Maya Ellison
Underground water tanks are a great option for water storage, offering advantages such as space-saving, temperature regulation, and algae prevention. They are also discreet, environmentally friendly, and enhance the security and cleanliness of the water supply by being less accessible to pests, vandals, and contaminants. The installation process for an underground plastic water tank involves several steps, including choosing the right tank, excavation, preparing the base, connecting the plumbing, and performing final checks and maintenance. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and comply with local regulations to ensure a successful installation.
How to install an underground plastic water tank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Space-saving, temperature regulation, algae prevention, improved aesthetics, protection from freezing, discreet, environmentally friendly, protection from pests, vandals, and contaminants |
| Considerations | Storage capacity, material, local geology, soil conditions, regulations, installation guidelines, size, location, cost, weight, plumbing, maintenance |
| Installation steps | Excavate, build foundation, install overflow drainage, place tank, connect plumbing, final checks, backfilling |
| Materials | Polyethylene, fiberglass, metal, concrete, sand, gravel, steel |
| Sizes | 10–100,000 gallons |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing the right tank: Consider capacity, material, and local geology
- Excavation: Dig a hole with good drainage, larger than the tank
- Prepare the base: Use compacted gravel, sand, or a gravel-sand mix
- Connect plumbing: Set up pipes before backfilling
- Final checks: Check for leaks and complete backfilling
Choosing the right tank: Consider capacity, material, and local geology
When choosing an underground plastic water tank, it is important to consider capacity, material, and local geology.
Capacity
The capacity of your tank will depend on your water usage needs. For example, if you have larger water storage needs, you may opt for a 1725-gallon plastic underground water storage cistern tank. On the other hand, a 225-gallon tank may be more suitable for smaller underground water storage needs.
Material
Underground water tanks can be made from a variety of materials, including high-density polyethylene, fiberglass, or metal. Polyethylene tanks are lightweight, robust, and easy to install, making them a popular choice for underground water storage. They also come in different shapes, colours, and designs. Fiberglass tanks are lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion, making them easy to clean and maintain. Steel tanks are known for their strength and durability and often feature a zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust.
Local Geology
The nature of your soil will determine the backfill needed and the suitability of certain tank materials. For example, polyethylene and fiberglass tanks are better suited for a wide range of soil types as they are resistant to the natural chemical properties of soil and low pH, acidic soils. It is also important to consider any local regulations that may favour or require specific underground storage solutions.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right underground plastic water tank for your needs.
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Excavation: Dig a hole with good drainage, larger than the tank
Installing an underground plastic water tank requires careful planning and execution. Excavation is a crucial step in this process, and it involves the following key considerations:
Firstly, identify a suitable site for the tank, taking into account factors such as soil quality and accessibility for future maintenance. Ensure that the selected site does not compromise the structural integrity of nearby building foundations or underground utilities. Choose a location with good sub-soil drainage to prevent water accumulation and potential tank flooding.
The next step is to start digging. Use heavy-duty equipment like a backhoe to excavate the area. The hole should be larger than the tank to allow for proper backfill and to ensure the tank is fully submerged. Most experts recommend a footprint that is at least one and a half feet wider than the tank and a depth that provides at least half a foot of ground above the tank. This will provide sufficient clearance to properly place and compact the backfill around the tank.
Prepare the base of the hole to ensure adequate drainage. Standard options for the base include compacted gravel, a layer of sand, or a gravel-sand mixture. You can shape the bedding to suit the underside of the tank, ensuring a stable and level foundation.
Before placing the tank, check for any shipping damage and ensure the serial number matches the warranty form. Also, consider the orientation of the inlet and outlet to align with your water supply and plumbing system.
Excavation is a critical step in installing an underground plastic water tank. By following these instructions, you will create a solid foundation for your tank, ensuring proper drainage and accessibility for maintenance.
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Prepare the base: Use compacted gravel, sand, or a gravel-sand mix
Preparing the base for an underground plastic water tank is a crucial step in the installation process. The base material should be compacted and level, providing sufficient drainage for the tank. While concrete is a common choice for the foundation, an affordable alternative is to use compacted construction material such as gravel, sand, or a gravel-sand mix.
When using gravel, sand, or a gravel-sand mix, it is important to ensure that the bedding is well-compacted and has a minimum thickness of 6 inches, especially in rocky terrain. The bedding should be shaped to suit the underside of the tank, providing continuous support. This can be achieved by properly placing and compacting the backfill around the lower half of the tank.
