Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Choosing a Water Storage Tank
Whether it's to collect rainwater for use to water your garden or to have an emergency supply of water on hand for when city-supplied water is interrupted, a water storage tank can be a good investment for any home. However, it's not good to just buy a big tank and put it behind the garage and assume it will work for you; there are some things that every homeowner should consider when choosing such a tank and which they often overlook. To ensure that you're happy with your tank for years to come, note a few common mistakes you'll want to avoid.
Weight of water
If you buy a very large tank to hold hundreds and hundreds of gallons or liters of water, you may be forgetting about the weight of that water. Putting the tank on soft ground behind your garage or elsewhere on the property can mean seeing it literally start to sink once it's full or even slightly full. Note the weight of water and consider if you need a cement pad under the tank for one stored above ground. For a below-ground tank, you might need a land surveyor to tell you the best place to put it on your property; this would be where there is dense, strong soil to keep the tank in place. You might also need a sand or gravel bottom for the tank that you store in the ground.
Lining
Many tanks will need a lining to keep the water from becoming contaminated or from seeping into the material of the tank. Wood and concrete are both susceptible to water seeping into their sides, and water in contact with steel might start to taste somewhat metallic over time, something to consider if you're storing drinking water. These types of tanks usually need a lining of some sort to protect their materials and the water, so be sure you've considered the cost of this lining and how easy it is to replace it yourself.
Portability
A larger tank that is round can still be very portable if you put it on its side and roll it into position. Smaller tanks made of a heavy plastic might not be as portable as a larger tank made of a lightweight plastic or even aluminum. Some tanks come with their own small trailer; they simply sit in the trailer and you can wheel it around your property as needed. Always consider the portability of any tank if you know you'll need to move it into position before using it to water your farm or for any other use.