Alexei Volkov
Burying a plastic water tank is a complex process that requires careful planning and consideration. While it offers benefits such as reduced tank height and efficient use of space, it also presents challenges due to buoyancy and external pressure. Buoyancy forces can cause the tank to push upward, especially during rainfall, and the weight of the soil can exert significant pressure on the tank walls. To address these issues, it is crucial to consult experts, including engineers and manufacturers, to ensure the tank can withstand external forces and that the foundations remain stable. Additionally, the soil type, desired depth, and location play vital roles in the burial process. While underground poly tanks offer advantages over concrete tanks in terms of cost and ease of installation, they require specific conditions and reinforcement to prevent structural failure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Buoyancy | A buried tank will always want to rise to the surface, especially when it rains and the ground becomes saturated. |
| Weight | Steel tanks are heavy enough to handle buoyancy, but lightweight polyethylene tanks will exert more buoyancy force than weight. |
| Ground pressure | External forces of the ground can collapse a polyethylene tank, especially if it is less than half full. |
| Wall strength | The walls of some plastic tanks may not be engineered to withstand the lateral pressure of the earth and may collapse. |
| Soil type | The type of soil should be evaluated by an expert to ensure the foundations do not erode. |
| Depth | A plastic water tank should not be buried more than 1 meter into the ground. |
| Hole size | The hole should be dug 300mm (12 inches) wider than the base diameter of the tank. |
| Tank preparation | The tank should be filled with water before backfilling the hole with compacted crusher dust and cement powder. |
| Fence | It is highly recommended to erect a fence around the tank. |
| Alternative solutions | Crosslinked polyethylene chemical storage tank systems should be considered if underground storage is not essential. |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare the ground for burying a plastic water tank
Burying a plastic water tank requires careful preparation to ensure the tank doesn't collapse or float to the surface. Here are the steps to prepare the ground for burying a plastic water tank:
Choose the Right Tank
Not all plastic water tanks are suitable for burial. Choose a tank specifically designed for underground installation. These tanks have thicker walls or ribs to withstand external pressure. Consult the manufacturer to ensure the tank can be partially or fully buried.
Evaluate the Site
Before beginning any excavation, consult an engineer or expert to evaluate the soil type, desired depth, and location. This step is crucial for ensuring the foundations remain stable and don't erode. Some councils require this consultation when digging more than a metre below ground.
Dig the Hole
The hole should be approximately 300mm (12 inches) wider than the base diameter of the tank. If burying two tanks side-by-side, dig separate holes. The depth of the hole depends on the tank size and manufacturer's instructions, generally ranging from 1 to 1.3 metres. Ensure the base of the hole is flat and level, and prepare it according to the manufacturer's ""Site Preparation" instructions. Suitable bases include concrete, crusher dust, brick, gravel, or solid dolomite.
Place the Tank
Place the tank centrally in the hole. Fill the tank with water to prevent buoyancy issues, especially if the tank is less than half full.
Backfill the Hole
Backfill the excavated soil around the tank, ensuring it is compacted to provide additional support. You can also use a combination of crusher dust and cement powder for backfilling, which provides extra stability.
Additional Considerations
Consider erecting a fence or platform around the buried tank for protection. Additionally, you can build a concrete vault to take up the weight of the soil and protect the tank's integrity, although this option is costly.
Remember, incorrect installation may void your warranty, so carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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The depth at which to bury a plastic water tank
Burying a plastic water tank requires careful consideration of several factors, including buoyancy, soil type, desired depth, and structural integrity. Firstly, it is important to understand that not all plastic water tanks are designed to be buried. The structural strength of the tank walls varies across different brands, and some may not be able to withstand the lateral pressure exerted by the surrounding soil. Therefore, consulting with an engineer and the tank manufacturer is crucial before deciding to bury a plastic water tank.
The depth at which a plastic water tank can be buried is generally recommended to be no more than 1 metre. This recommendation considers the buoyancy factor, which becomes more significant the deeper the tank is buried. A buried tank will always have an upward force due to buoyancy, especially when it is not fully filled. As the depth increases, the buoyancy force can exceed the weight of the tank, leading to instability and potential collapse.
Additionally, the size of the tank should be considered. Smaller tanks with lower water capacity may not need to be buried as deeply as larger tanks. For example, 100-500 gallon poly tanks are commonly used as in-ground septic tanks and may not require the same depth as larger tanks. It is also worth noting that some tanks are specifically designed for burial and can provide a completely hidden water storage solution, typically with shallow excavation between 1 to 1.3 metres.
When preparing the tank foundations, it is essential to dig a hole wider than the base diameter of the tank, typically recommended at 300mm (12 inches) wider. This extra space allows for appropriate backfilling and ensures the tank is securely positioned. If two tanks are buried side-by-side, separate holes must be dug for each tank. The base of the hole should be prepared with a compacted and level surface, such as brick, concrete, gravel, or solid dolomite, with a depth between 300mm and 400mm.
It is important to note that incorrect installation may void any warranty on the tank. Therefore, carefully following the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer is essential. Burying a plastic water tank is not always the best option due to increased maintenance difficulties and the potential for costly leaks. Alternative solutions, such as crosslinked polyethylene chemical storage tank systems, should be considered unless underground storage is absolutely necessary.
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How to reinforce a plastic water tank before burying it
Burying a plastic water tank is sometimes desirable to reduce its height or to place it completely underground if you don't have much surface space. However, it's important to note that not all plastic water tanks are suitable for burial. The strength of the tank walls varies across different brands, and if they are too thin, they can collapse due to external pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with an engineer and the tank manufacturer before attempting to bury a plastic water tank.
