WHAT IS A WATER TANK?
The definition of a water tank refers to a container for
storing water. The main purpose of a water tank is to serve as a storage of water
for drinking and is widely used in farming, industry, and fire department.
There are various types of water tanks available in the
market which include:
Chemical contact tank:
It is made of polyethylene construction which retains
chemicals for treatment with product water.
Groundwater tank:
It is with carbon steel lines, acquires water from surface
or from a dug well then storing it in large volume for consumption during peak
seasons.
Elevated water tank:
It can be referred to as the water tower which creates pressure
at the ground level outlet sufficient enough to supply for domestic and
industrial requirements.
Vertical cylindrical dome top tanks:
It is a horizontal cylindrical tank that are commonly used
for transport which has a capacity of 200 liters to several million gallons.
Its low-profile creates a low center of gravity for the purpose of maintaining
equilibrium for vehicle transport like trailers and truck.
Hydro-pneumatic tank:
It is a horizontal storage tank with pressure providing a
surge free delivery of stored water for distribution. It is the best type of
tank used for transporting storing water.
Among these five above types, the usage of water tanks are
varies according to its design. In every respective design, the water tank
should do no harm to the water being stored especially on drinking water tank.
HOW DO WATER TANKS WORK?
The water tanks work based on its main purpose for
conserving water for the benefit of people and environment. The similarities on
the process of how water tanks work is obvious.
When water is scarce from the direct water supply, the use
of stored water in a tank will come to life and do its duty. It is the time
when the stored water will meet the needs.
As with pressure tanks, when water is turned on at a fixture
in a building, the compressed air in the water tank will act like a spring. It
pushes out to supply water through water pipes even on the highest floor of the
structure.
On the other hand, gravity tank acts differently with the
pressure tank. Gravity water tanks are the most common tank that is being
installed for low rise structures like in residential buildings as it is built
either separately or on the top of the structure.
Gravity water tanks stored water from above, thus it is even
the one being used for storing rainwater. It supplies water from above using
gravitational force to fixtures of the building below. It does not require any
electricity as gravity can be acquire naturally.
WHAT ARE WATER TANKS USED FOR?
Water tanks are used for storing water for various
applications like drinking water, irrigation agriculture, fire suppression, and
in industries.
WATER TANK APPLICATION
The common uses of water tanks are:
Rain harvesting
For the purpose of water conservation, especially on areas
where water is not abundant, rainwater harvesting is very applicable.
It is the process of accumulating and storing of rainwater to reuse it rather
than simply allowing it to run off to the ground pointlessly.
Drinking water storage
Storing water from drinking purposes is a common
application. What is extraordinary is to know the myth in storing drinking
water. It is that water can expire.
Literally speaking, water won't expire but will be
contaminated chemically or biologically. Once it tastes stale, simply rotate
the container to purify it. To store drinking water indefinitely, keep it in a
dark, cool area, not directly on a concrete surface or harsh fumes and
chemicals.
For irrigation agriculture purposes
Irrigation and agriculture tanks plays a great role as a
large consumer to water tank suppliers. Due to climate change causing
unpredictable dry growing seasons, lots of farmers and growers in the
agriculture industry prefer to acquire water storage tanks to help offset the
dry spells to protect their crops avoiding low profits on their harvests.
Fire cisterns
Even on a well developed cities where enough fire hydrants
and winding pipes are installed, in case that something could go wrong during
fire emergencies is still high. This is why a backup water storage should come
into play which is technically called as fire cisterns. For the purpose of
protecting the whole community during unexpected fire extremity, fire
departments are installing fire cisterns in respective areas where
establishments is compactly present and accessibility to direct water supply is
not that attainable.
Thermal storage
Thermal storage tank or commonly referred as hot water
storage tank, has its purpose on storing hot water for space heating or
domestic use.
Because of its high specific heat capacity, water is a good
medium for heat storage. Water can store more heat per unit of weight when
compared to other substances and is non-toxic and low-cost.
In addition, like in laundry shops, and even for household
bathing and washing, water heaters play a significant role to make it work with
the aid of some mechanical energy.
TYPES OF WATER TANKS
Water tanks come in various models according to its uses. There
are types of water tanks based on shape, size, dimensions, and materials being
used.
