Getting Permission for Your Water Tank
It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning to use your water tank for storing water, chemicals or dangerous goods, or as a wine cellar; you’ll still need permission from the relevant local authorities.
Start by checking the plans provided by your local authorities for gas, electricity, sewer, telephone, mains water, and storm water services. Now, you’ll need 2.5 metres of space for machinery, and you’ll need to discover if the area is prone to flooding before doing anything else.
Preparing for your Water Tank
Getting everything ready for installation day is as important as the construction of the water tank itself. Begin by booking your crane (all Versatile Tanks have 4 x 5 ton swift pins installed into the walls) and make ordering a pump system with a working pressure above 300kPa your next job on your to-do list. Water tank construction can vary from company to company, but here at Versatile Tanks, we follow a specific guide.
The next step in the process is to order a low slump ballast mix for installation. This needs to have a low density and low slump concrete. Finally, you’ll need to check the weather forecast and perform a thorough risk assessment, too.
Excavation of Your Water Tank
Now, it’s time for the numbers bit! Simply take a look at this snippet from a larger infographic we put together, as it gives you all the details you need for excavation of your water tank.
Now, you’ll need to mark the dimensions for your water tank, and clear any debris. You’ll also need to ensure there are no people in the vicinity, taking care to follow strict health and safety regulations throughout.
Ascertain if the hole is square and ensure there is no hazardous soil or other harmful materials in and around the hole. This will, of course, need to be removed before installation begins.
Installing Your Water Tank
It’s at this stage that you’re ready for installation. Your installation team will begin by lifting and slowly lowering the tank into the hole that’s been specially created. In doing so, they’ll be sure to leave a 15cm gap between the battered wall and the tank wall.
Once the tank’s in position, the unit can be backfilled with a concrete ballast mix, before the original soil goes in.
Want More Storage? Think About Installing Multiple Units
If you decide you’d like more units, you can have them easily installed. They can be interlinked with your current units; a gap of 15cm is needed between the tanks and you’re ready to go. Opt for a square Versatile Tank and it’s easier to add more units to it. So, if you decide you need the extra storage capacity, you can add to it as you wish.
Be aware that multiple tanks must be installed at the same level, and you can make this decision when ordering your original tank. Alterations can later be made, and suitable fittings can be placed in the tank with ease when required.
Before You Use Your Tank: Some Tips
It’s important you let the structure settle in position before you begin using your tank. This is especially the case if you’re planning to add more features, such as multiple units, or even a wine cellar.
The great thing about a square tank over a circular one is that there are no joins for water to leak from. Similarly, cracks won’t be able to form as easily, and your tank will instead be longer-lasting, strong and safe.
Once the land above the tank has settled, you could lay a driveaway over the top. Alternatively, you could use the space for something even more useful.
Why Choose an Underground Water Tank?
Considering an underground water tank? Before you take the plunge, here are a few more reasons why they’re a great choice:
- In the event of a water shortage, a concrete water tank has you covered – particular where provisions may be even more modest, if you live in a remote location, for example
- You can easily transport water from elsewhere to store it, or collect rainwater for use
- Water tanks can be distributed anywhere across Australia, from New South Wales, to Sydney, Perth, Victoria or Brisbane
- Make use of rainwater and your water bills will be lower in time
- You’ll also be protecting the environment, by reducing the need for dams or destination plants.
Underground Water Tanks: Some Popular Uses
So, let’s dive a little deeper into water tanks (pun not intended!) and their popular uses. Here are just a few:
- They dramatically alleviate the risk of flooding, which will be good news to business owners who’d like to protect their company and its premises. When you consider that a staggering $314 million is the estimated average annual cost of floods in Australia, it makes perfect sense to have an underground water tank installed on site
- They protect against bushfires, helping to save lives. Underground water tanks are designed to withstand transport from 5kpa up to 26kpa, and concrete water tanks can handle concrete slabs from 100mm thick to 200mm thick
- They provide healthier drinking water, making them ideal for domestic or commercial use
- We’ve mentioned this once, but we’ll mention it again: water tanks are extremely cost effective – so why wouldn’t you consider opting for one?
- Dangerous goods and chemicals can be effectively stored in a water tank – and as a business owner, you have a duty of care to ensure maximum safety in the workplace.
