What is the best plastic for a water tank?

13 May.,2024

 

Which type of water tank is best for the home?

Which type of water tank is best for the home?

Contact us to discuss your requirements of farm water tanks plastic. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

When it comes to choosing a water tank for the home, there are a number of factors you need to take into consideration.

The first thing you need to consider is how much space you have to install your rainwater tank. This is really going to dictate the type of water tank that is going to be the best fit for your property. Another consideration that will impact the choice of material you can use is whether you are going to store your water tank above or below ground.

If you choose to go underground, your decision becomes more straightforward. Plastic water tanks can only be installed at a very shallow depth, making them impractical for most underground installations so concrete water tanks tend to be the de facto choice for any water tank installed underground.

If you are installing your tank above ground, however, you have a few different options when it comes to the best material. We have taken a close look at three of the most popular water tank materials below.

Concrete Water Tanks

Concrete water tanks and ferro-cement water tanks are generally strong and long-lasting. They are created by either a moulded (or precast) process or plastered process. Moulded tanks are usually much stronger and more durable.

They are typically constructed off-site and delivered to site full constructed.

Whilst concrete tanks are typically installed underground, you will still see a lot of above-ground concrete tanks from the days before other materials were widely available.

Concrete tanks are generally very durable, although they can develop cracks that can be problematic to fix if they can’t be properly drained.

Pros of concrete water tanks

·         Can be buried underground which improves the overall aesthetics of a property

·         Buried tanks can be used as retaining walls, a walkway or patio or fitted under a deck

·         Helps to keep water cool due to high insulation value of concrete

·         Less prone to algae due to dark conditions within the tank

·         Concrete leaches lime and this can help to neutralise the water. New Zealand water is slightly acidic, and the lime raises the pH of the water

Cons of concrete water tanks

·         Your site needs to be accessible to a large crane in order to install the tank – not suited to many residential properties making retrofitting difficult

·         Concrete tanks are more prone to earthquake damage either under or above ground

·         They are typically more expensive than plastic and steel water tanks

·         It can be difficult to retrofit new outlets to the tank or carry out repairs and maintenance

Polyethylene Water Tanks (Poly Tanks)

Polyethylene (Poly) is one of the most popular materials for water tanks today. These are more commonly known as plastic tanks or poly tanks, and they are extremely versatile both in terms of the shapes they can be moulded into and the ease of installation due to the fact that they are lightweight.

All poly water tanks must be constructed from materials that are of food-grade standard and if the water is to be used for drinking, cooking, washing etc. then they must also comply with the requirements of potable water standards.

Polyethylene is the perfect material for constructing water tanks. It is non-corrosive and will not rust during their service life. They are typically made from a single piece of polyethylene with no joints or seams. This makes them less likely to leak than a concrete tank.

Poly tanks can also be recycled at the end of their service life, making them a more sustainable and even greener option than concrete tanks.

Pros of plastic water tanks

·         Plastic water tanks are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre into position

·         Plastic tanks are typically much cheaper than concrete tanks

·         They are less prone to leaking due to no joints and seams

·         They can be moulded into a range of shapes and sizes including slimline water tanks, offering greater versatility around the house

·         They can be designed in a wide range of colours to match your taste

Cons of plastic water tanks

·         Plastic water tanks can’t be buried so aesthetically, they need to be screened or positioned in a place that doesn’t impact the overall property aspect

·         Plastic tanks can mean that your water may be a little warmer in the summer months as the insulation is not as good as concrete tanks

·         Plastic water tanks are more prone to damage from fire or sharp objects

·         If you have a plastic tank in high wind zones, they can require additional support and strapping depending on how full they are

Stainless Steel Water Tanks

Concrete and plastic are the two most common materials used for water tanks here in New Zealand, however, there are a couple of alternatives that you might consider depending on your requirements.

Stainless steel water tanks are made from corrugated stainless steel and they look similar to corrugated iron, just a lot shinier.

Stainless steel tanks are typically used for smaller installations and whilst they are usually more expensive than plastic tanks and even concrete tanks, they do have a number of advantages.

