ROUND TANKS.
SITE PREPARATION.
KEY STEPS FOR A WELL PREPARED TANK SITE
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To ensure the lifelong use of your new poly tank it is recommended that you follow the below steps when selecting and preparing your new tank site. The correct site preparation is vital to your tank providing many years of trouble free service. Incorrect site preparation or installation may void your warranty.
1. SITE SELECTION
Selecting the correct site for your new tank is critical in providing you with reliable water storage for many years to come. Use the key tips below to help determine the suitability of your ideal tank site.
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Locate the downpipes from the roof area that you intend to use as the water catchment.
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Locate the stormwater connection point to connect your tank’s overflow, if applicable.
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Measure the available area, taking into account the dimensions of the tank you are purchasing.
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The key measurements are tank diameter, inlet height and fall, being the distance between the gutter and the tank’s inlet.
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Give yourself enough space around the tank for any access requirements you may need now or in the future, at least 400mm.
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Consider the tank’s inlet, overflow and outlet positions relative to the above.
2. EXCAVATION
It is recommended to start your preparation with a flat, level site. We suggest removing the top layer of grass or soil to begin with a solid foundation. Depending on your measurements taken when selecting the site, you may need to excavate down further to provide enough fall.
Always take care during any kind of excavation and check for underground services before commencing works. Don’t dig blind. Use Before You Dig Australia: www.byda.com.au
3. BASE PREPARATION
Your tank must be sited on a compacted, level base.
We recommend crusher dust, road base or FCR to a minimum depth of 50–75mm. The base must be well compacted, level and retained to prevent it washing away over time. Alternatively, a level concrete base suitable to hold the weight of the tank may be used. Concrete slabs are recommended for slim line tanks.
The siting of the tank on fill is not recommended, as subsidence may occur. A 22,700 litre tank weighs approximately 23,200kg when full.
4. TANK PLACEMENT
Depending on your chosen delivery method and available access, our delivery driver may help you to site and position the tank onto your prepared base. See our delivery terms and conditions for full details.
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When siting the tank, take note of the inlet and overflow positions relative to the intended plumbing configuration.
Once on the base, the tank may need to be rotated or moved to achieve the optimum placement.
7. PLUMBING
All plumbing work should be carried out by a licensed plumber or suitably qualified person. This is the responsibility of the purchaser.
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The general plumbing requirements will be:
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Connecting the downpipe or downpipes from the guttering into the tank inlet strainer.
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Connecting the overflow pipe from the tank to an adequate stormwater system.
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Plumbing the outlet or valve at the base of the tank to a pump or tap system.
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Ensure all plumbing and pipework to and from the tank are properly supported and not reliant on the tank for strength.
The use of flexible connections or rubber couplings is strongly recommended to absorb shocks and movement. This is particularly important over long distances.
Due to the nature of polyethylene tanks, they do expand and contract in differing conditions.
YOUR NEW TANK IS NOW
READY FOR USE.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Securing Your New Tank
It is recommended that you put at least 25mm of water into the tank or otherwise secure your tank from being blown away.
Global Poly takes no responsibility for tanks being damaged in this way.
Slim Line Tank Installation
Slim line tanks, by design, are tall with a narrow base.
All slim line tanks must be installed upon a very sound base, preferably a concrete slab.
A slim line tank installation on a soft base could tip over.
Do not site poly slim line tanks directly against a wall, as they will expand when full and may place undue pressure against any structure.
Concrete Pad Installation
A reinforced concrete pad that is level and greater than the diameter of the tank is a sufficient poly tank base.
Fire Tank Installation
Galvanised steel fire tank base: 7mm crushed blue stone rock to a depth of 50–75mm, completely boxed in so that the material cannot be washed away.
Tank Stand Installation
Tank stands should have hardwood decking with gaps no greater than 50mm.
Decking must be supported structurally by bearers strong enough to prevent sagging of the decking when the tank is full.
Pipework for tanks on stands must be supported by the stand, not the tank, with 30cm flexible rubber hose to allow for any movement.
When calculating your tank stand’s holding capabilities, please remember one litre of water is equal to one kilogram of weight.
Correct tank stand installation is the customer’s sole responsibility.
Inground Installation
It is not recommended to bury poly tanks deeper than 400mm.
If a poly tank installation is deeper than 400mm, a special build heavyweight poly tank is recommended. Please discuss this with your sales consultant.
Fittings
Please advise us if you need any extra fittings or gate valves.
Strainer, overflow and one brass outlet plus ball valve, up to 40mm, will be supplied with your tank and fitted on delivery.
All other plumbing work to and away from the tank is the responsibility of the purchaser.
Extra fittings are available on request. Fittings larger than 40mm are available at an extra cost.
Tasmanian Plumbing Code May 2013 Version
Note: All cold water storage tanks used in drinking water installations from 1 July 2013 must comply with part B1, B2 inclusive of appendix C of this code.
Tanks made compliant with this standard are covered by the following statement:
“This tank has been manufactured for the storage of drinking water and all materials are suitable for contact with drinking water.”
Tank Maintenance
Regular maintenance should be carried out on the water tank and related rainwater harvesting system.
Regular inspection of the below items will help you find and fix any issues as they arise.
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Check your water tank and fittings for leaks or damage.
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Check your base and surrounding area. Remove any build-up of vegetation and inspect for tree roots or signs of animals or rodents which can undermine the tank base.
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Check your gutters, screens and downpipes.
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Check your tank’s inlet strainer. Remove the strainer if necessary to inspect the tank internally.
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Clean and disinfect your water tank at least once a year.
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Warning: You should never enter the confined space of a water tank.
The ongoing maintenance of the tank, the base and associated plumbing is the sole responsibility of the owner.
The overflow pipe must be plumbed away from the tank. Failure to do so will result in the tank site being undermined and will likely cause the failure of your tank.
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The long-term maintenance of the site is the sole responsibility of the purchaser and is very important to ensure maximum life from your tank.
Damage or distortion of the tank caused by site erosion is not covered by warranty.
If you have any doubts about your installation, please contact us for advice.
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