Getting a new water tank is always a big investment. Auspiciously, tanks reserve water from the mains and from rainwater collection systems for domestic or commercial use. In residential areas, tanks hold water for domestic use. From the bathroom showerheads to the taps around the house, a tank can be hooked up to the house’s plumbing system to keep water running in the house. After getting a new water tank the next problem is always where to set it up.
Indoor water storage
If you have just bought a small or medium-sized water tank you can set it up inside your house. Many residential homes have water tanks in the attic. More often than not these tanks supply the hot water system in the house. The attic is always an ideal place to set up a water tank due to the constant warm temperature in the room. This keeps the water in the water tanks in a liquid state and free for use. Sometimes temperatures may drop so low to the extent the water in the tank and in the plumbing freezes. Fortunately, this rarely happens in residential areas since the water is always running. However, in commercial areas it is recommended to drain tanks in the attic before the institution goes on a long break. Water from tanks in the attic comes with enough pressure to run through the whole plumbing system.
Above-ground water storage tanks
If you have a bigger water tank, it is advisable not to install it in the attic lest the roof collapses. Large water tanks are set up beside houses on special stands. The stands are designed to bear the weight of the water tank on full capacity. Most of these tanks double up as rainwater storage tanks due to their proximity to the gutters and downpipes. Above-ground water tanks have the advantage of being movable at the event that you are moving homes. Unfortunately, these tanks are limited by capacity. They are also an eye-sore and occupy space that would otherwise be used for recreation. Such water storage tanks are vulnerable to vandalism and contamination.
Underground water tanks
Underground water tanks are popular in Australia. These tanks are either made from polyethylene or concrete depending on preference. Their storage capacity can go up to 11,500litres. Polyethylene tanks are versatile. They come in different shapes and sizes. The shaping options widen the surface area of the tanks and distribute the effect of gravity on the tanks. Consequently, the tanks maintain their stability. Underground tanks can be set up anywhere including the patio and the porch. The installation requires experts due to all the digging involved. Underground water tanks are best suited for rain collection. The tanks do not compromise on space nor on the aesthetics of the landscape. The temperature in the tanks is enough to keep water running and available for use. Unfortunately, underground tanks hold water at a very low pressure and cannot sustain supplying the main house with water. Usually, this problem is sorted out with a water pump.
More than one tank
Sometimes you may want to have more than one tank in your house. This might be the case if you are already receiving water from the mains but you still want to supplement with rainwater. You can set up two tanks at two different locations depending on the demand. Underground tanks are convenient for storing water collected through the rainwater collection system. However, above-ground water tanks are best suited for storing water that comes through the mains. You can have the two installed for an efficient water system in your house. Some building codes prohibit above-ground water storage tanks and this means it’s important to check with your local government before installing your tank.
