Once you’ve reviewed your storage tank needs and figured out how much water you need to store, and determined the best location for your storage tank, how do you go about selecting the storage tank that is right for your needs? This article will deal specifically with the high-density polyethylene tanks (HDPE) as this is one of the most cost effective options, but some of the questions and considerations can be applied to other types of tanks.

Storage tanks come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Make sure you have any physical dimensions that the tank needs to fit within in addition to the estimate of how much water you want to store. If you have a fence that the tank needs to hide behind, measure the fence height. If the tank needs to fit between two trees, measure the distance between them. If you are putting the tank into an enclosed room, then measure the largest door/access opening. If you don’t know how big your storage tank should be or where it should be located, that’s ok. A good professional can help walk you through this process and make it simple, giving the pros and cons of the various options for your specific application. Oakville Pump Service sells, delivers and installs high quality storage tanks in the Napa Valley, give our crew a call if you have questions about where to locate your storage tank or how large your tank should be to meet fire requirements or other building code requirements.

One important consideration, if you need to store a volume of water more than 5000 gallons, is that it may actually be cheaper to purchase two smaller tanks than one larger tank. For example. If you need 10,000 gallons of water storage, it may be cheaper to purchase two 5000 gallon water tanks than to install a single 10,000 gallon tank. Why? Shipping & Delivery charges go up dramatically for tanks that are larger than 5000 gallon. These larger tanks are considered an oversize load by the Department of Transportation and will require special permits to be transported on the road . Routes/roads that oversize loads can use are often limited, meaning that they can’t always take the most direct route to your location. You may find that several smaller tanks may not only be more cost effective, but they can be arranged to fit in spaces that the single larger tank cannot fit. When using multiple smaller storage tanks, it is always best to use tanks identical in size and shape to simplify installation and to install them at the same level.

Considering several other factors can help you minimize the cost of your storage tank installation. Depending on local building codes, large tanks often require a building permit to install. These codes typically call for an engineered seismic restraint system to be installed as well as a cement tank pad that has been seismically engineered. These additional requirements add significantly to the time and costs associated with storage tank installation. In some cases, installation of several smaller tanks in lieu of a single large tank, can often mitigate permit requirements and/or the installation of seismic restraints and result in an overall lower installation cost.

The cost of providing a flat, level space to install the storage tank(s) should be considered in this process. Tank manufacturers typically specify that the tank(s) should be installed on a level cement or gravel area, failure to do so can result in the manufacturer warranty being void. Concrete pads are suitable, but can be expensive to install. Alternatives include “tank rings” which are essentially galvanized steel strips that are bolted together in a circle that is a bit bigger than the storage tank. This steel ring is then installed with some stakes so that it is level, then the ring is filled with gravel. For smaller tanks that do not require seismic foundations or tie downs, tank rings are often the most economical option. Whatever tank base you choose, make sure to include the cost of any necessary excavation and tank base materials in the costs.

Whatever your water storage tank needs are in the Napa Valley, please touch base with our highly qualified and experienced staff at Oakville Pump Service by calling (707)944-2471. Our crew can assist you in selecting a cost effective storage tank and ensure it is installed to the highest standards in the best location. OPS can also assist with the additional equipment you may need that is connected to or installed in the storage tank. These items frequently include booster pumps, automatic filling from your submersible well pump or spring, and water level indicators. OPS has many innovative products that can help your water storage tank become an effective tool in managing your water use. Ask about our popular low-water reserve feature or remote tank level monitoring options that can alert the right people if the water supply is in jeopardy of running low.