12 Questions You Should Ask Before Purchasing A Water ...

If you're considering installing a water tank on your property, there are several important questions you should ask beforehand. Water tanks can be a major investment, so doing your research is critical before making this purchase. In this blog post, we'll explore the 12 most important questions to ask when shopping for a new water tank.

12 Questions You Should Ask Before Purchasing A Water Tank

What material should the tank be made of?

The material of the water tank will significantly impact its durability, water quality, and lifetime costs. Common materials include concrete, poly tanks, galvanized steel, and stainless steel. Concrete tanks are durable but pricey, plastic poly tanks are cost-effective but may require replacement sooner, and stainless steel tanks offer exceptional durability but at a higher cost. Assess your budget and intended use to decide the best material for you.

What capacity tank do I need?

Accurately calculating the required capacity for your intended use is essential. Consider your family size, livestock needs, gardening plans, and other water uses. A too-small tank may run out frequently, while a too-large tank is an unnecessary expense. Note periods of higher usage, like summer and gardening seasons, and allow for future expansion plans.

How frequently will the tank need to be refilled?

Consider how often you will need to refill your tank based on your water needs. Will you rely solely on rainfall collection, or will you require supplemental water? Assess the average annual rainfall and drought frequency in your area. These factors will help determine the optimal tank size and refill frequency.

What external construction considerations are needed?

Ensure you address all external construction needs, such as a stable and reinforced base, level ground installation, overhangs or secure lids to prevent contamination, and protection from sunlight for plastic tanks. You might also need to prepare a base and install electrical or pump lines as necessary.

How should internal tank components be configured?

Consider whether you need partitions within the tank, specific types of lining for potable water, interior ladders or lifts for access, cleaning access points, and whether baffles or weighted inlet pipes are necessary to prevent interior erosion. Ensure compatibility with existing plumbing infrastructure as well.

How will tank overflow be dealt with?

Plan for excess water outflow when the tank reaches capacity. Options include routing excess water to a secondary holding pond, a rain garden, drainage areas away from structures, or integrating it into a graywater system for non-potable uses around your property.

How will water be extracted from my tank?

Determine extraction needs prior to purchasing the tank. Will you require an electric pump system or use gravity outlets? Ensure fittings are compatible with specific plumbing fixtures, appliances, and irrigation systems. Check if backflow prevention devices are necessary.

What kind of maintenance is required?

Account for both short and long-term maintenance needs, such as initial cleaning, periodic exterior inspections, algae or bacteria treatment, internal filtration system replacement, integrity testing for leaks, and ensuring pumps and extraction systems function properly.

What safety standards should my tank conform to?

Verify that your water tank complies with relevant safety standards such as NSF/ANSI, UL, FM, or other international protocols. Approved tanks ensure the provision of healthy, potable water and structural stability. Research local requirements for both above-ground and below-ground installations.

How qualified is the vendor or installation company?

Choose experienced water tank suppliers who offer detailed customer service and transparent pricing. Check reviews, credentials, and certifications. Ensure they follow regional protocols and can handle permit processes correctly. They should tailor and install your tank to the exact specification of your property.

Can existing rainwater harvesting systems be incorporated?

If you already have rainwater harvesting systems like gutters, downspouts, barrels, or cisterns, make sure your new water tank can be integrated with these systems. This can help offset water tank refill requirements.

What are all included costs, options, and long-term expenses?

Clarify total costs for the tank itself, components like pumps and wiring, installation expenses, and project long-term costs like maintenance, cleaning treatments, filter replacements, and potential repairs. Estimate total lifetime costs when determining your budget.

Choosing the ideal water tank requires careful consideration of all key factors. Addressing aspects from construction, capacity, and maintenance to safety standards, vendor qualifications, and expenses will ensure your tank purchase fulfills its intended purposes for years to come. By following these guidelines, you can have peace of mind knowing your tailored water tank system reliably meets your specific needs.

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