A rainwater tank is a beneficial addition to any home, whether new or established, and the additional water can give a homeowner freedom from the water restrictions that are in place in many areas of South Africa. However, there are some things that you need to consider when choosing a water tank in order to ensure that you have the one that is right for you. Here are some tips to remember when choosing which water tank will suit you best:
The Size: This is by far the most common question. The size of the tank will depend on your requirements. If you plan to use the water on your garden, you will only need a smaller tank. A larger tank will be required of you plan on using the water inside your home. Water tanks can store as little as a thousand litres of water and as much as 20 000 litres or more.
The Design: The design of the tank will depend on the situation and also your requirements. Tanks come in many shapes and sizes, so there is one to suit almost every home.
Space: The amount of space that you have either beneath you home (designed into your newly build house) or in your back garden will also dictate the type of water tank that you can install. If you are space poor, there are new slim line designs that are made to fit snugly alongside the house (a bit more expensive though!).
Roof area: The amount of roof area that you have will determine how much water you are able to fill the tank with. There is no point in buying a large tank if the roof simply isn’t big enough to capture enough water to fill it.
The Pump: You will need to get the water out from the tank somehow, and you will need to decide if you want a pump-based system or a gravity-fed system. If the water is going uphill or along the ground at any point, you will require a pump. The size of the pump will be dependent on the amount of water moved and also the amount of pressure required. Of you have an elevated tank, a gravity-fed system may be adequate on its own if you are not to use the water in-house. But you will need to refer to a professional to ensure that you get the best possible results.