Plumbing Talk
There are many relevant points to consider when getting a water tank. It will make your position clearer and gain a much easier perspective for a plumber to give you a quote if you look at the points below BEFORE calling the plumber. Remember that any questions along the way are easily answered when you seek help from a professional.
This is a broad view to help you understand what a plumber needs to consider, and ultimately, what you might have to pay for:-
Tank
Choose a desired tank position first, as this will help to consider size and shape options. There are many out there so before you think 10,000 litres, do you have space.
Can you get adequate water collection from the roof or downpipes to fill the tank at this position? Can you run the overflow from the tank to a stormwater drainage point nearby? Is there any paving or a driveway to consider?
Tank materials - there are many styles of tanks and they can differ in cost, size, height, durability, colour, shape, be mass produced, imported or locally made and custom made. Here are some comparisions available:-
Stainless Steel - strongest, longer lasting, can be tailor made to suit you, have a greater chance to stand up to fire and are highly resistant to rust.
Coloured Steel - available in a range of colours, strong, can be custom made but costs can increase and be questionable when considering that they can rust over time.
Poly Plastic Tanks - cheapest, available in a range of colours but you are limited to size and shape. Yet to be determined just how long they will last and please be aware of cheap inferior products as they can distort or sag on the sides when full of water!! Not advisable in fire-prone areas. They are easily damaged.
At this point, you now have some idea about position, size, shape and style of tank, the base is the next area to look at.
Base - Every Tank should have one
The tank base is critical to safety as its main function is to support the tank so there is no risk of the tank falling over when holding water. The base also helps to distribute the weight evenly and will not allow movement whereby the tank can become damaged.
Larger volume tanks require a concrete base with re-inforced steel mesh and can be poured in the desired position for the tank to rest on. For smaller tanks, concrete pavers can also be used. Crusher dust can also be placed on the ground and compacted, but you need to make sure the surface water running on the ground cannot undermine this when it does rain.
Small tanks can also be raised off the ground to help a little with water pressure by the use of gravity, however weight and stability are so important with regards to safety, I am yet to recommend or use this option.
First Flush Diverters and Leaf Diverters
Your roof may sit without rain for a period of time and gather dust, sand, moss and leaves. When it does rain, any debris will be moved towards your tank via the roof and downpipes. Diverters will greatly cleanse the water prior to entering your tank and therefore give you better water quality. Filters on the pump can also be a way to increase that water quality. Diverters are not always needed, but are highly recommended, especially if you live among trees.
Pump
Let's assume now that you will need a pump because if you connect a hose to a tank outlet, you will not have good pressure and it will decrease further when the water level drops and even more if you use a long garden hose.
A cheap pump is just that, and the headaches are just not worth it. A reputable brand purchased from an expert dealer who knows the difference is the best option and in most cases, not that much more in cost. A good pump can also be serviced down the track and parts will be available. The dealer can help establish the best model for your job and it is this advice to the plumber doing the installation that will give him and you "peace of mind". The size of the pump will be determined by how far the water will need to be pumped and how many garden taps, sprinklers or dripper lines you may be wanting or already have. These various water outlets are a crucial point when determining the size of the pipes coming from the pump (pump line) to each one of them. It is only then that the correct volume and pressures needed, can be achieved.
When you look at the points above, I am sure that you now appreciate there are some valuable points to be considered. This may help you to understand why the installation quote may be more than you first thought.
What I believe is a fair point - are you prepared to go it alone or do you call someone who will make the right decisions and guarantee it?
Watch out for "cowboys" who offer cheap tanks, cheap pumps and cheap installations!! Chances are they won't be around to honour any problems later because they won't know how to fix them!!
Most importantly, ask yourself "Do you want a novice playing around with your valuable home?
If you are going to pay someone to do the job, ensure that you don't choose the cheapest, but rather the best. Your asset demands the job is only done once and done right!! Consider the fact that any addition to your home in having a self-sufficient watering system only improves the look of your garden and therefore increases the value of your property. The tank you choose and how it is installed will help determine the increase in value of your property, so spend wisely.
Tanks need to be installed so they are safe and well supported, low maintenance and as productive as possible to ensure you have maximised your supply of rain water. Only a skilled, qualified plumber who has experience and knowledge of drainage, roofing and water supply can competently give you the job you want and guarantee it.
These helpful hints were compiled by Plumber Andy Morgan, who does our installations in Melbourne for those requiring plumbing services. Andy can do a complete installation, plumbing only or base installation only, and can be contacted at andy.morgan@bigpond.com if you require tank installations.