Comparison of Underground and Aboveground Tanks

The importance of water storage cannot be understated. This is why more people all around Australia are getting into water harvesting and storage and installing water storage tanks on their properties. With storage tanks, however, there is the matter of deciding whether to opt for above ground or an in-ground storage tank. Both options have their advantages and their unique drawbacks as well. To help you make an informed decision, we shall take a look at both types of tanks and the benefits they offer.

In-ground Water tanks

These are tanks that are buried inside the ground somewhere within your residence, and the water is then piped up into your home. They come in various sizes, depending on your water storage needs, from 3000 litres all the way to 11000 litres. Some of the benefits of underground water tanks include:

  • They can be installed anywhere on your property, including under your driveway, as long as they are adequately reinforced. Underground concrete tanks are best suited for such an installation. This gives you the freedom to make the best use of the rest of your property.
  • They tend to last longer in comparison. This is because they are completely protected from harmful elements such as heat, cold, tree branches and strong winds, which could damage the tank’s integrity over time. These damaging elements also include wildfires.
  • They literally take up zero space and do not embellish your property. This is one of the reasons why in-ground water tanks are popular in Sydney, where space and restrictions could be an issue.
  • The major disadvantage is the cost if underground water tank installation. The initial cost is however offset by the maintenance costs over time as well as all the other benefits that come with it.

Above ground water tanks

These tanks are installed on a platform, above the ground in your compound. They also come not only in different sizes but also types, with round tanks differing from their slimline counterparts. Here are some of the benefits of installing an above ground tank:

  • The installation process is cheaper as compared to in-ground tanks. This is because you are not required to make any sort of excavation or engineering. The platforms are also relatively cheap to construct.
  • They are easy to clean. Every once in a while, tanks need to be cleaned and silt removed. With above ground tanks, this process is relatively more straightforward, since all that is required is to hose down the inside and tilt the tank to drain out the dirty water.
  • Being semi-permanent, they can be installed in houses where the possibility of moving is imminent, or in places that are rarely occupied. This makes them ideal for campsites and cabins, as well as rental properties.
  • Above ground water tanks are however prone to damage from the elements such as wind and wildfires. They are also open to the effects of temperature changes, reacting to both extreme cold and the harsh heat of the Australian summers.
  • Above ground tanks also come with the possibility of being vandalised or intentionally contaminated. If left improperly covered, they pose a danger to pets such as cats, who have been known to fall into them and drown. They also occupy space in the surface and could be subject to restrictions, unlike many underground tank installations.

What to Expect During the Installation of an Underground Water Tank

When it comes to water tanks, underground tanks have proved to be the most durable and advantageous storage option. Unlike above ground water tanks, underground water tanks can be built to hold a large capacity. They are well hidden below the ground, and this leaves space on your porch for other uses.

In some places within Australia, the winter temperatures can get to chilly lows, and this may freeze the water in above ground water tanks. During summer the stored water heats up, and the temperatures may become overwhelmingly high. Underground water tanks do not suffer this problem. These tanks can maintain water at a constant temperature regardless of the season. Moreover, with an underground tank, your water storage is safe from vandalism and destruction. Here is what you should expect when it comes to underground water tank installation.

The first step in installing an underground water tank involves surveying the site of excavation. Different sites require different approaches when it comes to excavation. Some parts of Australia are rocky, and this may make digging a daunting task. Other areas have unique soils that may be unfavourable for underground tanks. Moreover, the excavators may need to map their digging plan in case your house is in close proximity to the excavation site. Once everything is planned, the excavation can commence.

The size of the tank is entirely dependent on the client. The bigger the tank, the more the need for reinforcement. Most underground tanks are constructed using concrete and more often than not, steel reinforcements are used in the build.

For underground tanks, the piping has to be laid down as the tank is being built. This is because the inlet and outlet systems of the tank are part and parcel of the build. The tanks often have an access route that is normally covered to avoid water contamination. Once the tank is complete, the piping can be hooked to the main water system. A pumping system may be installed alongside the underground water tank. This system builds up enough pressure to get the stored water into the main water system.

Most underground water tanks have an overflow system. The purpose of this system is to prevent the tank from overflowing and flooding your premises. Ball valves have been around since the Victorian times, but they are still used in many water tanks. This simple device closes and opens the water inlet depending on the water level in the tank.

The installation of an underground water tank is a meticulous process. It involves well-calculated planning that starts with a survey of the site. The mixing of the concrete has to be perfect, and there is no room for error. To avoid cracks, the installation process has to be spot on. A well-installed tank will serve you for years.