by Approximately 23 million U.S. households obtain drinking water from private wells. Many of these wells, in turn, rely on one or more water storage tanks. Storing water in these containers provides users with a steady supply on demand.
As convenient as having water tanks are, they don’t provide a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s because the materials used to make them dictate the type of water they can store.
To that end, we created this guide on the best water tanks for specific applications. Read on to learn all about them so you can choose the right one for your needs.
Polyethylene Tanks
Of all types of plastic, polyethylene is the most common and widely used. This extremely versatile material is in thousands of products, including water tanks.
Polyethylene water storage tanks are impact- and corrosion-resistant. The latter is crucial in the water storage process since water causes rusting. Since plastic doesn’t rust, that makes it a safe container for drinking water.
Polyethylene tanks are available in capacities as low as 10 gallons to as high as 20,000 gallons. Their availability in smaller sizes makes them an ideal choice for typical households. Aside from drinking water, you can also use them to collect rainwater.
Fiberglass Tanks
Fiberglass is a composite material made primarily of glass fibers and resin. It’s durable and corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent material for water storage tanks. Such tanks can store between 500 and 50,000 gallons of potable, waste, or rainwater.
Another characteristic of fiberglass water tanks is that they’re non-porous. Therefore, water can’t seep through their surfaces. This is essential in preventing microbial growth.
Fiberglass tanks are available as aboveground and underground installations. So if you have limited property space, the latter is an ideal choice to save space.
The chief drawback to fiberglass tanks is that they cost far more than polyethylene. After all, making this material involves a complex manufacturing process. On the other hand, polyethylene is widely available and easier to manufacture.
Steel Tanks
Steel water tanks resist cavitation and crevice corrosion. They can do so thanks to their specialized coatings, such as epoxy. You can find more information here on epoxy-coated steel tanks.
Steel tanks are also heat-resistant and can hold up against harmful radiation. They’re also better at resisting cracking and freezing than polyethylene and fiberglass.
You can get steel tanks in capacities of 5,000 to over 100,000 gallons. You can use them for potable water storage, rainwater collection, and wastewater.
To top it off, steel is 100% recyclable and retains all its properties no matter how often you recycle it. That makes it an excellent material choice for eco-friendly consumers.
Invest in the Right Water Storage Tanks
Now you know polyethylene, fiberglass, and steel are some of the main types of water storage tanks. You also learned the first one costs the least, the second can save space, and the third is the most eco-friendly. So, consider their pros, cons, and what you need them for to ensure you choose the best type for your needs.
For more informative reads like this, check the rest of our blog site now!
