Underground Water Tanks

An Underground Water Tank is no different in its operation to a tank that sits above ground. Once connected and plumbed into its pump and supply, it will provide water to an outlet when the pump is turned on. However, Underground Water Tanks may need more consideration when purchasing due to the installation requirements.

When purchasing an Underground Storage Tank, there are a number of considerations. We have listed a number of these below;

• Material - Plastic tanks are considered optimum for underground applications due to their natural chemical resistance to soils. Will the tank hold drinking water? If so, a potable material is required.
• Site location and suitability (including soil type and water table)
• Excavation site - Is there suitable access for machinery?
• Base building
• Siting of the tank
• Backfilling
• Connection of the plumbing

These notes are for example purposes only. Each tank will come with specific requirements for installation, provided by the manufacturer. Always consult a regulated installer before purchasing to ensure the equipment you are looking to purchase suits your requirement.

If you plan to use an Underground Water Tank for drinking water, the first consideration is the material of the tank. For drinking water, you should select a 'Potable' tank. This ensures that the tank is manufactured from a material suitable for storing drinking water. However, this alone will not ensure the quality of the water is sufficient. In order to achieve a drinking water supply, you will need to ensure that additional systems are added to the tank to filter and clean the water to the standard required. If the tank is to be connected to a mains supply, you will also need to ensure that the inlet has a suitable backflow prevention system. A certified plumber will be able to advise of the specific requirements which will be dependant on the system and source of the water itself. Please discuss with a qualified installer before proceeding.

As a general rule, an Underground Water Tank will require a number of steps for installation;

• Site audit - to ensure that the location for the tank installation is optimum and that it meets all regulatory requirements for positioning.
• Consideration of other building work on-going - if possible, ensuring the installation of the tank is performed at the same time as other ground works and essential services, to ensure a smooth installation.
• Site excavation
• Building of a base
• Installation of the tank

Installation instructions for all the tanks will be provided by the manufacturer. As with all building works, always consult a registered professional before undertaking an installation.

The biggest benefit to an underground tank is space. The tanks do not take up a large amount of area and are therefore used widely in applications where aesthetics are important. A new build garden design may consider an underground tank to enhance the garden space available, as an example.

An installation underground is also less affected by damage - either physical damage from being knocked or degradation due to the elements or extreme temperatures.

As standard, the tanks within the Underground Water Tanks range do not come with a pump. We work with the best manufacturers in the UK for Water Storage Solutions so please get in touch and we shall be happy to advise.