- Seek professional advice: Consult with a qualified engineer and your tank manufacturer to ensure that your specific tank can be safely buried. They will evaluate factors such as soil type, desired depth, and location to determine if the foundations can support the tank without erosion. Some councils require engineering advice when digging more than a metre below ground.
- Prepare the site: Follow the manufacturer's "Site Preparation" instructions for your specific tank. As a general guide, you should dig a hole that is approximately 300 mm (12 inches) wider than the base diameter of your tank. The depth of the hole should not exceed 1 metre, as this is the typical maximum depth for burying plastic water tanks. Ensure that you have a suitable base, such as brick, concrete, gravel, or solid dolomite, with a depth of 300-400 mm.
- Create a retaining wall: To prevent the dirt from caving in on the tank, you can build a retaining wall around it. This can be done by wiring pallets together and wrapping them with carpet or rubber matting. You can then nail the carpet in place.
- Fill the tank with water: Before backfilling the hole, fill the plastic water tank with water. This helps to counteract buoyancy and protect the integrity of the tank.
- Backfill the hole: Once the tank is filled with water, backfill the hole with an appropriate material. A mixture of compacted crusher dust and cement powder (3 parts crusher dust to 1 part cement powder) is commonly recommended. Ensure that the material is properly compacted to provide a stable base for the tank.
- Build a protective cover: To protect the top of the tank, you can build a platform or cover made of steel, cement blocks, sheet metal, fiberglass, or poured concrete. This will help distribute any weight or pressure exerted on the buried tank.
- Erect a fence: While not always necessary, it is highly recommended to erect a fence around the buried tank. This provides an additional layer of protection and makes it easier to locate the tank for maintenance or repairs.
By following these steps, you can reinforce a plastic water tank before burying it. It is important to carefully plan and execute each step to ensure the safety and longevity of your water tank.
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The advantages and disadvantages of burying a plastic water tank
Burying a plastic water tank may seem like a good idea, but it has several drawbacks that should be carefully considered before proceeding. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of burying a plastic water tank to help inform your decision:
Advantages
- One advantage of burying a plastic water tank is that it can be a space-efficient solution, especially if you have limited above-ground space available.
- Burying the tank can also provide some level of temperature regulation, helping to insulate the water and prevent freezing in cold weather.
Disadvantages
- The main challenge with burying a plastic water tank is buoyancy. Because plastic tanks are hollow, they will naturally want to rise to the surface, and this force increases as the tank's size increases. When it rains and the ground becomes saturated, the buoyancy of the tank will push it upward.
- To counteract buoyancy, you would need to add weight, which could be costly and defeat the purpose of choosing a lightweight plastic tank in the first place.
- Additionally, external forces from the surrounding soil can exert pressure on the tank, especially if it is less than half full, potentially causing collapse.
- Burying the tank also makes maintenance more difficult and costly. Leaks can cause significant environmental damage that may persist for decades and be very expensive to rectify.
- Finally, there may be more suitable alternatives, such as crosslinked polyethylene chemical storage tank systems, which offer flexibility in location and avoid the challenges associated with underground burial.
In conclusion, while burying a plastic water tank may have some benefits, it presents several technical challenges and potential risks that should be carefully considered. It is essential to explore all options before deciding on the best solution for your specific needs.
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What type of plastic water tank to use for burying
Burying a plastic water tank is a complex process that requires careful consideration. The type of plastic water tank you choose for burial is crucial, and several factors must be taken into account to ensure structural integrity and safety.
Firstly, it is essential to understand the challenges posed by buoyancy and external pressure. A buried tank will always experience upward buoyancy, especially when the ground becomes saturated with rainwater. Polyethylene tanks, which are lightweight, may struggle to counteract this force, leading to instability. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for heavier tanks made from materials like steel that can more effectively counteract buoyancy.
However, if you decide to use a polyethylene tank, certain measures must be implemented to address the buoyancy issue. One solution is to build a concrete vault around the tank to bear the weight of the soil, effectively eliminating buoyancy concerns. While this option ensures the tank's integrity, it is a costly endeavour, and alternative solutions may be more feasible.
When selecting a plastic water tank for burial, it is vital to consider the wall strength and thickness. The lateral pressure exerted by the earth can be significant, and if the walls are too thin or lack sufficient engineering, the tank may collapse. Consulting with an engineer about soil type, desired depth, and location is essential before burial to ensure the foundations remain stable. Most plastic water tanks can be partially buried, typically up to 1 metre (3 feet) deep, but full burial may require specialised tanks designed for underground placement.
Additionally, consider the advantages of crosslinked polyethylene tanks, which offer enhanced flexibility in terms of location and temperature resistance. These tanks provide an alternative to the challenges of underground burial, especially if underground storage is not a requirement for your specific needs.
Finally, if you opt for burial, ensure proper installation techniques are followed, including digging a hole wider than the tank, using crusher dust and cement powder for backfilling, and considering the construction of a protective fence around the tank.
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Frequently asked questions
Burying a plastic water tank can reduce its height above ground and save space. It can also protect the tank from sun damage.
It is recommended that plastic water tanks are not buried more than 1 metre underground. Some sources suggest a depth range of 1 to 1.3 metres.
The hole should be 300mm (12 inches) wider than the base diameter of the tank.
The foundations of your tank should be prepared as per normal. This means upon an appropriate compacted, level, and flat base. Suitable bases include brick, concrete, gravel, or solid dolomite.
Fill the tank with water and then backfill the hole with compacted crusher dust and cement powder.
