Your Complete Guide to Water Storage Tanks

Are you looking for a reliable way to store water and potentially lower your utility bills? Choosing the right water storage tank can feel complicated, but this guide provides the useful, straightforward information you need. We will explore the different types of tanks, what makes them reliable, and how they can be a smart, cost-saving investment for your home.

Understanding the Basics of Water Storage

Before diving into costs and materials, it’s helpful to know the primary uses for water storage tanks. Homeowners and property managers use them for several key reasons, each influencing the type of tank you might need.

Rainwater Harvesting: This is one of the most popular uses. A tank collects and stores rainwater from your roof, providing a free, sustainable water source for gardening, washing cars, topping off pools, and, with proper filtration, even for household use.
Well Water Storage: If you rely on a well, a storage tank acts as a reservoir. It reduces the strain on your well pump by preventing it from cycling on and off frequently, which can extend the pump’s lifespan and save on electricity.
Emergency Water Supply: In areas prone to droughts, natural disasters, or disruptions in municipal water service, a full water tank provides peace of mind. It ensures you have a reserve for drinking, cooking, and sanitation when you need it most.
Fire Protection: In rural or remote areas, a large water tank is often a requirement for fire suppression. It provides firefighters with immediate access to a substantial amount of water.

What Makes a Water Tank Reliable?

The word “reliable” in the ad is crucial. A reliable tank is one you can count on for years without worrying about leaks, contamination, or structural failure. Reliability comes down to three main factors: material, construction, and proper installation.

1. Tank Material

The material is the most important decision you will make. Each has distinct advantages in terms of durability, lifespan, and cost.

Polyethylene (Plastic): These are the most common tanks for residential use. Look for models made from food-grade, UV-stabilized polyethylene. This ensures the plastic won’t break down in the sun and that the water remains safe for consumption. High-quality plastic tanks, like those from brands such as Norwesco or Bushman, are rotationally molded in one piece, meaning there are no seams that could leak over time. They are lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and resist rust and corrosion.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass tanks are extremely durable and resistant to corrosion and chemicals. They are a great choice for underground storage because they can withstand soil pressure without collapsing. While more expensive than plastic, their longevity can make them a worthwhile investment, especially for storing water that might be slightly acidic.
Galvanized Steel: Steel tanks are strong and can be built in very large capacities. The zinc coating (galvanization) protects the steel from rust. Many modern steel tanks, such as those from Pioneer Water Tanks, come with a food-grade liner inside that prevents water from touching the metal. This liner is key to preventing a metallic taste and ensuring the tank’s long-term integrity.
Concrete: Concrete tanks are typically built on-site or installed underground. They are incredibly durable and long-lasting, with the added benefit of keeping water cool. However, they can be expensive to install and may affect the water’s pH level, sometimes requiring treatment before use.

2. Quality of Construction

A reliable tank is well-made. For plastic tanks, this means a consistent wall thickness and no seams. For steel tanks, it means high-quality welds or properly sealed panels. Always check for certifications like NSF/ANSI 61, which certifies that the product is safe for storing drinking water.

3. Proper Installation

Even the best tank will fail if installed incorrectly. A reliable tank system requires a solid, level base, such as a concrete pad or a compacted sand base. All plumbing connections must be properly sealed to prevent leaks, and overflow systems must be in place to safely divert excess water.

The Cost-Saving Guide to Water Tanks

A water tank is an investment, but it can save you significant money over its lifespan. Here’s how to think about the costs and the savings.

Initial Purchase and Installation Costs

The upfront cost varies widely based on size, material, and your location. Here are some general price ranges to give you an idea:

Polyethylene Tanks: A 1,000-gallon plastic tank might cost between $700 and $1,200. A larger 5,000-gallon tank could range from $2,500 to $4,000.
Galvanized Steel Tanks: These are generally more expensive. A 5,000-gallon steel tank might start around $5,000 and go up from there, not including the cost of the internal liner and professional installation.
Installation: Don’t forget to budget for installation. This can include groundwork for the base, plumbing, and potentially a pump, which can add anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars to the total cost.

How a Water Tank Saves You Money

This is where you see the return on your investment.

Lowering Your Water Bill: Capturing rainwater is the most direct way to save. For example, a 2,000-square-foot roof can collect over 1,200 gallons of water from just one inch of rain. Using this free water for your garden, lawn, or other non-potable uses directly reduces the amount you buy from your municipal provider.
Protecting Your Landscaping: During summer months or drought restrictions, having a water reserve can be the difference between a lush garden and a dried-up lawn. Replacing mature plants, trees, and sod can cost thousands of dollars, making a water tank a form of landscape insurance.
Extending Appliance and Well Pump Life: If you are on well water, a storage tank reduces how often your pump needs to run. This “short cycling” is a major cause of premature pump failure. A new well pump can cost $1,500 or more to replace, so a tank can prevent this major expense.
Increasing Property Value: In many regions, especially those that are rural or prone to drought, a well-maintained water storage system is a highly attractive feature for potential buyers, adding tangible value to your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size water tank do I need? A common rule of thumb for rainwater harvesting is to calculate your roof area in square feet and multiply it by 0.623 to determine how many gallons you can collect per inch of rainfall. For general household use, a family of four might consider a tank between 3,000 and 5,000 gallons.

Is stored rainwater safe to drink? Rainwater is naturally soft and pure, but it can pick up contaminants from your roof. To make it potable (safe to drink), it must be filtered. A complete system includes a pre-filter to catch leaves, a “first flush” diverter to discard the initial dirty water, and a final filtration and UV sterilization system to remove sediment and kill bacteria.

How do you maintain a water storage tank? Maintenance is fairly simple. You should inspect your gutters and pre-filters regularly to keep them clear of debris. It’s also a good idea to inspect the tank itself annually for any signs of damage and to clean out any sediment that may have accumulated at the bottom every few years.