How to Install a Water Tank
Despite the recent QLD weather, droughts are an evident reality in Australia.
Having a personal supply of rain water makes sense and could be a life saver in times of dry despair.
Installing a water tank doesn't have to be done by a professional, we have provided step by step instructions on how you can make the most of the rain with a water tank installed all by yourself.
Deciding on a Water Tank Position and a Base The position of a tank is a very important aspect and it is important to get it right.
It should be easily accessible and close to a downpipe.
When water tanks are full they weigh the same as a small car so the position must be large enough for a sturdy base to also be installed.
When it comes to water tank bases, there are a few different options.
First and foremost, no matter which option you choose, they must be flat to ensure there is no unnecessary overflow.
Water tanks may be set on top of a concrete or sand base, or alternately they can be mounted on to a platform base.
Although sand bases are the cheaper option, the quality is second rate.
Tree roots and general weather conditions, affect the finish and continual repairs are required.
If your budget persists, concrete or a raised platform is a better long term option.
Not only do they last longer but they also allow for sufficient room to fill buckets, water cans etc straight from the outlet.
Making the Rainwater Connections You may be required to alter the water tank once you have positioned it.
Over flow holes and an inlet hole must be made in the position that best suits your site.
It is recommended that these holes are cut with a jigsaw or a key hole saw.
The manufacturers instructions will give you a guide to ensure the inlet and outlet pipes are installed properly, make sure these instructions are followed as some parts will have to be installed permanently with silicone or glue.
Remove the existing down pipe and redirect it using a combination of pipes and elbows of 45 and 90 degrees.
At this point, it is recommended that a cleaning/filter device is fitted.
This allows for dirt, grime and other sediment caught in the gutters to be carried away before it contaminates you tank water.
Do not permanently install pipes straight away, it is important to know they fit and operate correctly.
Mark the pipes with a pencil so you are able to put them back to their original position, take them apart, apply PVC pipe primer and adhesive and reassemble.
Making the Outlet Connections When you receive a tank, usually outlet holes are blanked in and it is up to you to make them once the tank is positioned.
This is a simple task much like the inlet and overflow holes made previously.
This can be done with a 25mmm spade bit.
Once the tap is ready for installation, reduce any possible chance of leaking by wrapping Teflon tape around the thread prior to screwing it in.
Maintenance Water tanks are fairly low maintenance and the environmental benefits speak for themselves.
However there are some key facts to remember once you have installed your water tank.
Remember to keep gutters clean.
Tank filters will clean water to a certain extent, but once these get blocked they are pointless, so it is also important to keep these clean as well.
Having a personal supply of rain water makes sense and could be a life saver in times of dry despair.
Installing a water tank doesn't have to be done by a professional, we have provided step by step instructions on how you can make the most of the rain with a water tank installed all by yourself.
Deciding on a Water Tank Position and a Base The position of a tank is a very important aspect and it is important to get it right.
It should be easily accessible and close to a downpipe.
When water tanks are full they weigh the same as a small car so the position must be large enough for a sturdy base to also be installed.
When it comes to water tank bases, there are a few different options.
First and foremost, no matter which option you choose, they must be flat to ensure there is no unnecessary overflow.
Water tanks may be set on top of a concrete or sand base, or alternately they can be mounted on to a platform base.
Although sand bases are the cheaper option, the quality is second rate.
Tree roots and general weather conditions, affect the finish and continual repairs are required.
If your budget persists, concrete or a raised platform is a better long term option.
Not only do they last longer but they also allow for sufficient room to fill buckets, water cans etc straight from the outlet.
Making the Rainwater Connections You may be required to alter the water tank once you have positioned it.
Over flow holes and an inlet hole must be made in the position that best suits your site.
It is recommended that these holes are cut with a jigsaw or a key hole saw.
The manufacturers instructions will give you a guide to ensure the inlet and outlet pipes are installed properly, make sure these instructions are followed as some parts will have to be installed permanently with silicone or glue.
Remove the existing down pipe and redirect it using a combination of pipes and elbows of 45 and 90 degrees.
At this point, it is recommended that a cleaning/filter device is fitted.
This allows for dirt, grime and other sediment caught in the gutters to be carried away before it contaminates you tank water.
Do not permanently install pipes straight away, it is important to know they fit and operate correctly.
Mark the pipes with a pencil so you are able to put them back to their original position, take them apart, apply PVC pipe primer and adhesive and reassemble.
Making the Outlet Connections When you receive a tank, usually outlet holes are blanked in and it is up to you to make them once the tank is positioned.
This is a simple task much like the inlet and overflow holes made previously.
This can be done with a 25mmm spade bit.
Once the tap is ready for installation, reduce any possible chance of leaking by wrapping Teflon tape around the thread prior to screwing it in.
Maintenance Water tanks are fairly low maintenance and the environmental benefits speak for themselves.
However there are some key facts to remember once you have installed your water tank.
Remember to keep gutters clean.
Tank filters will clean water to a certain extent, but once these get blocked they are pointless, so it is also important to keep these clean as well.
