Red Lion RL20A 20-Gallon Pre-Charged Pressure Tank - Reliable Well

In this review the Red Lion RL20A is presented as a practical, no-frills pressure tank for homeowners with a private well who want steady water pressure and longer pump life. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of a heavy-duty steel shell and a pre-charged, diaphragm design that reduces pump cycling, so systems run quieter and pumps last longer. Installation is straightforward and the tank's size and base make it a convenient fit for utility rooms where condensation or floor stains are a concern.

Key Features

• Pre-charged to 20 PSI: Arrives ready for transport and only requires topping off to 2 PSI below the pressure switch cut-in for immediate use, saving setup time.
• 20-gallon capacity: Provides a 7.2 gallon drawdown at 30/50 PSI, meaning multiple fixtures can run without immediate pump restart.
• Heavy-duty construction: 20-gauge steel tank with a propylene liner and high performance butyl rubber diaphragm for durable, long-term pressure maintenance.
• Stainless water connection: 304 stainless steel connection with patented leak safe technology helps reduce leak risk at the system joint.
• Thermoplastic base: The molded base lifts the tank off the floor to prevent condensation staining and improve stability.
• NSF/ANSI certified: Tested and certified for safe drinking water, giving confidence for household use.

Who It's For

The RL20A is best for homeowners with a private well who need reliable household pressure and want a compact, vertical tank that reduces pump cycling. It suits systems that handle several fixtures at oncethe tank supports up to about six water fixtures running simultaneously, so it works well for typical family homes with showers, dishwashers, and laundry machines.

It is less appropriate for systems that need very high drawdown or larger storage capacity; those users should consider larger tanks. Also, buyers who require a perfectly blemish-free cosmetic finish should be aware some customers reported dents or damage in transit and may prefer models sold with heavier transit protection.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid build quality with a 20-gauge steel shell and durable diaphragm for dependable pressure control.
• Easy installation and setup thanks to pre-charge and standard 1 in FNPT connection.
• Thermoplastic base prevents floor staining from condensation and keeps the tank stable.
• NSF/ANSI testing means it is certified for safe drinking water use in household systems.

Cons

• Some buyers report dents or damaged plastic components arriving from shipping, so inspect on delivery.
• 20-gallon capacity may be too small for properties needing larger drawdown or long uninterrupted flow.

Specifications

Capacity	20 gallon vertical
Drawdown	7.2 gallon at 30/50 PSI
Connection	1 in FNPT elbow system connection
Materials	20-gauge steel tank, propylene liner, butyl rubber diaphragm, 304 stainless steel connection
Pre-charge	Shipped at 20 PSI; top off to 2 PSI below pressure switch cut-in
Base	Thermoplastic base to lift off floor
Certifications	NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 tested/certified by WQA

Our Verdict

The Red Lion RL20A is a dependable, well-built 20-gallon pressure tank that delivers steady household water pressure and reduces pump wear. It represents good value for typical single-family well systems thanks to its durable materials, NSF certifications, and thoughtful features like the thermoplastic base. Buyers needing larger storage or flawless cosmetic condition should consider alternatives, but for most homeowners this tank balances performance and price effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to add air before installation?
The tank ships pre-charged to 20 PSI and should be topped off with a bicycle pump to 2 PSI below your pressure switch cut-in before use.

Will this tank fit a standard well pump system?
Yes, the RL20A uses a 1 in FNPT elbow system connection and is compatible with common residential well pump setups.

Is this safe for drinking water?
Yes, it is tested and certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 standards for safe potable water use.