Water Tanks Brisbane
Your Guide to Buying a Water Tank
Water Tanks Brisbane
|
Brisbane is the third most populous city in Australia. As such, the need for home rainwater tanks is high. Home rainwater tanks collect and store rain and storm water to serve as a source of water for households during the summer, when water use is often restricted due to the low levels of the city’s reservoirs.
Many Brisbane households already rely on rainwater tanks for their supplemental supply. Depending on the region, new houses may even be required to be plumbed into a rainwater tank for laundry and toilet use. Since an increasing number of homes are installing rainwater tanks, we have put together a guide to walk you through the steps of buying a rainwater tank in Brisbane.
|
|
Introduction to Rainwater Tanks
Many people view rain as a nuisance. When rain begins to fall you may feel pressured to get home as quickly as possible. You may also feel disappointed that rain has spoiled your plans. However, if you have a rainwater tank installed at your home, a rainy day becomes a great opportunity.
A rainwater tank will catch some of the rain that is falling and store it for you and your family to use in the future for toilets, laundry, and gardens. This decreases the demand that your family puts on public water supplies. It also reduces the strain that is placed on the stormwater drainage system. In addition, the amount of runoff that flows to nearby rivers and oceans is decreased, allowing you and your family to have a positive impact on the ecosystems surrounding your home.
You may think that rainwater tanks are nothing but large, round eyesores, but this is not the case. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as different materials. Modern rainwater tanks can be installed in areas with large sprawling homes and small suburban areas. The following guide will tell you everything you need to know about choosing the size, shape, and material for your rainwater tank that will best fit your home and property.
Rainwater tanks are typically made from one of four materials: metal, plastic, concrete, and fiberglass. The material you choose for your rainwater tank will depend on your personal preference, location, and needs. Rainwater tanks can be colour-matched to a home, if desired, and can be made from materials to withstand saltwater spray for homes in coastal areas.
A rainwater tank will catch some of the rain that is falling and store it for you and your family to use in the future for toilets, laundry, and gardens. This decreases the demand that your family puts on public water supplies. It also reduces the strain that is placed on the stormwater drainage system. In addition, the amount of runoff that flows to nearby rivers and oceans is decreased, allowing you and your family to have a positive impact on the ecosystems surrounding your home.
You may think that rainwater tanks are nothing but large, round eyesores, but this is not the case. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as different materials. Modern rainwater tanks can be installed in areas with large sprawling homes and small suburban areas. The following guide will tell you everything you need to know about choosing the size, shape, and material for your rainwater tank that will best fit your home and property.
Rainwater tanks are typically made from one of four materials: metal, plastic, concrete, and fiberglass. The material you choose for your rainwater tank will depend on your personal preference, location, and needs. Rainwater tanks can be colour-matched to a home, if desired, and can be made from materials to withstand saltwater spray for homes in coastal areas.
Steel Water TanksMetal rainwater tanks are formed from galvanized steel or stainless steel that is either flat-rolled or corrugated. The tanks can also be made with a specialized steel called Aquaplate, which is coated with a Colorbond plating on the outside and a waterproof coating on the inside to prevent corrosion.
Pros
Cons
|
Poly Water TanksPlastic rainwater tanks are made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or geotextile. They are good choices for homes near coastal regions, since they do not rust. In addition, they are affordable and durable. Light impacts are unlikely to cause much damage, though greater impacts may cause punctures.
Another material used in the fabrication of plastic rainwater tanks is PVC. It is used as the bladder in plastic bladder tanks stored below a floor or deck. Water from this type of tank is usually meant for gardening, laundry, or toilets, but not for drinking. Pros
Cons
|
|
|
Concrete Water TanksConcrete tanks are most often used underground. They are quite durable, but above-ground tanks without a plastic or rubber liner may sweat and form a residue on the outside. If they do get damaged, repairs can be costly, and disposal of a disintegrating tank can require heavy equipment.
