Some Questions You Might Have About an In-ground Water Tank
Many homes have in-ground water tanks on their property, as these are a good way to store rainwater for when there is a drought or for use in watering the lawn and garden, saving on the cost of using water from the city. If you're thinking about having an in-ground water tank installed on your property, note a few questions you might have and then discuss these with a supplier if you need more information.
1. Can they be stored under a driveway, patio, or walkway?
It's typically not recommended that you store a water tank under a driveway as the weight of a vehicle driving over it might cause it to crack and suffer damage. Whether or not a tank can withstand the weight of a patio or walkway will typically depend on the type of tank you choose and the paving materials; for example, slate will be very heavy, but if your patio is just covered in river rock, you may be able to store your tank under it. Ask a manufacturer about weight tolerances for your in-ground tank.
2. Are fittings needed?
It's good to ask if you should provide your own fittings for an in-ground tank as many are not pre-plumbed for a home and may not come with any type of fittings. You may need to buy fitting separately and then plumb the underground tank to your home if you want to use it as a supply source for indoor plumbing.
3. Why is it recommended that tanks be at least somewhat full at all times?
Very often tanks made of any type of plastic may be recommended to be at least somewhat full at all times, otherwise the pressure from surrounding soil can cause the tank to shift and move out of place. The manufacturer of the tank you choose will tell you how much water you should always keep in the tank, if needed, so you know it will always be held securely in place.
4. Can anything be stored in an in-ground tank?
The materials from which water tanks are made may not be able to withstand certain chemicals or properly contain waste, which can make them a poor choice for septic tanks. They may also have a certain temperature tolerance, so storing hot water or other liquids may not be allowed. Always check with a manufacturer if you're thinking of using your tank for anything other than water storage.