When it comes to storing water on your property, there are a variety of factors you need to keep in mind when choosing the material of your tank. One important decision involves what material your tank will be made from.
Concrete tanks have long been the go-to option, but more recently plastic is growing increasingly popular as well. We will explore both options to determine which will suit you best.
Pros and Cons of Each Material
Concrete tanks can be an ideal choice if you need long-lasting water storage that’s resistant to chemicals. Their sturdy design means they can withstand most weather conditions without incurring damage, while providing good insulation in underground installations. But concrete tanks do have their drawbacks: over time they may develop cracks and leaks due to submersion in wet soil, leading to costly repairs that might render the tank unusable and the formation of bacteria colonies that contaminate drinking water, becoming a serious health risk for those storing drinking water as storage.
However, these problems can be avoided by regularly inspecting and treating your concrete tank with waterproof paints or membranes. A plastic liner can help prevent leaks from happening in the future; concrete tanks may also be more costly to repair than alternative options.
Steel tanks provide an alternative option for large-capacity water storage needs. Not only can these versatile structures come in various shapes and sizes to meet different storage requirements, they have less of an environmental footprint than concrete water tanks – recycling can even take place after their lifespan has come to an end!
Cost Analysis
Plastic water tanks offer lower upfront investment costs than their concrete counterparts, yet it is essential to factor in all associated lifetime ownership costs – leaking tanks require purchasing treated and sanitized water, increasing overall costs. Furthermore, repairs and cleaning damage plastic tanks may incur further expense.
As well as material costs, owners should also factor in installation and maintenance expenses for their tank. Although plastic tanks typically require less frequent maintenance than concrete ones, professional inspections and cleaning are still recommended at least every few years for optimal functioning. Furthermore, underground plastic tanks may be vulnerable to tree roots wrapping around its perimeter or ground shifts dislodging it from its intended spot.
Concrete tanks can be easily constructed above or below ground and come in a range of sizes to meet different needs. Not only are they long lasting, durable and corrosion resistant but can be used for harvesting rainwater for domestic or commercial uses – an effective way to lower monthly water costs!
While concrete tanks may be more expensive than their plastic counterparts, their durability and long lifespan make them worth investing in. When their useful life ends, these durable units can be recycled or repurposed for alternative uses instead of ending up in landfills – better for the environment than disposing of old steel tanks!
Environmental Impact
Selecting an ideal water tank for your property is an invaluable investment that can boost both financial and environmental wellbeing. When making this choice, keep in mind that different types of tanks each have unique environmental impacts.
Poor quality plastic tanks can allow toxic bacteria and algae to flourish within them, polluting the water supply and endangering human health. Furthermore, some may deteriorate over time due to UV degradation that changes molecular structures of material which leads to chemical changes in water supplies.
On the other hand, concrete tanks provide an environmentally-friendly option. As concrete is an inert material without harmful chemicals in it, using it to construct tanks helps protect our planet while also providing fresh tasting and natural water that tastes wholesome and pure.
Concrete tanks do have their downsides; being rigid structures they are susceptible to cracking under stress – particularly during regions with strong winds or snowstorms where cracking could result in the damage or collapse of tanks. Furthermore, unlike flexible stainless steel tanks which can easily be moved to accommodate new operations locations.
Conclusions
For those searching for water tanks, it is crucial to find a company offering various models and sizes, along with warranties. Furthermore, they should provide tips on how to install and maintain them so as to maximize their lifespan.
Considerations should also be given to the appearance when selecting a tank. Concrete tanks tend to have a dull and dirty aesthetic which is easily marred with mold or graffiti growth; in comparison, stainless steel tanks present with more of an upscale and professional appearance which can even be painted to match its surroundings.
Final consideration should include selecting a tank made of durable material. Stainless steel tanks are constructed from superior metal alloy that resists chemical and physical damage, are easy to maintain, and withstand adverse environmental conditions with ease.
Plastic tanks are typically constructed from HDPE (high-density polyethylene). This robust and hardy type of polymer offers resilience against stress cracking, chemical damage and impact damage while remaining easily manufactured into various shapes, systems and sizes. Furthermore, cross-linking increases toughness and chemical attacks.