Red Lion RL20 Pressure Tank fitting

[Kahl]

I have a Red Lion RL20 Pressure Tank that has a leak in the elbow fitting at the bottom of the tank.
I'm trying to get it loose but I'm not sure if it's threaded or fitted by other means. I suspect I'm just bending whats left of the fitting
Can anyone tell me if it's threaded?
Any help or insights appreciated.

 

[Bannerman]

In the rusty area between the elbow and tank, are there threads there? Use a screwdriver to determine if any threads can be detected. Unless threaded, I don't know how the elbow would be attached otherwise.

Can you see a nipple within the elbow while using a flashlight through the hole or after removal of the brass tank Tee?

What is the small protrusion extending from the bottom of the elbow? I doubt it is an Allen bolt or other type of fastener but ?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Valveman]

You are just wasting time. Get a new tank and be done with it. Preferably one with a brass or Stainless elbow and fittings.

 

[Reach4]

Out of curiosity, what is the date code?

I think this is going to need replaced, and I would lean toward a bigger tank if you don't use a CSV. I am not a pro.

Get a tank with a diaphragm, not a bladder. https://www.homehardware.ca/en/44-gallon-precharged-tank-with-diaphragm/p/3140559 would be a nice upgrade if you have the room. The input will be 1-1/4 instead of 1 inch, but you can adapt.

 

[Bannerman]

Cary, with the rust shown above the elbow, do you anticipate the nipple will break off the tank when attempting to remove the elbow. There appears to be a narrow crack part way around where the nipple is attached to the tank.

 

[Valveman]

It will break the nipple off or bend the bottom of the tank. Those are put on by machine and will be really tight. And, if the tank elbow looks like that you know the bladder/diaphragm is most likely bad as well. No sense in fixing the elbow just to find out the bladder is bad.

 

[Kahl]

**UPDATE**
I just got a response from Red Lon and they told me that this elbow is not replaceable and that I would have to buy a new tank. I explained to the nice lady that I have another one of these tanks that is also rusting at this same elbow and that I wouldn't be buying a new tank from them. On the bright side they do come with a 5 year warranty. Doesn't help me but still.

 

[Kahl]

It will break the nipple off or bend the bottom of the tank. Those are put on by machine and will be really tight. And, if the tank elbow looks like that you know the bladder/diaphragm is most likely bad as well. No sense in fixing the elbow just to find out the bladder is bad.

Bladder is still holding pressure. Piss poor design as I have another one that is also rusting at this elbow.

 

[Reach4]

Bladder is still holding pressure. Piss poor design as I have another one that is also rusting at this elbow.

Good point. That looks at inside-out corrosion to me. Is your water corrosive? pH is part of that.

 

[Valveman]

Perfectly designed. Last just past the warranty, then the weakest link in the chain fails. They can make all kinds of sales claims about how good their bladders, paint job, etc., are, then epoxy a black iron elbow on the bottom that won't last very long or come off. They don't care if you switch to a different brand. They have already sold you two, which is more than if they put on a non corrosive elbow and made one tank last 30 years. Everything we purchase has a fail by mechanism built in somewhere. The days of replacing a 20 year old bearing and getting another 20 years of service from a product are long gone. Nothing is repairable anymore. We are a throw away society and that is a throw away tank.