While concrete tanks are typically used for agricultural or industrial purposes, they can be used at homes with acreage. Since they are fire-proof and rust-proof, they are popular for small homesteads. They are available as ready-made tanks, or they can be customised to meet your needs. Pros
Cons
|
Fibreglass Water TanksOf all the tank materials, fiberglass is the most robust. Rainwater tanks made from fiberglass are impact-resistant, fire-resistant, rust-resistant, and easy to repair. In addition, they can withstand both high and low temperature extremes. They are best suited as above-ground tanks.
Pros
Cons
|
Choosing the Best Size Rainwater Tank
There are many options for sizes when it comes to rainwater tanks. Selecting the correct size for your home and property will ensure that you have the water supply you need for the future. Purchasing a tank that is too small or too large will lead to trouble and headaches.
The size of the rainwater tank you ultimately choose is dependent upon several factors. You will want to take into consideration many things, such as where the tank will be located and what your water needs are. In addition, you will want to factor in accessibility for maintenance and whether an above-ground or below-ground tank is desired.
The size of the rainwater tank you ultimately choose is dependent upon several factors. You will want to take into consideration many things, such as where the tank will be located and what your water needs are. In addition, you will want to factor in accessibility for maintenance and whether an above-ground or below-ground tank is desired.
Location of Rainwater TankThe biggest factor in determining the size of the rainwater tank is the amount of space that is available in the location where the tank is to be placed. The total footprint area of this location will dictate both the shape and the size of the tank, as well as its colour, if you prefer the tank to blend in with its surroundings.
For small areas, such as the area between the home and a fence, a slimline tank would work best. For areas where the available space is not enough to allow for a tank large enough to meet the needs, a below-ground tank is recommended. Bladder tanks could be considered for spaces below a post-mounted deck. Other factors that play into choosing a rainwater tank include the temperature of the location, its elevation, and its proximity to roof gutters. For locations that experience high temperatures and sunlight for part of the year, the tanks should be placed in a shady spot. If the location’s elevation is high and allows for a higher tank outlet placement, the natural water pressure will be higher. Placing the tank closer to the roof gutters allows for less plumbing work. |
Rainfall & Catchment AreaAnother thing to consider when choosing a rainwater tank is the amount of rainfall that occurs in your area. For areas with higher and more regular rainfall, you can probably get by with a smaller rainwater tank. This is because the tank will fill often with frequent rains, so even if you use a lot of water, the tank will stay filled.
On the other hand, if your area receives lower and more infrequent rainfalls, you will need a larger tank to store water. This will tide you over between rainfalls. In addition, if the area of your roof is small, you need a larger tank, because it will capture more water as the rain runs off your roof. For example, for every square meter of roof area, 1 litre of water can be collected for each millimetre of rainfall. Therefore, a roof that measures 200 square meters can capture 200 litres of water per millimetre of rain. |
Your Goals in Collecting Rainwater
When choosing a rainwater tank, it is necessary to consider your overall goals for collecting rainwater. This will help you determine what your long-term needs are and what storage tank might best fulfill them. Three common goals are saving money, becoming self-sufficient, and meeting water needs.
Saving MoneyOne of the biggest benefits of having a rainwater tank is the possibility of saving money. If this is one of your goals of collecting rainwater, you need to think about the cost to benefit ratio of a smaller tank versus a larger tank. In addition, the cost of filling and maintaining the tank should be considered. All of this must be weighed against the cost of town water. This will lead you to the best size, shape, and material for your rainwater tank. Though it may seem expensive up-front, over time it will save you money.
|
Becoming Self-SufficientAnother common goal for installing a rainwater tank is to become completely self-sufficient. In order to do this, you should consider all of the ways that water is used in your household. Most people use water for drinking, cleaning, washing, toilet, and gardening. This could add up to a significant amount of water and require a large tank or even multiple tanks. Spend some time tracking the amount of water being used in your home. To allow for growth, you should then add 50-100% to this number and choose a tank or tanks that can store that amount.
|
Meeting Partial Water NeedsSome people do not aim to be completely reliant on the water stored in their rainwater tanks. They would just like to have a back-up supply to supplement what they are using from the town water supply and to have when water restrictions kick in. In order to meet partial water needs, carefully consider what you use water for, then choose a tank size that will accommodate those.
|
Things to Consider When Collecting Rainwater
If you plan to collect rainwater in a tank for use in your household, you want to make sure that the water you collect is clean. In order to accomplish this, here are some things to keep in mind.
