Getting It Right With Proper Location, Tank Base and Size Considerations

The location of a tank can affect how effectively the family captures the rainwater. It may be disastrous to spend a token on a long-lasting tank with proper fittings only to get things wrong on the location phase. An ideal location lets the tank fill by gravity. The gravity factor helps the natural flow of water from the roof, through the gutters and into the tank. The ideal location is below the collection surface (roof surface).

Exposure to sunlight

Depending on the type of tank, also consider the exposure to the sun. Tanks are best kept in a shaded area to protect the tanks from UV damage. Storing the tanks away from direct sunlight ensures that the water temperature can be kept at a stable level. The homeowner will not have to worry about the water being too hot due to constant exposure only to reverse to cold water once the sun sets. Temporary roofs or a nearby tree can provide adequate shade.

The intended location of the tank usually affects the kind of base that will be used. Some locations do not even need a base reinforcement before the tank is placed. Soft grounds or areas that are too close to the house’s own floor-footing usually require extra reinforcement. Without a proper reinforcement, the tank may marginally sink into the floor and this can be catastrophic for the installed pipes. This is how pumps, gutters and adjoining connectors fail.

Figuring out the best material or the base of your tank

The most common and reliable bases for a heavy water tank are the timber frame bases and the concrete base. The timber frame base is used in a flat, but grassy or plain soil area, whereas the concrete base is used when there is another concrete surface that is not perfectly flat. Here are some extra considerations to make to ensure that you are on the right path.

The Timber Frame Base

When installing a timber frame base, the area needs to go through some extra compacting. A filling may be placed before the timber frames come. The frame may take the shape of the tank such that a round tank needs a round base. The timber pieces have to be treated to avoid warping over time. A width of 150mm is strong enough to sustain the weight of a very big tank, having in mind that there is sand-filling or a crusher dust below the timber.

Installing a concrete base

A concrete base is more reliable than  a timber base. A concrete slab needs some extra allowance beyond the footprint of the tank as concrete is known to crumble around the ages over time. A wide base is perfect for dispersing the weight of the tank over the floor surface and provides extra stability. A super-strength slab usually has a steel mesh skeleton placed before a concrete mixture is poured. All bases should be examined to ensure they are completely flat.