Bladder in a water tank for a pressurized water system

I installed a bladder pressure tank system in 2011 and last year I started having low pressure so my on demand water heater wouldn't kick in due to too low a flow and then the pump started running more frequently. The same plumber checked it out and found a pinhole in the bottom curved part of the metal tank, the bladder was fine, so I had to buy a new tank. I asked if that was typical that the metal would give out after only 6 years and he said "Chinese metal." I don't know how much truth there was to that. anyone else experience that?

phxfunguy wrote:I installed a bladder pressure tank system in 2011 and last year I started having low pressure so my on demand water heater wouldn't kick in due to too low a flow and then the pump started running more frequently.  The same plumber checked it out and found a pinhole in the bottom curved part of the metal tank, the bladder was fine, so I had to buy a new tank.  I asked if that was typical that the metal would give out after only 6 years and he said "Chinese metal."  I don't know how much truth there was to that.  anyone else experience that?

Thanks. Interesting. My on demand water heater seems reluctant to come on sometimes (I hate it-the first and last one I ever have I hope).

Most of the Bosch ones require a minimum 30psi to turn on. You can get some Mexican brands that require far less flow. I have my pressure switch set to 30psi to 50psi.

The constant problem I have with with my old 62 gal pressure tank is not the membrane/diaphram but a leaky pressure charging valve. Not the screw-in schrader valve but the rubber valve stem in screws into, which does nor seat well in the tank wall. You would never know it leaks until a little washing-up liquid and water applied to the outside of the rubber valve stem produces a bubbling froth. Every 2 - 3 weeks I recharge it with my air compessor - 3 minute job...

Mine ran out of air, but fortunately was otherwise all right.