Pros of stainless steel water tanks

·         Easy to repair and can be welded or patched with waterproof sealant

·         Low corrosion, especially compared to galvanised (coated) steel

·         Stainless steel is one of the most sustainable materials on earth and can be recycled time after time meaning scrap merchants will often pay you to recycle your old tank

·         Stainless steel doesn’t degrade and can often provide a longer-term alternative to plastic and concrete

Cons of stainless steel water tanks

·         Stainless steel is an expensive material, so these water tanks tend to cost more than plastic and concrete alternatives

·         Due to cost, stainless steel water tanks are not typically used for larger installations

Summary

If you are considering installing a water tank at home, then concrete or plastic are the most likely options depending on the size of the tank and the position of your tank (above or underground). These are the two most efficient and cost-effective materials for water tanks in New Zealand, however, stainless steel is a good option for a long-term installation and for those looking for a more sustainable option.

Whilst the upfront costs of a stainless steel tank may be higher, they often last longer than plastic and concrete and are cheaper to repair, making the cost over their lifetime comparable.

If you already have a tank installed or you are thinking of installing a tank, a great addition is a water level meter that will enable you to see how much water is in your tank at any time. These are particularly useful for large tanks that are used as the main source of water for a property, however, they can be installed on a wide range of water tanks.

At Smart Water, we have engineered the most advanced tank level indicator available that now offers full cloud connectivity. 

Easy to install yourself, your Smart Water tank indicator provides you with all the information you need from our app or from one of our LCD displays. Find out how much water you consume on average from your tank, accurate pressure data and estimates on when your tank will run out of water based on current usage.

Find out more about our range of products or check out our FAQs for more information.

Related Posts

·         Collecting and using rainwater – a beginner’s guide

·         Can you collect rainwater in NZ?

·         What size water tank do I need?

·         Is it worth getting a water tank?

What is the Best Material for Water Tanks? - BARR Plastics Blog

In Canada, the cost of water tanks can vary depending on the size, material, and manufacturer. Here is a more detailed overview of some of the common materials used for water tanks, along with estimated cost ranges:


In this Article:




Polyethylene (PE) Plastic


Lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion and UV rays.


PE Plastic is a popular material used for water tanks, particularly for residential and commercial use. PE plastic is a lightweight and durable material that is also resistant to corrosion and UV rays, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use. The material is also flexible, which allows for the creation of tanks in a variety of shapes and sizes.


In terms of cost, PE plastic water tanks are often more affordable than other types of tanks, with prices ranging from CAD$ 300 to CAD$ 2000 or more, depending on the size and features of the tank. Some of the factors that can affect the cost of a PE plastic water tank include its size, capacity, and any additional features such as built-in pumps, filters, or monitoring systems.


Quick Tip: Ask your local tank dealer for Canadian made options. These tanks can cost anywhere from 5%-15% less due to the reduction of freight cost.


PE plastic water tanks are easy to install and maintain, and they are also recyclable, making them a more environmentally friendly option. They are also resistant to bacteria and algae growth, and they do not require any special coatings or linings to prevent contamination.


Overall, PE plastic water tanks offer a cost-effective solution for storing water, making them a popular choice for residential, agricultural, and industrial applications.


Common Brands:

Rotoplas, Norwesco, Snyder Industries, Chem-Tainer Industries & Bushman USA


Fibreglass


Durable, corrosion-resistant, and non-reactive to water, making it a good option for storing drinking water.


Fibreglass is another material that is commonly used for water tanks, especially for the storage of drinking water. Fibreglass is a durable material that is resistant to corrosion, making it a good option for storing water for a long period of time. It is also non-reactive to water, which helps to maintain the quality and purity of the stored water.


Fibreglass water tanks are manufactured by molding fibreglass into a desired shape, making them available in a range of sizes and shapes. They can be purchased for CAD$ 1000 to CAD$ 5000 or more, depending on the size of the tank and its features. Compared to other materials such as PE plastic, fibreglass tanks can be more expensive, but they are also known to be more long-lasting and durable.


In terms of maintenance, fibreglass water tanks require very little maintenance, as they are resistant to corrosion, UV rays, and bacteria growth. They are also relatively easy to install and can be transported to remote locations for installation.


Another advantage of fibreglass water tanks is their aesthetic appeal. Fibreglass tanks can be molded into a variety of shapes, and they can be painted or finished to blend in with their surroundings. They are also lightweight compared to other materials such as concrete or steel, which makes them easier to transport and install.


Overall, fibreglass water tanks are a good option for those who are looking for a durable and long-lasting solution for storing water. They are ideal for residential, agricultural, and industrial applications, and they are a good choice for storing drinking water due to their non-reactive nature and resistance to bacteria growth.


