Pinhole leak in H2OW-TO Pressure Tank

I have a pinhole leak in my pressure tank squirting water all over my basement. Can this be repaired or should I get a new tank? I do not know how old it is, but I have only been in the house for five years.
If I do need to replace, what are the better brands to buy?


Thanks
BSD

You should replace the tank, Well-X-Troll and Fexon are good.

Just for the record, I welded a small patch on a solar exchange tank- water heater tank that held for 16 years afterward. I also welded a pinhole on a AO? plain tank with floating disc that has held for 6 years. Another low pressure tank was fixed with something like a molly bolt and washer and epoxy that has held for several years. Steel gets rolled with some impurities and thats where the leak starts. Fix that point and sometimes you get the full life of the steel back. Better be handy and creative to try though.

"R" Stamp

The "R" Stamp issued by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors gives its holder the credentials to repair and/or alter boilers and pressure vessels. Contractors through their inspection agencies have some latitude concerning certain NDE efforts. An example would be: Repairs to a pressure vessel of a "routine" nature would not require a hydro test.

When repairs or alterations are made, the stamp holder is required to do such repairs in accordance with his or her ASME/National Board approved QC program. After the repairs are made, the stamp holder will complete the required R-1 form and deliver it to the owner signed by the Authorized Inspector.

The "R" Stamp issued by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors gives its holder the credentials to repair and/or alter boilers and pressure vessels.

The pressure vessel code usually doesn't apply to hydropneumatic tanks less than 120 gallons. That is why you see several tank vendors with 119 gallon tanks.

If it is a "bladder tank" you do not want to insert anything into the hole.
Bladder tanks also can't be welded without first bleeding the pressure off and making sure the bladder is away from the hole.

One quick fix would be to place a piece of rubber over the hole and use large hose clamps to press it against the tank. This of course won't work unless the leak is on the side of the tank.

You can chain hose clamps in series to get larger sizes.

Edit: JB-weld would be anuther option.

Or you could use the old "Self tapping screw with the rubber washer trick" I have seen tanks with more than a dozen such screws in them. Most with a yellow/gold line running down from the screw. A little leak isn't important anyway.

It's kinda scary when you get up close to one with the pressure still in the tank. It resembles a homemade granade.

bob...