Rainwater Bladders vs Rainwater Tanks

Choosing the best water storage for a given site is crucial for functionality, longevity and performance. The right rainwater tank can provide a hassle-free source of water for a variety of intended applications. The wrong tank can cause endless installation and maintenance issues, and if completely unsuitable, may not be able to be installed at all.

While a variety of options exist, the first step is to decide whether your site would be best served by a water tank or a rainwater bladder. Each offers a handy water storage solution when installed correctly at a suitable site.

Rainwater tanks connected to building.

Rainwater Tanks

Conventional above-ground water tanks are widely used because they have good longevity and can be used for several applications, including non-potable water collection for garden irrigation, and use in laundries and toilets.

Water tanks are a good option because they offer the following:

  • Long-lasting, rigid structure that can withstand a variety of adverse weather conditions
  • A variety of materials to choose from, such as concrete, polyethylene, steel, or fibreglass
  • Suitable for aboveground applications, and underground models are also available
  • Options for every budget, with polyethylene options usually the cheapest
  • Quick and easy to install.

The following challenges may make water tanks an unsuitable choice:

  • Large area required for installation
  • Can dominate an area visually
  • Underground options require excavation
  • Bulky, with high transport costs
  • Usually unsuitable for moving once installed
  • Regular maintenance and cleaning are required to maintain water quality, as debris can accumulate in the tank and algae growth can be significant. Steel tanks should be regularly inspected for corrosion.

Rainwater Bladders

Rainwater bladders (also called water sacs) like the Waterplex Eco Sac Bladder offer a space-saving solution for sites that don’t have a big enough outdoor area to install a conventional water tank.

Waterplex Eco Sac Water Bladder

Water bladders are flexible PVC or TPU sacks that work well in situations where property developers want to offer additional functionality while working with tight spaces.

Provided that there is sufficient clearance under the house, water bladders offer a solution for those who want to collect rainwater but lack yard space.

They are a good option because they offer the following:

  • Utilise unused, unseen spaces
  • Easy and cheap to transport as a small package assembled on site
  • Low maintenance, as algae growth is inhibited in the dark
  • UV stabilised and offering a 10–15-year lifespan
  • Can be dismantled and moved in the case of relocation.

The following challenges may make them an unsuitable choice:

  • Installation is more complex and requires an experienced installation team, as a compacted base and steel frame may be required
  • More expensive than a conventional water tank
  • Shorter lifespan than a conventional water tank.

Choosing the Right Rainwater Collection System

Both rainwater tanks and rainwater bladders are suitable for collecting water for flushing toilets, watering the garden, doing laundry or washing the car. However, to determine which system is the best fit, it’s important to consider:

  • How you intend to use the harvested water
  • The space available for installation
  • Your budget.

Waterwise Queensland provides useful information about choosing a rainwater tank.

Get Expert Advice on Rainwater Storage

Whether you need help deciding whether a rainwater tank or bladder is the best option, or are ready to book your rainwater tank installation, get in touch with Salmon Plumbing. We’ve been providing rainwater harvesting solutions and installing rainwater tank systems since 1991.

Send us an online enquiry now!

Water Tank Pumps – Turn a Tank into a Home Irrigation System

Updated March 2026.

Unlock the full potential of your collected rainwater! By incorporating water tank pumps, Brisbane homeowners can establish a home irrigation system. Harness rainwater, minimise water usage, and streamline your gardening practices by turning your water tank into a solution to make your garden grow. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a homeowner simply looking for better ways to use water, these insights will help you maximise the benefits of your water tank.

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Backyard Drainage: What Do You Need and What Will it Cost?

A proper backyard drainage system is crucial for any property – and especially those located in Brisbane’s humid subtropical climate. Without adequate backyard drainage, excess water can accumulate or flow across your property, leading to soil erosion, waterlogging, foundation damage, and potential flooding.

Investing in proper stormwater drainage in your backyard not only protects your property but also ensures a safer and more functional outdoor space for social and family activities, and any creative landscaping projects.

Whether prevention is your focus or you’re already dealing with pooling water, soggy soil, erosion, or dry rot in wooden features there are several backyard drainage solutions to consider. And, Salmon Plumbers are Brisbane’s experts in drainage, so you’ve come to the right place!

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Is the Bidet in Your Bathroom Putting Brisbane Drinking Water at Risk?

Upgrading to a bidet seat feels like a luxurious step toward better personal hygiene – it’s hard to go back once you’ve tried one. But in Australia, an incorrectly installed bidet is not just inconvenient; it can become one of the most serious contamination risks in your entire home.

The danger isn’t the bidet itself. It’s the very real possibility of backflow sending bacteria-loaded toilet bowl water back into the public water supply. That’s the water you and your neighbour drink. It’s a serious problem and one that Brisbane plumbers note is a lot more common than people think.

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Proudly Brisbane’s First Choice Plumbing Contractor for Schools

At Salmon Plumbing, we understand that in a school environment, even a minor plumbing issue can create a major disruption. That’s why we get there fast, offering reliable and fully compliant plumbing services tailored to the unique needs of schools. Whether you need assistance with a blocked toilet, a faulty hot water system, or routine preventative maintenance, our experienced team works around your schedule to keep your facilities running smoothly, with minimal disruption to students and staff.

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Roofwater and Stormwater Drainage – Plan Your Project

When it comes to stormwater drainage, Brisbane can be a tricky place to get it right. For example, plenty of homes in inner city suburbs have no stormwater access on their block. However, all properties must now connect to a ‘lawful point of discharge’ such as an authorised council stormwater drain or road. But what if your stormwater access point is on your neighbour’s land? Well, then you’re talking about an easement.

Sound complicated enough yet? Want to outsource it to the experts?

The Salmon Plumbing team are the drainage plumbers Brisbane trusts to keep them safe this storm season. We can help you develop and install an effective roofwater drainage system for your home. Here’s what you need to know when planning your stormwater drainage project.

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Could Your Gutters Handle a Brisbane Hail Storm?

Let’s talk about the importance of gutter maintenance. Can your gutters handle a freak hailstorm in Brisbane? Is your water tank well-maintained to ensure any overflow of water is stored in the tank?

It’s been a decade of heavy downpours. Nothing like droughts and flooding rains to put pressure on your guttering and water tanks. But with Brisbane’s intense summer storms and turbulent 5pm thunderstorms come isolated pockets of hail. It’s not just about clearing out the leaves. Your gutters need to withstand being pounded with ice – sometimes the size of a pebble, occasionally the size of a golf ball. Are your gutters in the right shape for summer hailstorms in Brisbane?

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Australian-Made Hot Water Valves: Why Quality Matters in Hot Water Systems

In hot water systems, the valves that control pressure, temperature, and flow are vital for safety but often overlooked. Most Brisbane homeowners focus on price, size, and appearance when shopping for a new hot water system, rarely considering the crucial role hot water valves play in keeping the entire system safe.

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