Water tanks are becoming a necessity all across Australia. Different people install them for separate reasons such as collecting rainwater, watering the garden or the grass in their lawns and for livestock. Others use their tanks to store the water they would use in standalone vinyl pools and other house appliances.
Once you have bought a water tank however, the next step is usually installation. When installing one, you need to be careful to make sure it is done in a safe proper manner. You should also consider what the tank will be used for, something that will factor in deciding where to locate the tank and whether you can do this by yourself. Should you decide to go with an expert, please consult widely before making a decision.
Water tanks are however relatively safe to install by yourself and make for engaging DIY projects.
What are the steps?
Once you decide what you want to use the tank for, the installation process becomes very easy. It can all be broken down to a three step process with clear cut instructions and details. Please note that this three step process is only a recommendation not a mandatory guide.
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Preparing a base for the tank
This is the first step in the installation process. It will help you get a place for your tank to sit, in order for the rest of the steps to be carried out. When coming up with a base, you will typically have two options, a concrete base and a compacted material base.
To create a concrete base, first dig a hole about two feet deep into the ground. This will ensure that your concrete base is sitting firmly. Compact the base of the depression to allow for the concrete to settle in. After that, pour out a reinforced concrete slab that is three feet in height. Make sure that the slab is level and flat in all directions. The slab should be wider than the base of the tank.
When dealing with compacted material, create a 3 foot pad that is at least two feet larger than the diameter of the tank. This tank base must be free of debris, especially rocks, stones or sharp objects that could damage the base of the tank. The base must be compacted expertly and made flat in all directions. Any raises could result in deforming the base of the tank and causing a weakness over time. Construct a retaining wall of some kind on the outside to prevent erosion which can be caused by washout, normal usage or animal interference.
Once you have successfully constructed a base, place your tank gently on top of it, making sure it rests squarely. Any miscalculation could result in damage to both the tank and the base, as it fills up with water and adds weight.
Avoid using wooden sleepers and corrugated iron sheets in the construction of your base, as these tend to be uneven and could jeopardise the wellbeing of your tank.
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Fitting the overflow drainage pipe
Sometimes, tanks come already fitted with overflow pipes. These are there to let excess water leave the tank in the event that it is full and water is still being drained in. Overflow pipes are typically fitted at the upper end of the tank directing either to a drainage system or a garden to avoid flooding the yard. It should also lead away from the base of the tank to avoid eroding and weakening it.
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Installing the fill pipe
Once you have fitted the overflow pipe, the next step is to connect your tank to the gutters. Fit the pipe that goes from your roof through the tank lid, to ensure that water is deposited into the tank correctly. If the water is to be used inside the home, make sure you have fitted the correct filters to the pipe, to ensure that people get water free from contaminants. You should also make sure that the filters are inside the tank lid, near the end of the fill pipe.
Sometimes, the fill pipe could be from another source, such as the municipal water line. The installation process will still be the same as hooking it up to the roof intake.