Alexei Volkov
Installing a plastic water tank is a complex process that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. It is important to select a suitable location for the tank, considering factors such as accessibility, proximity to downpipes, and level ground. The base of the tank must be prepared correctly, ensuring a solid, flat, and stable surface that can withstand the weight of the water. This may involve creating a concrete slab or using alternative materials such as sand, gravel, or timber. The installation process itself involves connecting inlet and outlet fittings, redirecting pipework, and ensuring proper sealing to prevent leaks. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and, in some cases, seek the assistance of a licensed plumber or consulting engineer to ensure a safe and proper installation.
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What You'll Learn
Selecting the site and preparing the base
Selecting the right site for your plastic water tank is crucial. You should consider factors such as accessibility, proximity to downpipes, and level ground. The site should be close to a downpipe, easily accessible, and not blocking access or being visually obtrusive.
When preparing the base, it's important to ensure that the ground is level, stable, and compacted. The base should extend beyond the diameter of the tank to prevent erosion by wind or rain. Suitable base materials include concrete, brick, gravel, or solid dolomite. The recommended base for installations is a reinforced concrete slab that is level and wider than the tank's diameter.
Alternatively, you can prepare an earth ring wider than the tank's diameter so that no part of the tank bears weight on the wall. The ring should be filled with consolidated fill, such as sand or crusher dust, to a depth of 50-75mm (2-3").
Another option is to use a bed of sand or metal dust. If using sand, it should be a level bed of packing sand, 100mm thick, and retained 300mm or greater than the tank's diameter to avoid undermining from wind, water, or vermin. For metal dust, use a screeding of 75-100mm of metal dust (approx. 3mm diameter stone) and retain it with a solid form of the retaining structure, such as cement strips or treated timber.
Remember to check with your local council and water authority before installing your tank, as some tanks may require building approval and connections should be made by a licensed plumber.
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Connecting the inlet and outlet pipes
Connecting inlet and outlet pipes to your plastic water tank is a crucial step in the installation process. Here is a detailed guide to help you with this process:
First, carefully review the manufacturer's instructions for your specific tank model. Ensure that you have all the necessary parts and fittings for the inlet and outlet connections. Some parts will need to be permanently installed with a silicone sealer, while others must remain removable for cleaning and maintenance access.
Next, remove your existing downpipe from the elbow and redirect it to the inlet screen of your water tank. You can achieve this by creating new pipework using a combination of pipes and elbows with 45-degree and 90-degree angles. Consider installing a water cleaning or filtering device at this stage, such as a "first flush diverter." These devices help divert the initial rainwater away from the tank, carrying away any dirt from the roof and gutters, and then directing clean water into the tank.
Before securing the pipes permanently, install all the parts without glue to ensure a proper fit. Mark the pipe connections with a pencil so that you can reassemble them accurately. After testing the dry fit, secure the pipe to a wall or the tank with brackets.
Now, you can proceed to assemble the inlet pipe connections using PVC pipe primer and adhesive. Remember to disassemble any previous connections before priming and gluing. If your tank has blanked-off outlet holes, you will need to carefully drill out the one you want to use with a 25mm spade bit. Ensure you don't damage the thread where the tap or hose fitting will screw into the tank. To reduce the likelihood of leaks, wrap Teflon tape around the thread before screwing it in.
If you are using a pump with your water tank, it is advisable to install a flexible hose between the pump and the tap. This will help absorb vibration and shock from the pump, reducing the risk of cracking and leaking. Additionally, consider installing a 300mm flexible pipe after the ball valve tap to minimise strain on the tank and fittings.
Finally, remember to plumb the water tank overflow away from the tank and its base. Ideally, direct the overflow to existing stormwater drainage or a designated rubble pit. Regularly check and clean the overflow screen to ensure proper maintenance.
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Preventing leaks and overflow
To prevent leaks and overflow in your plastic water tank, there are several important steps to follow during installation. Firstly, select a suitable location for the tank, considering factors such as accessibility and proximity to downpipes. The site should be on level, stable ground with uniform compaction and free of soft spots. Avoid placing the tank directly on loose soil as this can cause subsidence. Instead, prepare a base with a depth of 75-100 mm that is at least 100 mm larger than the diameter of the tank base. You can fill this base with crusher dust and cement powder to create a dry, stable foundation.
The base material can vary, but a concrete slab is often recommended for its long-term stability. Alternatively, you can use a bed of sand, gravel, or a platform made from timber or steel. However, keep in mind that a sand base may erode over time, allowing tree roots to invade and damage the tank bottom. Therefore, a concrete slab or platform base may be more durable options. Ensure that the base is clean, smooth, and properly designed to fit the tank snugly, with no gaps between the tank and its foundation or support.
To prevent leaks, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the tank inlet and outlet fittings. Some parts will require a silicone sealer, while others must remain removable for cleaning and access. When drilling, use a pencil to mark the pipes so they can be reassembled exactly as before. Wrap Teflon tape around the thread before screwing in the outlet to reduce the likelihood of leaks. If using a pump, install a flexible hose between the pump and the tap to absorb vibration and reduce the risk of cracking and leaking.
