes to the water heater.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

If it was installed as a sediment filter I'm surprised it wasn't piped to filter the cold as well as hot because the hot water tank in itself acts as a sediment tank. If you haven't, consider opening the valve that's 40% up and draining water into a white container to determine the sediment level if any.

 

[Old Thomas]

I used to have an 80 gallon tank upstream of my water heater. I had a wood burner in the cellar and the cellar got hot. Incoming water went through my “tempering” tank before going into the water heater. Then it was the temperature of the cellar and not the temperature of incoming water.

 

[Kspann]

Drained the tank and the water was clear. No sediment in the tank.