Common Brands:

For more fbe linedinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Containment Solutions, National Storage Tank, Enduro Composites, A. O. Smith, Fiber Technology Corporation & Xerxes


Concrete


Heavy-duty, long-lasting, and good for large, above-ground tanks.


Concrete is a heavy-duty material that is known for its durability and long-lasting nature. It is also resistant to corrosion and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it an ideal choice for outdoor & underground use.


Concrete water tanks are typically made by pouring concrete into a mold, and they can be customized to fit a wide range of sizes and shapes.


They can be purchased for CAD$ 5000 to CAD$ 20,000 or more, depending on the size of the tank and its features. Compared to other materials such as PE plastic or fibreglass, concrete tanks can be more expensive, but they are also known for their long lifespan and durability.


In terms of maintenance, concrete water tanks require very little maintenance, as they are resistant to corrosion, UV rays, and bacteria growth. They are also relatively easy to install and can be transported to remote locations for installation.


Another advantage of concrete water tanks is their aesthetic appeal. Concrete tanks can be finished with paint or other materials to blend in with their surroundings, and they can also be molded into a variety of shapes. They are also ideal for large-scale water storage applications, as they can be designed to hold large quantities of water.


Overall, concrete water tanks are a good option for those who are looking for a heavy-duty and long-lasting solution for storing water. They are ideal for residential, agricultural, and industrial applications, and they are a good choice for large-scale water storage applications due to their durability and resistance to environmental factors.


Stainless Steel


Non-reactive and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for storing drinking water.


Stainless steel is a strong, corrosion-resistant material that is ideal for storing water for a long period of time. It is also non-reactive to water, which helps to maintain the quality and purity of the stored water.


Stainless steel water tanks are typically made from high-quality stainless steel sheets, and they are available in a range of sizes and shapes. They can be purchased for CAD$ 5000 to CAD$ 20,000 or more, depending on the size of the tank and its features. Compared to other materials such as PE plastic or fibreglass, stainless steel tanks can be more expensive, but they are also known for their long lifespan and durability.


In terms of maintenance, stainless steel water tanks require very little maintenance, as they are resistant to corrosion, UV rays, and bacteria growth. They are also relatively easy to install and can be transported to remote locations for installation.


Another advantage of stainless steel water tanks is their aesthetic appeal. Stainless steel tanks have a sleek, modern appearance that can enhance the aesthetic of any property. They are also ideal for storing drinking water due to their non-reactive nature and resistance to bacteria growth.


Overall, stainless steel water tanks are a good option for those who are looking for a strong, durable, and long-lasting solution for storing water. Similar to the above two options, they are ideal for residential, agricultural, and industrial applications, and they are a good choice for storing drinking water due to their non-reactive nature and resistance to bacteria growth.


Galvanized steel



Less expensive than stainless steel but can react with the water and cause corrosion over time.


Galvanized steel is a material that is often used for water tanks, especially for large, above-ground tanks. Galvanized steel is a durable material that is treated with a protective coating of zinc to resist corrosion and rust, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use.


Galvanized steel water tanks are typically made from high-quality steel sheets, and they are available in a range of sizes and shapes. They can be purchased for CAD$ 5000 to CAD$ 20,000 or more, depending on the size of the tank and its features.


Compared to other materials such as PE plastic or fibreglass, galvanized steel tanks can be more expensive, but they are also known for their long lifespan and durability.


In terms of maintenance, galvanized steel water tanks require some maintenance to ensure that the zinc coating remains intact and continues to protect the steel from corrosion. Over time, the zinc coating can degrade, exposing the steel to corrosion, and the tank may need to be repainted or coated with a protective material.


Another advantage of galvanized steel water tanks is their aesthetic appeal. Galvanized steel tanks have a sleek, modern appearance that can enhance the aesthetic of any property. They are also ideal for large-scale water storage applications, as they can be designed to hold large quantities of water.


Overall, galvanized steel water tanks are a good option for those who are looking for a strong, durable, and long-lasting solution for storing water.


It's important to note that the above cost ranges are only estimates and can vary widely based on a variety of factors. It's also worth mentioning that in addition to the cost of the tank itself, there may be additional costs associated with installation, maintenance, and repair.


Closing


At BARR Plastics, we focus on the first two options and supply most of the pacific north-west with the most popular brands.


If you need help deciding which tank is best for you or need help with accessories such as piping, fittings, pumps or anything else for your water storage system, don't be afraid to reach out!



The company is the world’s best water tanks for irrigation supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.