- Perform regular maintenance on gutters to keep them clean and free of debris.
- Install a leaf guard between your gutter outlet and tank inlet to block large twigs, leaves, and other debris from entering the tank.
- Use a first flush diverter to take the first millimetre of rainfall water off of your roof. This is the water that is most likely to contain contaminants, therefore it is not preferable to have it in the tank.
- Put a sieve on the entry point of your tank to filter out fine particles and reduce the amount of sludge build-up in your tank.
- Hire a tank cleaning service to clean the sludge out of your tank regularly.
|
|
Choosing the Best Size Water Pump
Many people who install a rainwater tank on their property will need to have a water pump as well. It is necessary to consider the location of the tank, as well as what the water will be used for, in order to determine whether or not a pump is needed and what size to get.
For those using their stored water for gardening only, gravity alone may be enough, and a pump may not be required. This is especially true if you place your tank on a stand or if your garden is otherwise located below the level of the tank.
If the pressure of gravity is not enough to move the water from the tank to where it is needed, you will need a pump. There is a vast range of pumps available that are powered by mains pressure. These pumps will include either a pump controller that is pressure-operated or an electronic switch that will turn the pump on and off as needed. Most pumps are placed external to the rainwater tank, however there are choices for submersible pumps. The one you ultimately choose will depend upon your intended application, the reliability of the pump, and its speed level.
In order to make sure that the pump you choose will meet your application needs, you must determine the flows and pressures that are required for the ways you intend to use the stored water in the tank. For example, using the water to water your lawn with a sprinkler while simultaneously taking a shower will require approximately 15 litres per minute with 140 kPa pressure. A full irrigation system could require up to 60 litres per minute with 400 kPa pressure.
Required pressure is determined by the length and width of the pipe. If you use a longer pipe, you will need a higher pressure to deliver the required flow rate. To counteract this, you can choose a pipe with a width of at least 25 millimetres. This will keep the friction in the pipe at a minimum and help to lower the required pressure.
It goes without saying that you will want to choose a pump that not only meets your flow and pressure needs, but also is reliable. This is dependent upon the suitability of the application, the quality of installation, the construction materials, and the water quality. A high-quality pump is recommended if you plan to use it often and are dependent upon it working well. If you are not reliant upon the pump for regular use, you may be able to use one of lower quality.
The third thing to consider is the pump’s speed. Pumps are available as single speed or variable speed units. The majority of pumps are single speed, and the pump is switched on and off using the controller. These are sufficient for most household needs. If you need to use your stored water in several ways and several rooms simultaneously, then a variable speed unit might be more appropriate.
For those using their stored water for gardening only, gravity alone may be enough, and a pump may not be required. This is especially true if you place your tank on a stand or if your garden is otherwise located below the level of the tank.
If the pressure of gravity is not enough to move the water from the tank to where it is needed, you will need a pump. There is a vast range of pumps available that are powered by mains pressure. These pumps will include either a pump controller that is pressure-operated or an electronic switch that will turn the pump on and off as needed. Most pumps are placed external to the rainwater tank, however there are choices for submersible pumps. The one you ultimately choose will depend upon your intended application, the reliability of the pump, and its speed level.
In order to make sure that the pump you choose will meet your application needs, you must determine the flows and pressures that are required for the ways you intend to use the stored water in the tank. For example, using the water to water your lawn with a sprinkler while simultaneously taking a shower will require approximately 15 litres per minute with 140 kPa pressure. A full irrigation system could require up to 60 litres per minute with 400 kPa pressure.
