Nowadays, rainwater tanks are not just big and round — they now come in an assortment of sizes, shapes, considerations.
Rainwater Tank Materials
In general, rainwater tanks can be made from metal, fiberglass, polyethylene, and concrete. Rhino Water Tanks shares that metal water tanks can come in corrugated or rolled metal that is either coated or galvanised. They’re usually outfitted with an aquaplate, which is an inner plastic lining capable of increasing their service life and protecting the quality of water. Fibreglass rainwater tanks are resistant to chemicals and rust and are developed to weather severe temperatures. These are ideal for aboveground configurations but are not the most affordable options.
Polyethylene rainwater tanks are known to be extremely durable and since they don’t rust, are popular options for those who live close to the ocean. While concrete rainwater tanks are top choices for industrial and agricultural applications since they don’t get blown away, melt, burn, or rust.
Other Things You Must Know
Before purchasing a rainwater tank, ask the water supplier and council in your area regarding installation rules and requirements. You might be required to submit a building or development application, as well as policies about preventing mosquito breeding and drinking rainwater, and restrictions pertaining to the location, labelling, height, and colour among others. Likewise, see if your local government or water authority offers bill reduction or cash rebates for installing a rainwater tank.
When asking for estimates, know if there are added costs for installation and delivery, optional features, additional materials, a pump, or a stand if you’re planning on an aboveground configuration. For below ground installations, you should consider the cost of additional excavation or ground preparation.
Lastly, if you wish to attach your rainwater tank to your water supply, consider the cost of hiring a licenced plumber, as well as any costs related to extra work that must be performed on your gutters or roofing. So keep all the abovementioned considerations in mind when looking at different rainwater tanks to make certain that you get your money’s worth.