Water tanks are effective water storage solutions. They are used to store water, which then will be used for industrial or alternative purposes. The benefits of owning a water tank encourage people to search the market for quality, durable water tanks. If you are looking to buy one, go through the guide below how to choose the right water tank.
How to Choose The Right Water Tank - Things To Consider
1. Material
When shopping for a water tank, it is vital to consider which type of material will satisfy your needs. Some of the available materials include;
2. Location of the Tank
Before you choose your ideal water tank, you should determine where you want to place it. Doing so will help determine if you need to put up a foundation or require extra work to set up. You can choose to place it above ground or below.
Above Ground
Tanks put above ground will cost you less than those below. There is no foundation to be built, which saves you labor fees. Tanks above ground are easy to maintain; you can spot any damage and do light repairs with the available tools.
However, their main challenge is that they are susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Luckily, you won't be at risk of harsh weather conditions all-year through. Also, even under such circumstances, they are easier to repair.
If you want to put up an above ground tank and you don't fancy the sight of a big tank near you, consider getting a color that is subtle and hard to notice.
Below Ground
Underground tanks are the most reasonable options due to their location. They do not require you to use a land piece of land to set up an above the ground tank. They are less visible, which means you have a clear line of sight around your property.
The advantage of underground tanks is that they are less vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. During the winter or extreme summer heat, the soil maintains a consistent temperature of the water.
Installing underground tanks under a permafrost layer prevents water in the tank from freezing if you plan on setting it up in freezing locations. The downside of these tanks is that the installation and total cost of the process will be more expensive thank above ground.
Collapsible tanks
If you are in the market for a temporary solution, try the collapsible tanks. These are above ground tanks that are available in different capacities. The installation process is easy, even for an amateur.
3. Choose the Appropriate Size
The size of your water storage needs matters when buying a tank—the bigger the tank, the better. The reason for this is that rainwater does not fall daily. It is advisable to buy the biggest and most practical that will fit in the available space to collect as much rainwater as possible.
Slimline tanks are also a good option. Slimline tanks are mostly found in 5,000-liter or lesser capacities. They are practical for setting up along the fence line, adjacent to your house, in narrow spaces.
An average household harvesting rainwater might need nothing beyond 7,000 liters. For industrial purposes, you will need as much as hundreds of thousands of liters for maximum storage. Before purchase, you should approximate how much water will be required, which calls for precise planning since you don't want to either overestimate or underestimate your water needs.
You can also try a combination of available tanks. Underground tanks can be combined with slimline tanks. You can also place above-ground tanks to harvest rainwater and underground tanks for any storm water or overflows.
4. Specific Gravity
Water tanks are also rated the specific gravity of the matter they are designed to carry. Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the density in kilo per cubic meter of the matter to a reference liquid's exact gravity. If you are getting a tank for storage purposes, it should be thick enough to endure the liquid's weight under storage. Thicker tanks indicate adequate specific gravity.
A tank that appears too light for the water stored will break. A tank designed water storage applications should have a specific gravity of one.
Underground storage tanks have a higher specific gravity. They are built to withstand internal water pressure, and they also compete with external soil pressure. Higher capacity tanks have higher specific gravity, and it is for the same reason that they are costly.
Summary Tips
If you are overwhelmed with technical information on how to choose the right water tank, you should keep in mind the most important criteria as listed below;
Bottom Line
Water tanks will be your prime water source in the event you run out of constant water supply. It is essential to own one, and even if you are not in the market for a water tank, it is more vital to keep these tips in hand for future reference.