For the gravel option, it is recommended to use clean, granular gravel with a consistent size. This will ensure that the gravel particles interlock effectively, providing a stable base for the tank. The gravel should be compacted in layers, with each layer thoroughly compacted before adding the next.
Sand can also be used as a base material, providing a smooth and level surface for the tank to rest on. It is important to ensure that the sand is compacted adequately to prevent shifting or settling over time. A common practice is to dampen the sand slightly before compaction, as this can help to improve its consistency and workability.
Additionally, a gravel-sand mixture can be utilized, combining the benefits of both materials. This mixture can provide a strong and stable base, with the gravel providing structure and the sand filling the voids to create a solid foundation. It is important to ensure that the gravel-sand mixture is thoroughly mixed and compacted to achieve the desired results.
By following these steps and ensuring a well-prepared base, you can provide a stable and secure foundation for your underground plastic water tank, contributing to its proper installation and long-term performance.
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Connect plumbing: Set up pipes before backfilling
Before connecting the plumbing, you will need to excavate the area and build a foundation. The hole should be larger than the foundation and the tank, and the foundation should be flat and level. Underground foundations can be made from concrete, sand, soil, or gravel bedding, as long as it is compacted and level.
Now you can begin to connect the plumbing. Set up all the pipes before you fill in the hole completely. When you get to the spots where you need to hook up the tank, connect the pipes that let water in, out, and handle overflow. Ensure these pipes line up with your water pump and the rest of your house's plumbing so that the water flows as it should.
If using PVC or CPVC, plumbing fittings and piping must be joined using threaded connections or with the appropriate solvent cements and methods. Both PVC and CPVC can be susceptible to water freeze damage and sunlight that can reduce impact resistance over time. For these reasons, PVC and CPVC piping is often buried and installed underground. If using metal pipe (copper or iron), these often require solder-based heat welding and can experience rust and/or environmental corrosive effects. Copper pipe is not recommended for rainwater harvesting setups. Polyethylene (PE) and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) piping is a recommended plumbing type suitable for many scenarios.
Finally, check for any potential leaks. If everything checks out, complete the backfilling process.
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Final checks: Check for leaks and complete backfilling
Once the tank has been installed and the plumbing system connected, it is time for the final checks. At this stage, it is crucial to check for any potential leaks in the plumbing system. Ensure all connections are tight and hand-tighten threads to prevent stripping. Over-tightening can lead to stripped pipe threads or cracked bulkhead fittings. Check for leaks again once the tank is filled, and adjust the connections as necessary.
If no leaks are detected, the backfilling process can be completed. Backfilling refers to filling the space around the tank with appropriate material, such as compacted gravel, sand, or a gravel-sand mixture. This process provides support and stability to the tank. The nature of your soil will determine the specific backfill material required. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the required backfill depth and ensure proper compaction.
In some cases, local regulations may require the installation of underground storage tanks by professionals. It is essential to consult these regulations and seek professional assistance if needed.
The maintenance of underground water tanks is critical to ensure their efficiency and longevity. Regular inspections of the water pump and plumbing connections should be conducted to identify and address any potential leaks promptly.
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Frequently asked questions
Underground water tanks are a great storage option for various uses. They save space above ground, regulate water temperature, prevent algae, and enhance the security and cleanliness of your water supply by being less accessible to pests, vandals, and contaminants.
You should check if there are any legal regulations in your state involving underground storage tank installation. You should also consider the number of gallons you intend to store, local soil conditions, and accessories for the tank such as a water pump, level gauges, and filters.
First, you will need to excavate the area and build a foundation. Most experts recommend a footprint that is at least a foot and a half wider than the tank and a depth that provides at least half a foot of ground above the tank. Then, set up the tank and connect the plumbing. Finally, check for leaks and complete the backfilling process.
Underground plastic water tanks are typically made of polyethylene, a lightweight, robust, and cost-effective material. Polyethylene tanks are easy to handle, compatible with water, resistant to rust and weather effects, and come in a range of volumes and styles.
Installing an underground water tank can be a daunting and costly task due to the excavation process. It may be beneficial to hire professional contractors to save time and ensure quality results. However, rainwater harvesters are relatively simple to install, so you may be able to do it yourself.
