Water tanks serve an important purpose in homes and commercial establishments. With this method of water storage, you don’t have to worry about lacking water in the dry season or when the municipal’s supply is unavailable. If surface run-off is an issue on your paved compound, a water tank comes in handy. The benefits of water tanks are endless.
However, for a water tank to serve you efficiently, you must follow the right procedure, from preparation to its installation and its use. This begs the question; how do you prepare for a water tank installation? Read on for this insight.
Know The Type Of Tank You Are Installing
Water tanks come in various sizes and shapes and for various purposes, whose choice depends on your intended use. It’d help first to identify your use of the tank. Do you plan to use it for rainwater harvesting or water storage? Once you collect this water, what’s your intended use of the water? Suppose you want to store water for drinking purposes. You must get a water tank made of opaque color. The dark color will prevent the growth of algae in your drinking water, making it safe for consumption. Choose a corrugated steel tank if your use is to water your garden. As part of knowing water tank installations, you must identify the size of the tank you’re installing. Your choice depends on your water needs. Consider getting a large-sized water tank if you have a large household looking to use the stored water as a backup when your taps run dry. Knowing the type of tank you’re installing will help guide the other steps you must take when preparing for its installation.
Understand The Water Tank Installation Procedure
Different water tanks require different installation techniques; some are straightforward, while others require lengthy procedures. Make a point of understanding the procedure beforehand, especially if you’re undertaking the installation as a DIY. This way, you won’t make mistakes during installation that’ll lead to reworks and a waste of resources. However, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t familiarize yourself with the procedure if you’re seeking professional services. Why? It’s always advisable to be in the loop of what’s going on on your premises. You’ll also get a rough idea of how long the installation process will take. This knowledge will enable you to plan accordingly. Suppose the process takes one week and is disruptive. You might have to look for another place to live to give the installation team ample space to complete the work.
Prepare An Appropriate Base
Tanks require a base on which you’ll place them. The base aims to provide stability for your tank such that it doesn’t tip over when full of water. There are two main bases you can prepare, a concrete one or one made from compacted material. As the name suggests, a concrete base is made with concrete. The compacted material is made from a mixture of construction materials, such as ballast and sand. As you lay the compacted materials, ensure no sharp corners are sticking out from the top surface. Sharp objects could damage your tank, especially when they hold a lot of water.
When preparing your water tank base, there are certain aspects you need to do. One, the thickness of your base should be a minimum of 150mm thick. This thickness will hold your tank’s weight when empty and full. In no case shall your tank sink into the ground. The other thing is that the base’s diameter should be bigger than your tank’s diameter. The large diameter will help in the spread of the weight such that there won’t be an extra force at the center of the base that might cause it to crack. Last but not least, ensure that the final surface is level where you’ll place your tank. Your tank shouldn’t bend on one side, nor should it move around in its resting position. It should be steady.
Find A Suitable Location
Location is key when placing your water tank. It’ll determine how easily you’ll access the stored water and your compound use. Suppose you want to use the tank for rainwater harvesting. The ideal spot for such a tank is in an open area. Here, it’ll collect as much rainwater as possible. If your compound is small, you want to place the tank in a corner to avail as much space as possible for your other uses. Alternatively, you can go for a small-sized under-floor tank and store it below your deck. The tank won’t cause much distraction here. Suppose you want to have an underground water tank. You have to find the perfect spot that’ll allow easy digging and where there’s less human traffic. An ideal place would be below your garden. Alternatively, dig a random area near the edges of your compound and install the tank.
Conclusion
Preparing for your water tank installation isn’t challenging. With the right guidance and information, the process can be seamless. Remember the tips mentioned above for a smooth water installation.
