Installing a water tank on your Wollongong property is a significant yet rewarding commitment. This guide covers everything you need to know about water tanks in the Wollongong area in an engaging, detailed manner.
The Need for Water Tanks
Water tanks have become essential in light of climate change driving droughts and water scarcity. Sourcing one’s own supply through a well-managed tank provides year-round availability, extremely useful when summer water restrictions set in. Rainwater harvesting reduces utility bills significantly while empowering households to take control of their water needs.
Clean water is fundamental for healthy lifestyles. Water tanks, equipped with filters and purifiers, provide access to potable rainwater for drinking, cooking, bathing and hygiene – all crucial disease prevention measures.
Tanks also benefit the environment by reducing load on civic supplies and groundwater exploitation during droughts. They serve household, health and environmental priorities synergistically.
Basics of Water Tanks
The primary function of a water tank is simple; it collects and stores rainwater for later use. The whole process starts with your roof; when it rains, the rainwater runoff is directed towards your gutters which then flow into the downpipes connected to your water tank.
Once stored, the saved water can be put to various uses—from irrigation needs, garage usage, all the way through household chores such as laundry or even for drinking provided that necessary filtration systems are installed.
But choosing the right tank isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Certain factors must be considered—and you’ll delve into those next. First, have a look at https://www.watertankfactory.com.au/water-tanks-wollongong/ to see just what water tank solutions involve.
Choosing the Right Tank
The first significant decision to be made pertains to the type of tank. You essentially have two types: above-ground and under-ground tanks. Above-ground tanks are cost-effective and easy to install, while underground tanks favor circumstances with space constraints but could be pricier and more complicated to set up.
Another aspect is the shape of the tank. Round water tanks have been classic choices, but slimline tanks are gaining popularity in urban locations wherein space optimisation is crucial.
Whichever type or shape you choose; it should suit your property while also meeting your water storage needs.
Local Climate Considerations
The climate of Wollongong necessitates careful consideration in choosing your tank too. Wollongong enjoys a temperate climate characterized by wet winters and hot, dry summers—conditions that should guide your selection.
If you’re considering installing a water tank before summer sets in, going for a bigger one could be wise as you’ll end up accumulating more water during winter; enough to get you through summer’s drier months.
Moreover, material considerations are integral; while all quality tank materials can generally withstand various climates, some might fare better in specific conditions than others.
Tank Material Selection
You have various options when it comes to the material-make of a tank. Three primary materials dominate: plastic (polyethylene), concrete, and steel.
Polyethylene or plastic tanks are durable, light-weight, can stand UV-radiation better, and good value-for-money; these characteristics make them an increasingly popular choice today. Moreover, they cater to diverse capacities—smaller ones for residential purposes and larger variants for more extensive requirements.
Concrete tanks possess tremendous longevity but require a proper foundation for installation, determining their location is less flexible. Plus, being prone to algae-growth, they demand regular cleaning. On the flip side, steel tanks promise strength and durability while also being resistant to damage from natural disasters like bushfires—a solid option if you live in a bushfire-prone area.
Sizing Your Tank
There are no universal standards for tank sizes. The appropriate capacity depends on the roof area, determining catchment potential and household water requirements. Water demand should factor in daily activities like laundry, showering and important self-care routines. Quality water enables good skincare, supporting health indirectly too.
Larger families with expansive gardens need higher quantities than single occupants. Carefully approximate all anticipated usage, from drinking and household chores to lawn irrigation and car washing. Then size up an extra margin for unpredictable spikes in demand. Realistic calculations ensure adequate supply without wastage.
An oversized tank leads to overflow losses during rains while undersized ones fail to meet peak summer demand. The ideal size strikes an optimal balance between storage capacity and actual household utilization.
Installation Preparations
Once the type, material and size decisions are made; your next focus is on tank installation. Be warned—this isn’t something that should be attempted without professional help which you can get here. Or without understanding local regulations on rainwater tanks.
You need to plan out where to install the tank whilst considering factors such as sun exposure (UV radiation degrades certain materials over time), proximity to buildings or fences (for safety reasons), and distance from trees (avoiding root damage to underground tanks).
Besides location, you’ll require proper tank base preparations—be it sand for plastic tanks or concrete for others—which ensure stability post-installation. Subsequently, roof modifications may also be necessary to direct rainwater towards the tank effectively.
Water Tank Regulations
In Wollongong, local council regulations dictate certain standards and aspects related to rainwater tanks and their installation. You must obtain required development approvals or certifications before the installation process to ensure legal compliance.
Failing to meet these local regulations might result in fines, or worse still, you may be required to remove or adjust the tank. So get in touch with your local council or utilize the services of a professional tank installer who would be familiar with all such regional requirements.
Avoid potential hassle by doing your homework, so there will be no unpleasant surprises later on.
Maintaining Your Tank
Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal tank performance and longevity. Inspections help early identification of issues like leaks, overflow or clogged gutters. Cleaning prevents algae accumulation while testing water balance stops contamination. Annual servicing ensures pipes, pumps and valves keep working efficiently. Tank maintenance warrants commitment but pays rich dividends over its lifespan.
Cleaning Water Tanks
Tank water requires cleaning by periodically emptying, washing and sanitizing the interior with approved agents. While labor-intensive, this removes silt deposits and bacteria accumulation efficiently. Additionally, specialized tools like leaf guards, first-flush diverters and insect screens sustainably maintain cleanliness between washes. Screens prevent organic debris entering the tank, diverters isolate the first rain allowing dust and bird droppings to flow out while guards stop leaves blocking gutters. Alternatively, professional cleaners offer specialized tank washing services in Wollongong.
Emergency Preparedness
It’s crucial to understand that while water tanks provide an excellent backup source of fresh water; they aren’t immune to damage or problems themselves. Emergency situations can affect all types of tanks – from fires melting plastic tanks to earthquakes cracking concrete ones.
Installing fire-resistant materials (for bushfire-prone locations) or fortifying the structure (in earthquake-prone areas) are smart choices for preventive measures.
You must also have a contingency plan for when such emergencies occur—like ensuring that there’s an alternative fresh-water supply on standby for immediate needs.
Closing Thoughts
Installing a water tank is a major move but pays dividends through water security and environmental conservation. With proper considerations regarding tank type, size, materials, climate factors and following expert guidance on set-up and maintenance, Wollongong homes can enjoy a convenient, cost-effective water supply for years. Tanks form responsible investments for the future while making households self-reliant across seasons. With this guide covering key considerations and best practices, residents can evaluate their needs and confidently transition towards rainwater harvesting.
The post Essential Men’s Guide to Wollongong Water Tanks appeared first on ThingsMenBuy.com.
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