Rainwater Tanks:

Rainwater harvesting is very popular in Australia and has been encouraged by the government for many years now. Most rainwater systems involve collecting rainwater runoff from the roof via rain gutters and storing it in large tanks. The water can be used to irrigate the garden, flush toilets, wash clothes, even fill the pool. Rainwater harvesting also reduces stormwater runoff, helping to reduce local flooding.

rain water systems

Rainwater tanks are a great investment to make. They are good for the environment and good for you. In areas with good rainfall, the savings on the water bill can be very significant.

There are a few different types of tank solutions built to suit different situations. At Salmon Plumbing, we install the Eco Sac and Select Water Tanks made of stainless steel and plastic.

Stainless Steel Water Tanks

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Some of the advantages of a stainless steel tank are:

  • It is extremely durable and hardy.
  • It does not corrode or crack, providing a quality product for decades.
  • It preserves the quality of the water stored. The water stays cool even in hot weather which prevents potentially harmful bacteria and mould from growing in the tank.
  • It can be installed in homes, businesses and rural communities.
  • Custom sizes are available.
  • It can be responsibly disposed at the end of its lifecycle.

While the steel water tanks do come at a higher cost, it’s a good idea to consider the long-term benefits of installing one.

Plastic Water Tanks:

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Plastic water tanks have increased in popularity in recent years. The advantages of this type of tanks are:

  • It is relatively inexpensive compared to say, a stainless steel tank.
  • It is easy to install.
  • While it does need a firm foundation due to the weight of the water in the tank, the material of the tank itself is light and so the ground does not need as much reinforcement as a steel tank.
  • The light weight of the plastic tank also allows them to be moved around if needed.

The drawbacks to consider are:

  • Plastic tanks can warm up the water in the tank, allowing mould and bacteria to thrive and thereby impacting the quality of the water.
  • Responsible disposal at the end of the lifecycle may be a challenge.

The Eco Sac

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The Eco Sac is a flexible rainwater storage system that is installed under the floor or deck and remains out of sight. It is called a ‘bladder tank’ because it swells as water enters the tank.  It comes in as many as 66 different sizes, has no moving parts and is relatively maintenance free.

Some advantages of the Eco Sac bladder tank are:

  • It is favoured by architects and designers as it is tucked away under the deck or floor and does not clutter the landscape.
  • The tank stores more water per square meter than any other bladder tank.
  • The tank is contained by a steel frame and harness for safety.
  • There is a wide choice of sizes (65) and can be customised at no premium.
  • A 10-year warranty on material and workmanship provides assurance of quality.

To get advice on the best water tank for your situation, call us at Salmon Plumbing and one of our staff members would be happy to help.