Any water storage tank used for a fire pump (or for other fire protection uses) must meet NFPA 22, NFPA 20 and NFPA 13 design standards. These standards are enforced by the fire marshal in each county. Not only that, but every fire protection tank must also meet local building codes and be designed to ASCE standards. Residential fire protection tanks, when under 5,000 gallons, can be installed on a gravel foundation and may not require a permit. Any Fire Protection Tank over 5,000 gallons for residential or commercial use must be permitted in Sonoma and Napa Counties.
Now you probably read the above and start to get a headache from all the standards you have to go through just to get a tank. But don’t worry! That’s what we’re here for. Our designers and installers are all well versed in all necessary local and state regulations and standards. If you buy a tank with us, you can be sure that everything will be well within the recommended guidelines in your state and county. Don’t believe us? Here are just a few of the regulations that your water tank will have to meet:
- All tanks under 20,000 gallons must have at a minimum a 4-inch fire outlet with an internal anti-vortex plate that must sit 6″ above the floor of the tank. These tanks also must have at a minimum a 4″ valve and a male adapter with a cap to protect the threads.
- All tanks over 20,000 gallons must have at a minimum a 6-inch fire outlet with an internal anti-vortex plate that must sit 6″ above the floor of the tank. These tanks also require a valve, cap, and adapter. Additionally, NFPA calls for at least two access manways, a liquid level gauge, a vent, an overflow at least 2 inches larger than the outlet, and a caged ladder or spiral staircase (according to OSHA standards).
And that is just the tip of the regulatory iceberg. While these standards can be a pain, they are there for a reason. Not only do you need to make sure your tank is durable and safe, you also must be sure you won’t have any trouble with the local fire marshals (which will just cost you money in the long run). When you let us handle the tank installation you can be sure everything will be up to code, and you can spend less time worrying about regulations and instead think of all the great ways your new storage tank is going to help you. To get a quote on one of our storage tanks email tanktalk@nationalstoragetank.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
