Common Misconceptions About Residential Water Tanks
Residential water tanks are good for anyone who may use lots of water for various uses around the property, but who may not necessarily need all that water to be fresh. For example, you might want to store water for a large garden or small farm, or for use in washing down a barn or large garage, or other such structures. Whatever your needs for a water tank on your residential property, note some common misconceptions about these tanks that you might want to consider and then discuss with a water tank installer as needed.
Underground tanks are all concrete
Very often an underground tank will be made of concrete, as this material is strong enough to withstand the pressure of the soil surrounding it. Concrete also keeps the water cooler, so it's less likely to allow algae to form. However, not all underground water tanks need to be concrete; while a metal tank with fasteners may tend to buckle or leak around those connections, a PVC or plastic tank can be strong enough to withstand the weight of surrounding soil. These tanks can also keep water cool and clean.
Water tanks are unsightly
If you cannot have an underground tank on your property for any reason, don't assume that you're simply stuck with a bulky and unsightly aboveground tank instead. A concrete tank can often be painted on the outside so that it coordinates with your home's exterior colour and with the property's fence or other such features. A metal tank might look more attractive than plain plastic, and of course your tank installer or a landscaper can build a barrier around the location of the tank; this might include tall hedges, a brick wall or even a wood fence of sorts.
Water tanks and safe drinking water
Not all water tanks are necessarily approved for storing drinking water, as some tanks may be more prone to small leaks that allow in bacteria and other irritants. Some plastic tanks might interact with the chemicals used to clean or soften water, such as chorine or salt. A pre-owned tank may have been used to store chemicals, oils, or other unsafe liquids, and this might mean that you cannot legally store drinking water in that tank, even if you filter that water before drinking it. If you do want to store drinking water in your residential water tank, ask the installer or salesperson about the best type to choose for this use in particular.
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