Information on Water Tanks
- Sometimes water has to be stored for large numbers of people, so commercial tanks are built. Unlike home tanks, these mammoth tanks can hold millions of gallons of water. There are four main types of commercial water tanks. Multi-column tanks, also called leg tanks, are supported by four separate posts, usually of steel. The second type of commercial tank is the flared steel column tank, also known as golf ball and tee tanks. The third type of tank is the fluted steel tank; this type of tank has an accordion-style circular support that is unusual because the inside space can be used for storage, offices or meetings. The last type is the concrete column tank, which has a steel tank but which is supported by a column made of concrete rather than steel.
- There are two main types of non-commercial tanks. The first is a captive air tank, which uses a bladder of air to help control the water pressure. The second is the traditional bladderless steel tank. These don't use air bladders; instead, they use air volume controls that are mounted on the top of the tanks.
- Some water tanks are used specifically for water storage. Other tanks are used to heat the water that is stored in a primary water storage tank.
- Water tanks often are located in the basements of homes. In some areas with drier climates, however, water storage tanks are placed on the roofs of buildings. This allows gravity to pull the water down from the tank naturally when the water is needed. This is why the actual tank portion of most commercial water tanks are so high up off the ground.
- The majority of tanks store groundwater pumped from wells. However, emergency tanks can be used to collect rainwater. They work best where there are heavy rains for short periods of time followed by long dry periods, or in areas where it is difficult to pump water from the ground. The rainwater can be used for most outdoor water needs, such as gardening or car washing, and in some instances can be used to supply indoor toilets.
