Water tanks have many benefits, and having them as part of your household is a great choice. However, as Same-Day Trades recommends it’s good to do your due diligence while choosing the type of tank that will adequately meet your needs to avoid any uncertainties.
Kinds of rainwater tanks
- Metal
- Poly (polyethylene)
- Concrete
- Fiberglass
Are these kinds equal? Let’s have a comparison and then you can decide.
Polyethylene Rainwater Tanks
Pros
- They are suitable either below or above the ground. They are available in various types of shapes, capacities, colors, and multiple connections.
- They are lightweight. A factor that makes them easy to transport, position and move whenever necessary. It doesn’t need any heavy equipment to move.
- Though lightweight, the rainwater tanks Perth are firm. Apart from being resistant to UV damage, they have a high capability of withstanding harsh weather conditions.
- They adapt quickly when relocated.
- They come built as one piece, so there are no seams which would be weak points.
- Give a 100% guarantee against corrosion and rust.
- Its resistance to algae growth is due to not allowing UV rays.
- Though it’s the second cheapest after metal, it’s more cost-efficient and lasts longer than metal.
- It’s cheaper, faster, and easier to install compared to other rainwater tanks.
- It’s nonporous; therefore, no material or chemicals gets into the water, leaving an after aftertaste.
- The materials used to build poly tanks are non-toxic polyethylene that is of higher quality and food grade.
- Compared to concrete or fiberglass, it’s less prone to cracking.
Cons
- They have a life cycle of 30years, and after that, proper recycling should be done. However, poly water tanks can be recycled to serve another purpose, not as water tanks.
- Most tanks are not resistant to fire, including poly tanks.
Fiberglass Tanks
Pros
- You can get them in various sizes. They can either be placed below or above ground.
- Similar to poly tanks, they are nonporous.
- Though fiberglass doesn’t rust, some components may have localized corrosion.
- Compared to concrete tanks, it’s easy to install
- They are resistant to chemicals, a pro that they share with poly tanks.
Cons
- They permit light to penetrate, which gives an enabling environment for algae growth.
- For the tank to be UV resistant, a gel coat is applied externally. However, if the coat gets damaged, the life of the tank reduces.
- Fiberglass material is rigid, and this can either be taken as an advantage or disadvantage. On the pro side, fiberglass can withstand water pressure. The con is that with time, its inflexibility gives way to brittleness which causes cracks and leaks. This is a significant contrast with the flexibility of poly tanks.
- Fiberglass tanks are constructed by connecting pieces together which form seams. All this is done by hand. Over time these seams can get weak and separate, consequently affecting the whole tank.
- Due to handcrafting of fiberglass, Same Day Trades agree there is always a possibility of human error. How well a tank is constructed depends on human skill, which is prone to inconsistencies.
- They cost more than poly tanks.
Concrete Water Tanks
Pros
- They either be built on-site or transported there. You can choose from different sizes and holding capacities. Concrete tanks are suitable either below or above ground.
- They last long, and due to the steel used while building, they have the highest strength capacity.
- Concrete is rust-resistant, though the steel installed while constructing is prone to rust. I will go into more of this in the cons.
- Outstanding insulation qualities which keep the water cooler.
Cons
- Concrete tank construction is expensive due to the materials and labor costs. They are also heavy and require heavy equipment to install.
- Compared to other tanks, concrete tanks cannot be moved easily, which means you will need to work around them to accommodate changes in your property.
- They are highly porous, which gives an enabling environment for algae and bacteria to grow. Consequently, changing the taste of the water. Though your tank can be sealed to avoid pores, it comes at a higher price.
- They are prone to leaks and cracks. However, it may seem easy to seal these cracks with waterproof cement, but it’s not a guarantee that there will be no cracks in the future. These cracks eventually find their way to the mesh used while constructing, exposing it to water, making them rust.
- Remember you have to empty your concrete tank before repairing it. If they are significant leaks, a plastic liner can be used, though they are highly-priced.
Before opting to build a concrete tank, Same Day Trades advise you to consider the expenses involved, including repair, protection, and removal should you make changes to your property.
Metal Water Tanks
- Metal rainwater tanks are available in various capacities and sizes.
- They are resistant to harsh environments, including fire outbreaks
- The material used is anti UV
- Cons
- Metal water tanks are made of galvanized steel with a layer of zinc to guard against corrosion. The zinc has a polyethylene liner, which prevents it from mixing with liquids, leaving the water with a metallic aftertaste. The liner is prone to get damaged over time and during cleaning.
- In comparison, tanks made of stain steel are not prone to corrosion but are more costly.
- Metal tanks can only be placed above ground, and it isn’t easy to move them once installed.
- The preparation needed for the surface where it will be placed is costly compared to other tanks during installation.
- It has less capability to withstand impact compared to poly tanks.
- Both stainless steel and galvanized tanks have soldered joints, rivets, and screws that are not entirely rust-resistant.
While choosing water tanks, consider how you want to use the water. According to what we have covered above, different tanks can allow light, which gives a possibility of algae growth. This makes the water unsuitable for drinking. However, tanks such as those made of poly ensure they are tested for AS/NZS 4020, meaning they are safe for drinking water storage.
Another factor to consider is color. Go for dark colors such as dark blue, beige, and dark green. These colors will not allow more sunlight into the tank, hence preventing the growth of algae.