Additionally, ensure that the water tank overflow is piped away from the tank and base. Redirect overflow water to existing stormwater drainage or a designated rubble pit. Regularly check and clean the overflow screen to maintain proper water flow and prevent overflow issues. By following these steps, you can effectively prevent leaks and overflow in your plastic water tank installation.
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Using a water cleaning device
Installing a plastic water tank requires careful planning and execution to ensure it functions properly and safely. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing a plastic water tank, with a focus on using a water cleaning device:
Site Selection and Base Preparation:
- Choose a suitable site for your tank that is close to a downpipe, accessible, and does not block any access or create an obstruction.
- Prepare the base by levelling and compacting the ground. Remove any foreign objects or stones, and ensure the soil is solid and stable to prevent subsidence.
- For above-ground installations, consider using a bed of sand, concrete, or a platform made from timber or steel. A concrete slab is recommended for long-term stability.
- Ensure the base is slightly larger than the tank dimensions to provide adequate support.
Plumbing and Connections:
- Consult with a licensed or registered plumber to make connections to your water supply and sanitation systems.
- Install a water cleaning/filtering device, such as a "first flush diverter." These devices divert the initial rainwater away from the tank, carrying away dirt from the roof and gutters, and then diverting clean water into the tank.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing tank inlet and outlet fittings. Some parts will require permanent installation with a silicone sealer, while others must remain removable for cleaning and access.
- Use flexible pipe connections to minimise strain on the tank and fittings, especially when using a pump.
- Ensure the water tank overflow is plumbed away from the tank and base, directing it to existing stormwater drainage or a designated rubble pit.
Testing and Maintenance:
- Before final installation, test the fittings by installing all parts without glue to ensure a proper fit. Then secure the pipe to a wall or the tank with brackets.
- Mark the pipe connections with a pencil so that they can be reassembled accurately.
- Disassemble the inlet pipe connections and reassemble them using PVC pipe primer and adhesive.
- Drill out the desired outlet hole with a 25mm spade bit, being careful not to damage the thread for the tap or hose fitting.
- Wrap Teflon tape around the thread prior to screwing in the tap or hose fitting to reduce the likelihood of leaks.
- Clean and maintain your water tank at least once a year to prevent the buildup of algae, silt, and bacteria. Use a water cleaning pump or scoop out the remaining liquid and scrub the inside of the tank with a cleaning solution of hot water and laundry detergent.
Remember to always follow local regulations and seek professional advice when necessary to ensure a safe and compliant installation.
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Installation safety
Plastic water tanks are a convenient and cost-effective solution for water storage. However, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind during installation to ensure the safety of those using the tank and to maintain the longevity of the tank itself.
Firstly, it is crucial to select an appropriate site for the tank. The tank should be installed on level, stable ground with uniform compaction and free of any soft spots or foreign objects. The base should be slightly larger than the tank's dimensions, and the recommended base materials include metal dust retained with cement strips, a reinforced concrete slab, or a bed of sand or concrete. Avoid placing the tank directly on loose soil as it can cause subsidence, and ensure proper soil preparation by following manufacturer guidelines.
Secondly, water tanks can be heavy when full, weighing about the same as a small family car. Thus, a solid and flat base is essential to support the weight. Consider using a concrete platform or reinforced slab for long-term stability, as a sand base may erode over time, and tree roots may damage the tank bottom.
Thirdly, ensure that the tank's inlet and outlet fittings are installed correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some parts will require permanent installation with a silicone sealer, while others must remain removable for cleaning and access. It is also important to mark the pipe connections with a pencil to ensure proper reassembly and to use PVC pipe primer and adhesive for a secure fit.
Additionally, consider installing a flexible hose between the pump and the tap to absorb vibration and reduce the likelihood of leaks and cracking. A pressure relief valve is also essential for safety, as it prevents the tank from rupturing due to high pressure. Always consult a professional plumber or electrician for any electrical connections or adjustments to avoid the risk of electrical shock.
Finally, be cautious of the potential health risks associated with plastic tanks. Some plastics may leach chemicals into the water, especially when exposed to UV rays, high temperatures, or natural breakdown. Ensure the tank is manufactured from non-toxic materials that do not affect the odour and taste of the water, and do not use water from the tank for drinking unless it has been treated by an approved water sanitation system.
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Frequently asked questions
The site must have a solid, level, and compacted base that extends beyond the diameter of the tank and will not be eroded by wind or rain. Suitable bases include brick, concrete, gravel, or solid dolomite surface. The tank should be close to a downpipe, accessible, and not blocking access.
Check with your local council and water authority before buying and installing a rainwater tank. Some tanks may require building approval. You should also carefully read the manufacturer's instructions to make sure that the tank inlet and outlet fittings are installed correctly.
You should hire a licensed/registered plumber to make connections, especially to items connected to your main water supply, such as toilets and washing machines. You can also install a water cleaning/filtering device, such as a "first flush diverter". These devices divert the initial water from rain away from your tank, carrying away any dirt that’s accumulated on the roof and gutters.
Regularly check the overflow screen and clean when necessary. Ensure overflow water is plumbed away from the tank to reduce site erosion and ensure sturdy support for the base of your tank.