The different types of water tanks according to materials
are:
- • polyethylene
water tanks
- • concrete
water storage tank
- • plastic
water tanks
- • steel
water tanks
- • stainless
steel water tank
- • polyethylene
water tank
- • PVC
water tank
- • grp
water tank
The different types of water tanks according to size are:
- • 200
litre water tank
- • 1000
litre water tank
- • 2000
litre water tank
- • 5000
litre water tank
- • 5000
litre poly water tanks
- • 10000
litre water tank
- • 100
gallon water tank
- • 200
gallon water tank
- • 250
gallon water tank
- • 500
gallon water tank
- • 1000
gallon water tank
- • 2000
gallon water tank
The different types of water tanks according to shape
are:
- • square
water tank
- • round
water tank
- • flat
plastic water tanks
- • rectangular
rainwater tanks
Plastic water tanks come in different types:
- • black
plastic water tank
- • white
plastic water tanks
- • big
plastic water tanks
- • small
plastic water tanks
- • round
plastic water tanks
- • square
plastic water tanks
Rainwater collection tanks come in different types:
- • rainwater
collection tanks
- • rainwater
harvesting tank
- • steel
rainwater tanks
- • plastic
rainwater tanks
- • small
rainwater tanks
- • large
rainwater tanks
- • rectangular
rainwater tanks
- • domestic
rainwater tanks
- • round
rainwater tanks
Poly water tanks come in different types:
- • black
poly water tanks
- • small
poly water tanks
- • large
poly water tanks
- • portable
poly water tanks
- • 5000
litre poly water tanks
- • round
poly water tanks
- • square
poly water tanks
Potable water tanks or commonly known as drinking water
tank, should be chosen well accordingly as drinking is the most crucial purpose
of a water tank.
For home water tank, you can use small round water tanks
with the size enough to cover every family member's required daily usage.
Underground water storage, on the other hand, serves best
for agricultural, fire suppression, or industrial purposes as underground water
tank could have a tendency to have some leaking susceptible for contamination
that is no longer good for drinking.
WATER TANK CONSTRUCTION
Water tank construction procedure involves the following:
Getting Permission of the Water Tank Construction
Preparation for Water Tank Installation
Excavation for the Water Tank
Installation of the Water Tank
Except for elevated water tank, these types of water storage
tanks does not need excavation. Its base may need to be fixed directly into the
ground if it’s not an overhead water tank design put on top of the supplied
structure.
Elevated water tank design uses gravitational energy to
supply water to fixtures in the building that is why it is common on high-rise
buildings with overhead water tank located at the its roof top. Overhead water
tank types may vary but its process of water flow shows the same.
WATER TANK DESIGN
Circular water tank design example are the most common types
of water tank available in the market. Even tanks made up of concrete appears
in circular shape too since water tank design calculations on this shape
provides a stronger and durable performance.
Reinforced concrete water tank design can be done both in
circular or rectangular. Compared to circular, rectangular water tank design
example its advantage is that it can be constructed more easily. As for
underground water tank design example, rectangular shapes are preferable.
HOW DO WATER PRESSURE TANKS WORK?
Water pressure tanks store pressurized water that is
intended for distribution to different areas. Water pressure tanks work by
using drops in pressure below a certain point to initiate the pump to replenish
the water and raise the pressure.
Water pressure tank sizing has a capacity from 20 pounds per square inch (psi) or more which also act as reservoirs that holds extra water in the system. Water pressure tank psi represents the tank pressure performance of discharge.
HOW DO GRP WATER TANK WORK
GRP water tanks or known as
glass reinforced plastic tanks works the same as with other water tanks. With
its material, GRP water tank work provides higher performance.
GRP tanks is an inexpensive, lightweight and extremely
strong tanks. It is easily formed using moulding process. More
traditional water tanks have been using GRP storage tank because of these
mentioned reasons.
The fibers composing the GRP tanks prevents buckling in
compression which made it potentially strong. Many storage tank companies are
now aiming to use GRP on their water tank material.
Mainly for storing water, GRP storage tank can store from
125 liters up to 2,000,000 liters of water. It is designed in a comprehensive
size and configuration to cater individual needs of consumers.
GRP sectional tanks incorporate hot press moulded GRP panels
to ensure a maximum dimensional stability and consistency of quality.
GRP water tanks is manufactured in compliance with an
ISO9001:2001 quality control system to BS EN 13280:2001. Available in the
market are either internal or externally flanged base arrangement, with fully
self-draining base option.
GRP water tank installation is assembled on site by fully skilled engineers and experts to provide 100% control of the installation.
HOW DOES STAINLESS STEEL WATER TANKS WORK?
Stainless steel water tank work
efficiently as it won't easily corrode providing a safety to the user. Either
from the inside of the tank or on its outside surface, stainless steel water
tank is easy to clean.
The primary difference in between stainless steel and carbon
steel is the chemical element called chromium. Chromium is the medium that
oxidises the neutralised oxygen seeping into the metal's surface which provides
as a protective shell of the material.
Being stainless, however, literally it can still be stained
and will corrode but not easily compared to plain steel.
There are different grades of stainless steel. Those with a
greater resistance to marine environments is the highest quality. Nonetheless,
its strength and durability of all the grade types is almost the same.
Stainless steel water tank is quite expensive. Due to this
reason, consumers use this for specific purpose mostly those which needs extra
length of resistance from corrosion.
Stainless steel can be bought with a price almost doubled
from the Poly water tanks. It has a strength harder than a plastic water tank
but will greatly depend on the manufacturer of the steel material being
used specially on the portion of the base.
Maintenance of stainless steel water tank is easy. It can be
done simply by wiping and washing them down with fresh water.
