Water is life; it’s an important element for our survival, which is why we’ve developed effective water storage solutions over the centuries. Today, we have water tanks to store clean water in that we can then use for industrial or other purposes.
Because of this, the water storage tank market is growing at an exponential rate. Everyone needs a water tank for whatever purpose.
If you’re one of them, you might be wondering which one is the best for you. Study the guide below and see how you can choose the right type for your needs.
Location of the Water Storage Tank
Where you’re planning to place the water storage containers determines your options. It also determines whether you need a foundation and if you need to do some extra preparations for the tank. It can be either above or below ground; let’s explore both in detail.
Above Ground
Above-ground water tanks have a simpler and less expensive installation process. Its maintenance has some advantages. Because it’s above ground, it’s easier to spot any damages, and you won’t need special tools to fix things.
The main disadvantage of an above-ground water tank is its exposure to the elements. For this reason, it has a higher risk of sustaining damage from storms or accidents. This is the downside of its maintenance; although it’s easy to get to the damaged parts, there are more to fix.
The outside temperature has an effect on the tank as well. You’ll have to watch out during winters when it can freeze and during summers when it can get hot.
Because tanks are big, they stick out wherever you place them. You may have to pick a color that can lessen their prominence if you don’t like the sight of big tanks on your property.
Collapsible Tanks
Most tanks you see are permanent structures, but if you need a temporary water storage solution, consider using collapsible tanks. These are a type of above-ground water tanks that also come in different capacities. They’re easy to set up even by a single person, and they’re a great option for rural areas.
Pillow tanks are another option for temporary use, but they’re great for the long-term, too. These are useful for bulk liquid transport and even oil spill recovery operations.
Below Ground
Underground water storage tanks are a popular choice because of their location. You don’t have to sacrifice a plot of land to make space for an above-ground tank. You don’t have to deal with an eyesore as well, allowing you to enjoy the scenery in your property.
Because they don’t have exposure to sunlight and bad weather conditions, there’s less to worry about as well. They can maintain a consistent temperature thanks to the soil around them.
For freezing locations, they can be installed under the permafrost layer. Protecting the tank contents from freezing.
However, the installation and overall cost of the project may be higher when choosing an underground tank.
Which Material Do You Prefer?
Another consideration when choosing water storage tanks is the type of material.
Steel
If you want big and strong, go for steel water tanks. These are available in stainless and galvanized varieties, and they can be either bolted or welded. Steel tanks are some of the most cost-effective solutions, offering huge capacities with a fast installation process.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is also a good choice if you want something durable. It has the added advantage of being lightweight, too.
They’re simple to install, and they won’t corrode or rust, unlike other materials. They are shop built and there are more limitations to sizes available. Generally, they are manufactured under 15 feet in diameter for shipping purposes. Holding up to 50,000 gallons.
Plastic and Polyethylene
If the budget is tight, plastic or polyethylene water storage might be the perfect solution. It’s light, making it easy to install and re-install in another location. It doesn’t need a foundation and leaks are not a problem most of the time.
How Big is Your Water Storage Needs?
You also have to choose the size of your water tank, which will depend on your needs. For industrial purposes, you’ll likely need hundreds of thousands of liters. An average household collecting rainwater, on the other hand, might not need anything beyond 5,000 liters/1320 gallons.
You’ll have to compute how much water you need and use. This requires expert planning since you won’t want to go overboard and you also don’t want to underestimate your needs. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to talk to a professional.
Determine the Specific Gravity Weight
The Specific Gravity (SPG) is the ratio of the density of the substance to the density of a reference liquid. Thicker tanks have higher SPG, which means it should be able to withstand the weight of the liquid better.
A water storage tank usually has an SPG of 1, but underground models have an SPG of close to 2. This is because they also have to be durable enough for the soil pressure.
Do You Need a Colored Water Tank?
For plastic or polyethylene tanks, make sure to get a dark color, such as black or dark green. This is to prevent the sunlight from coming in, which might catalyze the growth of algae and bacteria. Although they’re usually harmless, they can affect the color and taste of the water.
You also have to check with the building codes if there are color requirements for a structure in an area. Aside from these 2 considerations, you can also consider your preferences if you have any.
Get the Right Water Tank for Your Needs
Getting the right water storage tank is crucial, and so you should think hard about the factors above before buying one for your property.
If you need help from a professional or if you have inquiries, don’t hesitate to visit us and check what we have to offer. Looking for more tips? Feel free to contact us and let us assist you.
