Tips for Choosing a Water Storage Tank for Your Property
Using a water storage tank on your property means having water ready when there is a drought or when the plumbing is interrupted to your home for any reason. A water tank can be very small and not any larger than a standard rain barrel, or it can be very large and take up your entire backyard space. Before you decide on a water storage tank, note a few important tips for making your selection so you know you invest in the right type for your needs.
1. Consider its long-term use
Right now you may want a tank for water storage, but in the future will you want to store propane or any type of liquid fuel, or any other material? If so, you'll want to choose a tank that is going to be suitable for other uses. Certain fuels and liquids cannot be stored in plastic tanks because they might corrode the tank, and may also seep through a concrete tank that doesn't have a proper liner. Consider a tank's long-term use if you think you may store anything other than water, and choose the proper material accordingly.
2. Note the weight and size
Remember that a water tank will be even heavier when it's full of water, so choosing a larger tank made of a thick metal or concrete can mean having to add a foundation for its installation. This can add to the overall cost and disruption of your property. You may be thinking of a large concrete tank you can put underground and which will hold a month's worth of water, but you may be forgetting about how your contractor may need to add a sand or gravel base to support it.
The size of a tank may also interfere with drainage of your property so that it acts as a retainer wall; in turn, you may see water collecting around your home's foundation or note soil erosion on one side of the tank. Work with a contractor to determine the best size and weight for your property and your budget, considering all these added factors you may have overlooked.
3. Consider portability
If you'll ever want to move your water tank, you'll want something small and lightweight. Concrete is a permanent installation, and a concrete water tank can't go with you when you move or be relocated because you want to add a sunroom to the back of your home. Plastic and metal tanks are lighter and easier to install on your own and to move to a new spot in the future, so be sure you choose one that you can easily relocate if you think you'll need to do this in a few years.
