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With water becoming an
ever-increasingly precious
resource, the installation
of a rainwater tank can save
water supplies and your hip
pocket. Rain water tanks
come in a range of styles
and sizes making them
suitable for just about any
home, and are an easy way to
implement
green plumbing
principles.
Getting Set Up with a Rainwater Tank
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Australian 5 Star will be able to help you find select
the correct size, shape and material of your water tank, as
well as ensuring that you meet all council requirements,
saving a lot of hassle in the long run. Local councils have
their own requirements when it comes to water tanks and
these can include things such as placement, colour, and
noise control. Larger water tanks (over 10,000 litres) may
also require a development approval.
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Rainwater tank installation - you will need the services
of a professional when installing a water tank. They will
deliver and install the tank for you, or make it on site if
you have opted for an in ground concrete tank. Installers
are also able to install the necessary plumbing, screens and
insect guards. A reputable
plumber can also install rainwater tanks and plumb them
as necessary, so that water can be accepted from collection
points on the roof, for gardening, to flush toilets and so
on.
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Rainwater tank repairs - From time to time you may need
repairs to your setup, including cracks and leaks
and plumbing repairs.
Rainwater Tank Considerations
It is important that you get the right water tank for your
home and there are some factors that you will need to take
into consideration. These include:
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the size of the water tank
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how many people live in your
house
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how large your garden is
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what you intend to use the
rainwater for
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the roof catchment area
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council requirements
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where you live – drier areas
generally require larger tanks
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your existing water usage
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what guarantee there is on
the tank
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how much space you have
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what preparation you will
need to undertake on the ground where the tank will be
Water Tank Uses
Water tanks can be used for several things around the home
such as:
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flushing the toilet
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topping up the
pool or spa
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watering the garden
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laundry usage (washing
machine)
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supplying the hot water
system
If using your water inside the home, the tank should be
fitted with a filter and it will need to have a minimum amount
of water in it at all times. This may require some
plumbing alterations, as any connection to
the main water supply (for topping up the tank) requires that
you have an air-gap in order to minimize the risk of any
contamination of the mains supply. Alternatively, tanks may be
topped up by a water truck.
Types of Water Tanks
There are several types of water tanks, depending on your
needs.
-
 Poly water
tanks – poly tanks can be used either above or below
ground. They are very lightweight in comparison to
other tanks so they are easy to transport and install.
They also come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and
colours, so will suit any home. The poly tanks are food
grade (so are suitable for drinking water) and come with
warranties of up to 25 years.
Steel tanks – metal tanks can be made from
galvanized steel, Aquaplate or Colorbond, Zincalume or
even stainless steel. These tanks are easy to
transport, come in corrugated or flat designs and can be
used above or below ground. Metal tanks are often lined
with polyethylene to ensure good water quality and to
prevent rusting or corrosion.
Concrete tanks – concrete tanks can be installed
above or below ground but are commonly used as below
ground tanks. These tanks are usually made on site, but
can also be delivered pre-cast. By fitting a load
bearing lid to the tank, it is possible to install them
underneath driveways or other structures around the
home, making them very unobtrusive.
Fibreglass tanks – fiberglass tanks do not rust or
corrode, can tolerate extreme temperatures and come in a
range of sizes and colours. They are easy to transport
and last for a long time. However, they can be an
expensive option
Above Ground or Below Ground Tanks
Water tanks can be installed above ground or below ground.
There are some factors in considering which to choose as
both have their advantages and disadvantages. Above ground
tanks are great because they are more cost effective than
below ground tanks, leaks can be easily detected and they
are easy to drain and clean. However, they do take up space
in the backyard and they are vulnerable to weather
conditions. Below ground tanks take up a lot less space and
are hidden, so they do not affect the landscaping at all.
If the lid is reinforced, it is even possible to build a
driveway over the top of the tank! However, you will need a
pump to extract the water and it can be difficult to spot
any leaks. They also cost more due to the ground needing to
be excavated. 
Rainwater and the Roof
The roof and guttering system is
a factor that should not be
overlooked when installing a water tank. You should
ensure that the guttering is suitable for rainwater
collection and install guards to stop leaves, insects and
other debris from finding their way into the tank. The
roof and guttering need to be regularly inspected and
cleaned, and a professional will be able to help you with
this.
Also ensure that the tank material and the roof material are
compatible with each other. Incompatible materials may cause
rusting and corrosion in the tank.
When hiring a professional, ensure that they are qualified
and experienced. Try to get at least three quotes before
selecting anyone and ask if the tank comes with any guarantee or
warranty.
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