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Storage Tanks

Storage tanks keep your pressure washer supplied and your workflow stable. This category covers water buffer tanks and detergent tanks for mobile rigs and shop systems. Use the quick guide below to choose tank type, plan capacity, and set up plumbing that protects pumps from starvation and heat while reducing slosh on the road.

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Storage Tanks for Pressure Washer Systems: Sizing and Setup Guide

What you’ll find in this category

Storage tanks support reliable water supply and organized chemical handling on trailers, trucks, skids, and fixed installs. Typical options include baffled water buffer tanks for pump supply and dedicated detergent tanks to isolate chemicals from your main water source.

Water Buffer Tanks

Atmospheric tanks that feed your pump and smooth out variations in site water flow. Common on mobile and shop systems.

Baffled Transport Tanks

Internal baffles help limit liquid surge during starts, stops, and turns while also reducing turbulence that can introduce air into the suction line.

Detergent/Chemical Tanks

Separate tanks for soaps and additives prevent cross‑contamination. Often plumbed with dedicated pickup lines and metering.

Space‑Saving/Leg & Rectangular Tanks

Footprint‑friendly shapes that fit between wheel wells or along bulkheads to keep weight low and equipment accessible.

Right‑size your water buffer tank

Plan tank volume against your machine’s rated flow (GPM) and expected water supply. The example ranges below reflect a common engineering guideline to provide a multiple of the pump’s rated flow so the inlet always sees a steady, air‑free supply.

Pump flow (GPM) Example planning volume (gal)
2.5 15–25
4.0 24–40
5.0 30–50
8.0 48–80
10.0 60–100

When supply is inconsistent, add extra capacity. Multiple machines fed from one tank also require more volume and dedicated plumbing per pump.

Plumbing best practices

  • Use flexible inlet hose at least one size larger than the pump’s inlet port to minimize restriction.
  • Install an inlet filter/strainer before the pump. Keep the tank covered and properly vented.
  • Return unloader bypass water to the tank. Use a diffuser and place the return away from the suction pickup to limit aeration.
  • If bypass must loop to the pump inlet, add a thermal relief valve and avoid extended idling in bypass.
  • Keep suction runs short and straight. Avoid hard 90° fittings and unnecessary reducers.
  • For multi‑pump systems, run separate inlet lines from the tank to each pump.

Mobile rigs and transport

Position tanks low and centered to keep the vehicle’s center of gravity down. Baffled tanks reduce surge forces and help protect mounts and plumbing. Use rated straps or frames, protect hoses from abrasion, and verify clearances around lids, bulkheads, and valves.

Always secure tanks and plumbing before transport. Partially filled, unbaffled tanks can create strong sloshing forces during braking and turns.

Care and off‑season storage

Periodically flush tanks and lines, inspect bulkheads and gaskets, and keep lids sealed between jobs. Store chemicals in dedicated containers and avoid mixing products in a common tank. Before freezing weather, drain tanks and lines or follow your winterizing procedure.

Learn more

Get a tank plan matched to your rig

Need help selecting capacity, baffle style, or plumbing kits for one or more machines? Our team will map the layout and specify components that work together.

Talk to an Equipment Specialist

Storage Tanks FAQ's

No. Use dedicated detergent/chemical tanks and separate pickup lines to avoid cross‑contamination and simplify maintenance.
Yes—use adequate tank capacity and give each pump its own inlet line from the tank. Keep returns diffused and away from the suction pickups to limit aeration.
Use flexible hose at least one size larger than the pump inlet, keep the run short and straight, and include an inlet strainer. Avoid tight 90° elbows and unnecessary reducers.
Returning bypass to the tank helps manage heat and aeration. If your setup returns bypass to the pump inlet, add a thermal relief valve and avoid extended idling in bypass.
Baffles help limit liquid surge during braking and turns and reduce turbulence that can introduce air to the pump inlet. They are recommended for vehicles and trailers.
Plan volume against the machine’s rated GPM and expected water supply. A common engineering approach is to size the reservoir as a multiple of pump flow so the inlet always sees steady, air‑free water. Use the example ranges in the guide and add margin for low‑flow sites or multi‑pump setups.
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