Water Storage Tanks: A Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Needs

Imagine waking up one morning to find that the water is off. Maybe there’s been a power outage, or maybe a water main has broken. Whatever the reason, you’re now without water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

If you have a water storage tank, you’ll be able to get through this type of emergency with ease. But if you don’t, you’ll be in a tough spot.

Water storage tanks are also a great way to save money on your water bill. By collecting rainwater or using other sources of free or low-cost water, you can reduce your reliance on municipal water.

Types of Water Storage Tanks

There are two main types of water storage tanks: pressurized and unpressurized.

Pressurized water storage tanks are connected to your plumbing system and maintain a constant pressure. This means that you can use the water in your tank just like you would any other water source in your home. Pressurized tanks are typically used for storing drinking water, but they can also be used for other purposes, such as irrigation or firefighting.

Unpressurized water storage tanks are not connected to your plumbing system and do not maintain a constant pressure. This means that you will need to use a pump or gravity to access the water in your tank. Unpressurized tanks are typically used for storing rainwater or other non-potable water.

Choosing the Right Water Storage Tank for Your Needs

When choosing a water storage tank, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Size: The size of the tank you need will depend on your water usage and how long you need to be able to go without municipal water. A good rule of thumb is to choose a tank that can hold at least one gallon of water per person per day.
• Material: Water storage tanks are made from a variety of materials, including polyethylene, fiberglass, and metal. Polyethylene is the most popular material for water storage tanks because it is durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. Fiberglass and metal tanks are also durable, but they are more expensive and heavier than polyethylene tanks.
• Location: Where you will place your water storage tank is also an important consideration. If you are placing the tank outdoors, you will need to choose a tank that is made from a UV-resistant material. If you are placing the tank indoors, you will need to choose a tank that is small enough to fit through your doorways and hallways.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the factors listed above, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a water storage tank:

• Price: Water storage tanks can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price of the tank will depend on the size, material, and features of the tank.
• Warranty: Most water storage tanks come with a warranty. Be sure to read the warranty carefully before you purchase a tank to make sure that it covers the things that are important to you, such as defects in materials and workmanship.
• Features: Some water storage tanks come with additional features, such as filters, pumps, and level gauges. Consider which features are important to you and choose a tank that has those features.

Choosing the right water storage tank for your needs is an important decision. By considering the factors listed above, you can choose a tank that is the right size, made from the right material, and has the features you need.

Here are some additional tips for choosing and using a water storage tank:

• If you are using your water storage tank for drinking water, make sure that the tank is NSF-61 certified. This means that the tank has been tested and certified to be safe for storing drinking water.
• Clean your water storage tank regularly. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae.
• If you are using your water storage tank for rainwater, make sure that the tank has a filter to remove debris from the water.
• Test your water storage tank regularly to make sure that the water is safe to drink. You can purchase water testing kits from most home improvement stores.