How to Choose The Right Rainwater Tanks For Your Needs
Want to invest a rainwater tank but haven’t got a clue which one to buy? This guide will help you compare rainwater tanks and figure out exactly what you need.
When it rains, it pours. But is that a bad thing? If you join the increasing number of people using rainwater tanks today, you’ll say no. In fact, you’ll come to embrace the pouring rain like never before.
You might even be tempted to break out in a rain dance to bring it on. (Don’t worry, we won’t look.)
Statistics show that the number of households in Australia with rainwater tanks was 34% in March of 2013. This was a jump from 32% three years prior and 24% six years prior.
These tanks are becoming increasingly attractive as a primary water source for some households or as a supplementary source for others.
But where do you start when looking for the ideal tank for your home or office? We’ve created a guide to help you to compare rainwater tanks and choose the one that best meets your needs.
Let’s dive in!
Why Rainwater Tanks?
Rainwater tanks are used for collecting and storing rainwater runoff, particularly from roofs through pipes. One of the main reasons the demand for these tanks is on the rise is because they save money.
A tank may even qualify you for a cash-back rebate — which means you’re essentially making money twice.
But these tanks don’t just pay dividends for your wallet. They also pay dividends for your health.
With fresh, pure natural rainwater, you don’t have to worry about the presence of added chemicals or heavy metals, and you also don’t have to worry about odors or a salty taste.
Additional Benefits
Rainwater is also an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious, as it helps to prevent the negative effects of stormwater runoff on your local environment.
Another plus? With these tanks, you no longer have to worry about water shortages.
A water shortage will cause your local government to impose restrictions on your water use. This can be a major headache if you consume more than others do.
With a rainwater harvesting system, you are not so dependent on your local water source. And this actually helps to prevent shortages from occurring in the first place.
Water costs are expected to increase drastically in the future as water boards and councils move to have local communities assume water costs. It only makes sense to secure a rainwater tank for yourself sooner than later.
Before purchasing one, however, here’s an important question you need to ask yourself: What will I mostly use it for?
Tank Size Options
The answer to the above question will determine the type of tank you’ll ultimately need.
A wide variety of tanks are available, so understanding their unique features and designs is paramount when you’re in the market for one.
Here’s a rundown of the types of tanks from which you can choose and their various uses:
Small Tank
A small tank can range from being under 1,000 liters in size to being 7,500 liters.
Small tanks are ideal for the following uses:
- Commercial water applications (such as for a business garden or small washroom)
- Topping up a pool
- Washing a boat or car
- Providing water to a granny flat or small house
- Watering a garden
Large Tank
Larger tanks can be 10,000 liters to a whopping 50,000-plus liters.
You should use a large tank if you think you’ll be doing any of the following:
- Providing water to a commercial business (such as a car wash business or office)
- Providing water for industrial purposes (for example, food and chemical manufacturing)
- Irrigating your lawn
- Providing water to your home
If you plan to use your tank as your home’s chief water source, note that you’ll need extra equipment, such as a pumping system, taps, and filtration, as well.
Space Considerations
Your building’s design is another important factor to consider when selecting a tank for rainwater.
For example, if you don’t have a lot of space and want to keep your tank hidden, a slimline tank or an underground tank may be your best option.
Slimline tanks may range from 1,000 to more than 5,000 liters and are perfect for a narrow area of your property.
Underground tanks are also popular because they allow you to take advantage of the large capacity of a tank without the space requirements of an aboveground tank.
Plus, your property is more likely to look less cluttered without the presence of a bulky water tank.
Another low-profile tank option is an under-deck tank — perfect if you don’t have much of a backyard or front yard.
This particular tank is especially ideal if you have empty space beneath your home deck and are looking for a way to use it efficiently.
Tank Materials
Rainwater tanks are fashioned out of various materials ranging from plastic to steel.
Food-grade polyethylene is a versatile type of plastic that is durable and light. You can’t go wrong with tanks made from this material as it is safe to store potable water.
Many modern steel tanks are made of galvanized steel with a zinc coating that helps to guard against corrosion on the outside and a polymer coating to avoid corrosion on the inside. These have all the charm of a traditional looking steel corrugated tank while avoiding the problems of older style galvanized steel tanks – namely corrosion and metallic tasting water.
The much larger rural built on site steel tanks feature separate liners made from food-grade polyethylene, which is the best way to line one of these tanks.
What Else do I Need to Know?
Various areas have different regulations based on your home’s or office’s location, the frequency of rain in the area and your ability to access a centralized water system.
So, before you move forward with installing a rainwater tank, be sure to get in touch with local council officials concerning particular regulations for installing water tanks.
You’ll need to find out requirements related to planning and operation approval as well as obtaining an installation permit.
Standalone tanks not connected to a building’s downpipes usually do not require approval, but it’s always safe to double-check.
How We Can Help
We offer a large number of rainwater tanks designed to fit your building’s needs — and your budget.
Contact us to find out how we can help you to save money, help the environment and enjoy more freedom in your water usage with a high-quality rainwater tank.
HTML, CSS and JavaScript are the client-side elements of every website. Learn them to become a web developer.
Leave A Comment