Sometimes, due to pressure drops or other reasons, it is necessary to have a tank to store water in the house. You might wonder what material is best for a water tank for residential use. To answer this question, we first need to understand the importance of this choice and then explore the common types of residential water tanks to make an informed decision.
Importance of a Residential Water Tank
Clean drinking water is essential for humans, and contaminated water can lead to various diseases. A plastic drinking water tank used for storing potable water significantly affects the quality of the stored water. A residential water tank should be made from materials that have minimal reaction with water and do not introduce any harmful substances. It is not a device that gets replaced frequently, so it should be durable and have a long lifespan.
Types of Residential Water Tanks
Residential water storage tanks come in various materials, shapes, volumes, and prices. The most common materials are galvanized steel and polyethylene, which we will discuss in the following sections.
Polyethylene Residential Tanks
Polyethylene tanks made through rotomolding are among the most common types of residential water storage tanks. Depending on the number of layers (usually three) and the quality of the polyethylene used, these tanks vary in quality. This type of tank is available in small volumes (500 liters) up to 20 cubic meters in horizontal, vertical, and trapezoidal shapes (suitable for under-stair spaces). These tanks are relatively inexpensive compared to others. Direct sunlight can cause early degradation and algae growth in these polyethylene tanks.
Another type of polyethylene tank is the welded polyethylene tank, usually made from HDPE sheets. The sheets are welded together with rods of the same material and reinforced with metal structures. These tanks also have a long lifespan, can be constructed on-site, and provide excellent water quality.
Galvanized Residential Tanks
Galvanized tanks are divided into cold and hot galvanized categories. Hot-dip galvanized tanks, due to their thicker coating, have better corrosion resistance. The construction of galvanized water storage tanks is an old method where sheets are welded together in desired dimensions and shapes such as cylindrical, cubic, or trapezoidal. Modular galvanized tanks are constructed in specified sizes and assembled on-site. Modular galvanized water storage tanks are quickly assembled, easy to transport, and have a long lifespan due to the absence of welds (a major cause of corrosion in galvanized tanks). The water quality in these tanks is very high, and special coatings that are suitable for contact with drinking water and meet global standards can be used on the inner surface to further enhance this quality.