WATER TANK REPAIRING
How to repair water tank can be done with or without the
help of an expert. For small leaks and malfunctions, a repair kit is all you
need.
For basic water tank repair, simply follow this
procedure:
Ensure that the tank is empty, drain all remaining water
inside.
Remove ragged parts of the rupture or damage.
Cut a section to cover the opening by a margin of about 1 to
2 inches.
Mix a batch of epoxy resin with its catalyst.
Apply enough amount of resin around the tank’s rupture,
covering the area that the patch will be placed over.
Set the patch in place.
Cover the top of the patch with additional resin, making
sure to coat the seam between the patch and the tank.
Let the patch be dry overnight, and preferably 24 hours
before using the tank again.
However, for more technical repair, calling an expert is
advised.
HOW TO CLEAN A WATER TANK?
Water tank cleaning can be tiring but ensuring the water
inside your tank to be clean and bacteria-free is very important. Below is the
basic water tank cleaning procedure:
Drain the water
Open the outlet valve or tap to empty all stored water from
the tank.
Remove the water at the bottom of the tank by scooping it
with a bucket.
Remove remaining water out of the tank by using a sponge.
Vacuum dry the tank to ensure its dryness.
Clean the inside of the water tank.
Make a cleaning mixture. hot water with laundry detergent
powder or liquid can create a good mixture as a tank cleaning solution.
Make a cleaning mixture. hot water with laundry detergent
powder or liquid can create a good mixture as a tank cleaning solution.
Scrub the inside of the tank with a brush or abrasive sponge
while applying a good amount of pressure. From side to side horizontally is the
right direction to remove sludge and slime from within. Avoid steel brush as it
may scratch the tank walls and surface.
If available, it is much better to use a power washer to
clean tough sediments and residues.
Baking soda is a good medium to remove particular dirt on
your tank walls. By sprinkling a small amount of baking soda then scrubbing it
with brush will get off the unwanted dirts which cannot be removed by soap
solution alone.
Scrub the corners and joints as special attention is needed
to remove dirts from this areas and it needs extra time compared to the plain
surfaces. A small toothbrush can help in cleaning portion.
Rinse thoroughly once satisfied with the cleaning result.
Rinsing can be done with a hose to spray down interior walls making sure all
the nooks and every corners has been completely cleaned up.
Remove remaining liquid and residue through cleaning with a
vacuum.
Flush your tank's hoses and pipes by putting cleaning
solution to remove sticking sediment and dirt inside.
Disinfect the water tankUse 1 gallon of bleach for a
1,000 gallon tank
Disinfecting water tank can be done through the help of a
chlorine bleach with the following proportions listed below:
• Use 4 cups of bleach for a 250
gallon tank
• Use ½ gallon of bleach for or a 500
gallon tank
• Use ¾ gallon of bleach for a 750
gallon tank
• Use 1 gallon of bleach for a 1,000
gallon tank
HOW TO INSTALL A WATER TANK?
To install water storage tank ensures a slightly
different requirements as per types and design but the overall procedure
follows the steps applicable below:
Position the tank to prepare its base
Ensure all tank connections like pipes and hoses
Follow the procedure as instructed from the manufacturer
Fix the placement of the tank to avoid tilting
WHAT SIZE WATER TANK SHOULD I GET?
The water tank size you should get will depend on the
capacity required of usage. There are available water tank calculator online
than can initially compute your water consumption but for larger purposes, an
advice from an expert is necessary.
For first time purchase, it is preferred to acquire a
smaller size water tank and if a planning for expansion, then it would be the
best time to acquire for a larger one with tank material suiting on your needs.
This way, you will then be guided on which tank material suits best on your
location and supply needs.
HOW MUCH DO WATER TANKS COST?
Water tank price will vary according to types, size, and
brands. Either for light duty or heavy duty, research is a must prior to
buying.
Getting an idea on how much a water tank cost, manufacturers
guide will help best. Every manufacturers have their own range of prices but
the crucial thing to know is to select for the manufacturers producing the
quality that you needed most.
Either you are planning to purchase for an affordable
one or an expensive water tank, what will really matter is the one that is
reasonable according to your budget. Reasonable in terms that you are really
paying for the quality that you expect.
Sizes matters as well in addition to brands. For household
purposes, smaller size maybe required, therefore, lesser cost is expected. But
for large companies, since larger water tank is needed, then an extra price
allocation should be done.
Lastly, the environment where water tank will be installed
will matter too. Like those put up nearby seashores or on sea vessels, then
stainless steel water tank is really needed of higher grade must be chosen to
resist extreme corrosion, therefore, price of this kind is expected to be a bit
costly than ordinary water tanks.
After all, buying a water tank will all depend on the
consumer’s needs. Reviews from different users will only serve as a guide prior
to purchasing one but what is needed most is the personal research and contact
of every water tank manufacturers. No positive or negative review of a water
tank can change the real performance of the item purchased.