Types Of Tank Bases
There are several options for water tank bases, each with its pros and cons.
Concrete
Concrete is the best tank base, no matter what, but at the same time, it’s also the most expensive and it requires the most labor out of any other tank base. Using a concrete base involves installing a flat, level, reinforced concrete slab in your desired area. This durable and long-lasting option is ideal but comes at a higher cost.
Gravels and Asphalts
Materials like pea gravel or road materials like asphalt provide a stable base at a lower cost than concrete. They are commonly used and appreciated for their balance between cost and stability. While concrete is the safest and most stable tank base, pebbles with smooth edges and no sharp points that can stab into the tank will also make a great base.
Sand
Sand is one of the riskiest tank bases you can use. Sand has a tendency to wash away with heavy rain or blow away with heavy wind. As a result, the surface underneath your water tank can start to tunnel and create valleys. You won’t be able to see it as it’s underneath your tank, but all the weight from your water tank will be directed to that gap created in the sand, potentially resulting in a tank malfunction or implosion.
Other Materials
We’ve seen everything from wood decking, brick pavers, and railroad ties used as tank bases. While it may work for some people, it may not work for your tank. We always recommend using a strong base that can not only support the weight of a full tank but can also withstand potentially getting wet without rotting or decaying.
Direct Ground
Putting your water tank directly on the ground is the cheapest option, but it still comes with considerable risks. Your tank base, even if it is going directly on the ground, must be a perfectly flat and level surface. No matter what size your tank is, it is going to dig about two to three inches into the ground when full, so that is something to always keep in mind. The ground you choose must be able to support the weight of the tank without sinking and destabilizing. Avoid muddy areas or areas with a lot of clay that will destabilize your tank during heavy rains.
Common Water Tank Mistakes
Lack Of Barriers
One of the biggest mistakes we see is tank bases without a barrier to prevent wash-outs. If you are not using a reinforced concrete pad and are instead using a pea gravel or a crushed asphalt, you must build a barrier around it to keep it formidable. When big rainstorms pass through, bases without a barrier keeping it together get washed out. As a result, your tank will start leaning since it no longer has a stable base, resulting in potential tank malfunctions
Incorrect Weight Calculations
Another crucial mistake that people often make is failing to calculate the weight of their tank before building their base. One gallon of water weighs eight and a half pounds, so a full water tank, especially if it is over 5,000 gallons, can weigh several tons when full! We’ve even seen concrete pads crack under the pressure of a full tank because the weight of the tank was not taken into account. When building your base, you must calculate the weight of your full water tank as well as the weight of the actual tank itself and ensure your base can handle it all.
Installation Mistakes
When it comes to actually installing your water tank base, there are a few things to keep in mind. We recommend extending your base beyond your tank about a foot to maybe two feet on all sides/directions. This gives you more space to work with if you set up piping. Speaking of, one big mistake to avoid is placing your tank on your base without considering what direction it’s facing. Each water tank has a top and bottom fitting. Ensure your fittings are where you want them because moving the tank once it’s full will be tough.
Conclusion
Enduraplas water tanks are built tough to withstand extreme amounts of wear and tear, but setting up a suitable tank base is crucial to properly experience its durability. We always recommend a reinforced concrete slab for our tank bases as they are the strongest and safest option for our tanks.
There are no industry standards or guidelines for setting up a proper tank base, so every water tank base out there will look different. By following best practices, you can ensure your Enduraplas water tank has a solid foundation that will support it for years to come.