Required pressure is determined by the length and width of the pipe. If you use a longer pipe, you will need a higher pressure to deliver the required flow rate. To counteract this, you can choose a pipe with a width of at least 25 millimetres. This will keep the friction in the pipe at a minimum and help to lower the required pressure.
It goes without saying that you will want to choose a pump that not only meets your flow and pressure needs, but also is reliable. This is dependent upon the suitability of the application, the quality of installation, the construction materials, and the water quality. A high-quality pump is recommended if you plan to use it often and are dependent upon it working well. If you are not reliant upon the pump for regular use, you may be able to use one of lower quality.
The third thing to consider is the pump’s speed. Pumps are available as single speed or variable speed units. The majority of pumps are single speed, and the pump is switched on and off using the controller. These are sufficient for most household needs. If you need to use your stored water in several ways and several rooms simultaneously, then a variable speed unit might be more appropriate.
Installing a Water Tank
Regardless of the size, shape, or material you choose for your tank, it will need a solid and level base. This is because water is very heavy. In fact, the water in a 10,000 litre tank weighs 10 tons. It is imperative to give it a stable foundation to prevent disaster.
One popular base is a simple layer of bedding sand placed on level ground. This is a popular choice, because it is relatively inexpensive. Though it can work for some tanks for a time, it is possible for the sand to shift and cause the tank to tilt. Mild tilting might be no big deal if your tank is not near your home or other building, but it can become a huge problem if it is close to any structures.
A better choice in base substrate is concrete. It will never shift and cause tank tilt, making the extra expense completely worth it. Concrete bases are all but required for tanks with narrow bases, such as slimline tanks. These tanks are much more prone to tilting than those with wider bases, therefore bedding sand is not an option.
After installing a proper base, it is necessary to remember any additional components you will need for your rainwater tank in order to distribute the water. Consider the ways in which you plan to use your water in order to determine what you need.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that once installed and filled, a brand new tank can impart a slight taste to the water at first. For example, concrete tanks can cause the pH of the water to rise slightly, giving it a bitter flavour, while water in fibreglass and plastic tanks can taste like plastic. Likewise, a metal tank can make its stored water taste metallic. It is a good idea to dump the first couple of fills to get rid of this taste, as well as flush out any residue left over from the manufacturing process. Rest assured that any bad tastes will eventually fade away.
One popular base is a simple layer of bedding sand placed on level ground. This is a popular choice, because it is relatively inexpensive. Though it can work for some tanks for a time, it is possible for the sand to shift and cause the tank to tilt. Mild tilting might be no big deal if your tank is not near your home or other building, but it can become a huge problem if it is close to any structures.
A better choice in base substrate is concrete. It will never shift and cause tank tilt, making the extra expense completely worth it. Concrete bases are all but required for tanks with narrow bases, such as slimline tanks. These tanks are much more prone to tilting than those with wider bases, therefore bedding sand is not an option.
After installing a proper base, it is necessary to remember any additional components you will need for your rainwater tank in order to distribute the water. Consider the ways in which you plan to use your water in order to determine what you need.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that once installed and filled, a brand new tank can impart a slight taste to the water at first. For example, concrete tanks can cause the pH of the water to rise slightly, giving it a bitter flavour, while water in fibreglass and plastic tanks can taste like plastic. Likewise, a metal tank can make its stored water taste metallic. It is a good idea to dump the first couple of fills to get rid of this taste, as well as flush out any residue left over from the manufacturing process. Rest assured that any bad tastes will eventually fade away.
In Summary
|
Below is a list of questions to ask yourself when choosing a rainwater tank for your household.
|
|
Brought to You by Water Tanks Brisbane
If you are interested in purchasing a rainwater tank, consider the information found here and ask yourself the questions above, in order to find the right one for your needs. Doing so will ensure that you select a tank that fits your location and space you have allotted. In addition, you will be able to supply the water needs of your household.
This guide is brought to you by Water Tanks Brisbane and Slimline Water Tanks Brisbane.
This guide is brought to you by Water Tanks Brisbane and Slimline Water Tanks Brisbane.
