Relying on a continuous water supply is necessary for humans and animals alike. A dependable water tank is important to meet the daily water demand of a household, a business, or even a community. But how do you determine the appropriate water tank to install? We will show you the basics of what you need to know about water tanks and help you plan for your needs.
A water tank is a container used to hold and store water for domestic and industrial purposes. It can be used for homes, for manufacturing chemicals, for agricultural irrigation, for fire suppression, and a lot more. These water vessels can be used to store clean water and collect rainwater for treatment in areas with water restrictions.
What To Expect From A Water Tank
Aside from containing water, a water tank should be inert, which means the materials it is made from should not contaminate the water it stores. Glass-reinforced plastic or GRP water tanks are best known to have this kind of characteristic.
Water is also susceptible to environmental contamination like dust, microorganisms, insects, bird and animal feces, dissolved gas, and mineral deposits, to name a few. An appropriately designed water tank should be able to address and mitigate these factors.
Types Of Water Tanks
There are three types of water tanks:
- Chemical Water Tank – allows retention of chemicals to treat water before it goes out of the tank through the pipes.
- Ground Water Tank – situated on the ground level to allow storage of a huge volume of water, which may be used when demand is high.
- Elevated Water Tank – also known as a water tower and makes use of pressure on its way to the pipelines.
Where To Place The Water Tank
The first thing to consider when planning to have a water tank is where it should be placed and its volume capacity. These are the deciding factors for the size, shape, and material of the tank.
The higher a water tank is positioned relative to the outlet, the higher the water pressure. This should also be considered if a water pump is not an option.
Rainwater tanks should be placed in open spaces to harvest the right amount of rainwater. Clean water tanks made of fiberglass and plastic need to be in a shaded area to prevent the walls from coming in contact directly with the sun’s heat (discussed in number 6).
Rainwater tank
Common Water Tank Forms
The shape is considered to hold the most optimal amount of water necessary for its purpose and to fit in its designated space. Most residential and industrial water tanks are cylindrical, but they can also be rectangular, spherical, square, or even triangle– anyway, it is stable enough to contain a significant amount of water.
Tank Size
The size of a water tank will also depend on its purpose and the space it will occupy. This online tank volume calculator can be used to estimate the inside dimensions of the water tank–even tanks for other liquids. However, the actual size of the tank will differ due to the external dimensions.
For example, a 60 feet high, 60 feet diameter, 60 feet filled depth of a vertical cylinder tank can hold:
Total Volume = 1,269,040.76 Gallons US
Filled Volume* = 1,269,040.76 Gallons US.
What Water Tanks Are Made Of
Materials such as plastics, fiberglass, stone, steel, concrete, clay, and even wood (like those used in aging wine casks) can be used in making water tanks, depending on the environment and type of water to be stored.
Coastal areas require materials that resist corrosion, so metal tanks can be replaced by plastic tanks or are lined with plastic to prevent saltwater from damaging the tank. Metal tanks (carbon, welded or bolted, or stainless) are most common in households and industries.
In hotter places, plastics are not advisable due to the possible leaching (dissolution) of plastic contents into the water. Plastic tanks, however, are more aesthetically pleasing than the other options because they can be made to match the color of their surroundings.
Glass-reinforced plastic or GRP water tanks are currently the leading industry water tanks. The lightweight, sturdy, workable fiberglass makeup renders its stored water free from bacteria and corrosion and can also store liquids underground GRP Water Tank.
Prolonging The Lifespan Of A Water Tank
Water tanks require little maintenance, but regular assessment and tank lining services can ensure their lifespan lasts long. Most water tank providers suggest a once-yearly inspection to check for rust, which may result in holes (for metal tanks), cracks, which may lead to breaks, and examining the connecting pipes for blockages to ensure smooth water flow.
Metal tanks must be routinely checked for corrosion. Plastic, stone, ceramic, and fiberglass tanks should be checked for cracks and breaks.
Fiberglass tanks are prone to algae growth due to possible sunlight penetration, so this should also be inspected. A GRP water tank may be a better option for this problem.
It is good practice to clean water tanks annually to prevent the growth and proliferation of viruses, bacteria, algae, corrosion, accumulated minerals, and gas. Annual water analysis will help ensure that the water for human and animal consumption is clean and fresh.
Once a significant amount of dirt or sludge has formed, it would be good to drain the water and clean the tank.
Installing The Water Tank
Although smaller tanks can be installed on a DIY basis (also, thanks to YouTube for free tutorial videos), it is recommended that professionals install water tanks. This will give you peace of mind as they know the tiniest bit to ensure that the water tank is in its perfect spot, will work well, and their warranty has you covered.
To sum it all up, a water tank should be stable enough to hold the desired water volume and should stand against the weather and other environmental factors. The appropriate water tank type, form, material, size, placement, maintenance, and installation will erase your water storage worries.
Choose the right water tank manufacturer who carries the latest innovations in water tanks, and you will undoubtedly have a perfect water tank for you and your business. You will be assured to have even the tiniest detail covered.
