Water is a vital resource. Everybody needs it, but not everyone has access to clean water. In Australia, droughts can be common and rainfall scarce. If you live in areas with prolonged drought periods, installing your own water tank may be a lifesaver.
There was a time when water tanks are only used by farms and households in bush properties, but today even suburban homes are using various types of water storage systems. Having one not only provides you with continuous flow of water, but it also allows you to take advantage of rain as a free water source.
Here’s how to find the perfect home water tank.
1.Why do you need to store water?
Your purpose will determine how much water you’ll need. As a starting point in this process, think about the reason why you need to store water. For example, is it for your garden or your home?
2.How much water you need?
Before you begin shopping for your home water tank, you need to know how much water you’ll be storing on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This estimation will affect the size and even the shape of your storage.
Think about the things you do at home that require water, like dishwashing, laundry and bathing. Try to calculate how much water you use for such activities. You must also factor in the size of your family. Use this information to calculate the volume of water you’re likely to need in a given time period.
3.How large a tank do you need?
Water tanks come in different shapes and sizes. There are small ones that can collect a few hundred liters and there are massive tanks such as this one that can store around 30,000 liters of water.
The size of your tank will depend on what you’ll use the water for and how much of it you need. If you have a good estimation of how much water you need, then you’ll have taken out much of the guesswork in deciding the size of your home water tank. Ideally, you should be able to store a month’s worth of water for your needs.
4.Where do you want it installed?
You can’t just install your water tank anywhere you like. There’s a science and an art to it. First off, you must make sure that your tank doesn’t obstruct any pathway—or view—in your home.
Installing it in the backyard next to a wall or fence is ideal. Also, the location should be on a level ground and sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the tank plus the water that will be collected in it.
5.What tank material do you want?
By now, you have a rough idea of the shape and size of the right water tank for your needs. But unfortunately, you’re just not quite there yet. You also need to consider the material of your water tank.
Popular materials used for water tanks are fiberglass, steel, plastic, and even concrete. The material you choose depends on where you’ll put your tank, how big you want it to be, and, of course, aesthetics. For instance, reinforced concrete is typically used for underground water tanks. A shiny stainless-steel tank may look nice but the water in it can easily get warm because of the material used.
Other Considerations
- Hot Climate
If you’re located in a hot climate, it’s preferable to put your water tank in a shaded area. Doing so will keep your stored water cool and reduce losses due to evaporation.
Your water tank’s location doesn’t have to be surrounded by trees. If the area is bare, you can plant rapidly maturing shrubs or bushes to cover parts of your water tank that are heavily exposed to the sun.
- Urban Setting
If you live in a city, your space may be limited. You cannot just install whatever type of tank you want. The size and shape of your water tank need to fit your place.
Typically, in a city dwelling setup, the tank is placed on the roof. Another option might be an underground water tank. This can save a lot of space but may require some major installation works to set up. It can be built using reinforced concrete or poly material, but you will need a pump to move stored water from the underground tank into your faucets.
Conclusion
A home water tank is an investment that can make your life easier and more convenient. It’s important that you know what you’re in for when you decide to have one installed. If you have any questions, there are plenty of online resources to read. A number of factors will affect your choice of water tank, and getting it right from the start will ensure that you have a quality water source to last for years to come.