Considering Buying an Underground Water Tank?

Underground water storage tanks are an excellent solution for homes, businesses, and public spaces. They save space, offer reliable water storage, and can be used for a wide range of purposes.

Why Use an Underground Water Tank?

Rainwater Harvesting:
Collect rainwater for watering the garden, washing the car, and flushing toilets. With rising temperatures and more frequent hosepipe bans, having your own supply helps reduce costs and increase self-sufficiency.

Flood Management:
In areas prone to heavy rainfall, an underground tank can help manage stormwater run-off and reduce the risk of localised flooding.

Public and Agricultural Use:
Public parks and gardens use underground tanks for watering, cleaning, and as emergency backup supplies during dry weather. In agriculture, they’re vital for crop irrigation, livestock, greenhouses, and nurseries. Larger tanks can be used for fire suppression and emergency response.

Industrial Applications:
Factories and industrial facilities use underground tanks for cooling systems, manufacturing, cleaning, and irrigating landscaped areas.

Space-Saving Benefits

The greatest advantage of an underground tank is the space it saves. Hidden from view, they are more aesthetically pleasing and maintain a stable water temperature year-round.

Research Regulations Before Installing

Before you install any underground tank, always research local regulations and authority guidelines. Compliance is crucial for safety and legal reasons.

Choosing the Right Tank

• Domestic: Smaller tanks for limited space and use.

• Industrial: Larger capacity tanks for greater demand.

• Emergency: Large, easily accessible tanks for backup supply.

Consider the cost, durability, capacity, and suitability for your space. Tanks Nationwide manufactures underground tanks from 228 litres to 4,500 litres. Our tanks are made from WRAS-approved materials and can be recycled multiple times after use.

Material Options

• Plastic: Lightweight, durable, non-corrosive, recyclable, and cost-effective.

• Concrete: Strong and rigid with large capacity, but heavy and expensive to transport/install.

• Fibreglass: Insulated, corrosion-resistant, but not recyclable.

Choosing the Best Location

Place your tank where it’s accessible for maintenance, has good drainage, and quality soil. Avoid areas near tree roots, building foundations, underground utilities, or future construction sites. In high water table areas, a concrete bund may be required—check your manufacturer’s installation guidelines.

Installation and Excavation

Most installations require digging equipment. Follow manufacturer instructions for the correct hole size and depth—the hole should be larger than the tank and deep enough to stay below the frost line but above the water table. Level and compact the base with sand, gravel, and soil to prevent movement.

Use proper lifting equipment when lowering the tank. Most large tanks have lifting eyelets—always use them.

Backfilling and Connections

Backfill in layers of about 30cm (12 inches), compacting each layer by hand (avoid heavy machinery to prevent damage). Connect all plumbing ports before backfilling to their level and check for watertight seals. Professional help may be needed for property plumbing connections or installing pumps for irrigation systems.

Final Checks and Commissioning

Once installation is complete, fill the tank with water to test for leaks. After confirming everything is watertight, finish backfilling. Your underground water tank is now ready for use!