Poly / Plastic Water Tanks

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Polyethylene Water Tanks, often referred to as poly tanks or plastic tanks, are a cost-effective solution for storing well water, city water, or rainwater. These tanks are typically roto-molded into a circular shape and come in various sizes. While green and black are standard colors, some manufacturers also offer selections in dark brown or beige (mocha).

1. Understanding Plastic Water Tanks

A plastic water tank is designed to store and distribute water for various needs and work environments. These tanks are primarily made from plastic materials like polyethylene and polypropylene, with polyethylene being the preferred choice. 

These tanks can handle both small and large volumes of water safely. They are engineered to store either potable or non-potable water based on their design and are available in numerous sizes and styles to suit different applications.

2. Composition of Modern Water Tanks

Today’s water tanks are made from either plastic or metal. Plastic water tanks mainly use polyethylene, polypropylene, or fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). Polyethylene tanks are the most widespread. Materials used include resin, ultraviolet stabilizing compounds, and pigment for colored tanks.

Polyethylene comes in various densities like low density (LDPE), medium density (MDPE), and high density (HDPE). Most plastic tanks use high density polyethylene. 

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), although similar, is rarely used for water storage, especially potable water. Instead, XLPE tanks are usually for chemical storage. Metal tanks, made from galvanized or stainless steel, are another durable option but tend to be pricier than plastic tanks. Some metal tanks even feature a polyethylene liner to hold the water.

3. Manufacturing Process of Plastic Water Tanks

The manufacturing of plastic water tanks varies based on the material and tank type. Common methods include rotational molding and blow molding. 

Rotational molding, or rotomolding, is used for most rigid-walled tanks. This process involves heating plastic resin in a mold, which is then rotated to distribute the molten material evenly. Once cooled, the product is released from the mold.

Blow molding is for semi-flexible tanks like 275-gallon totes. Here, molten plastic resin is blown into a mold to form the container’s shape.

4. Safety of Plastic Water Tanks

Plastic water tanks are safe and have been rigorously tested and certified by bodies like the EPA, FDA, CFR, NSF, and ANSI. Polyethylene is classified as inert, meaning it won’t leach chemicals into the water or react with it. 

5. BPA and Phthalates in Plastic Water Tanks

No, plastic water tanks made from polyethylene do not contain BPA or phthalates. BPA was primarily used in polycarbonate, which has seen reduced use. Phthalates, usually added to PVC, are not common in polyethylene products, especially those meeting potable water standards. Reference: CDC Phthalates Info.

6. Advantages of Polyethylene Water Tanks

Plastic water tanks are lighter, more cost-effective, easier to install and transport, and resistant to corrosion and impact damage compared to other materials. They also offer a long service life when used exclusively for water storage.

7. Drinking Water Safety from Plastic Tanks

Only water tanks made from FDA-approved, virgin polyethylene resin and certified to ANSI and NSF 61 standards are safe for drinking. There are also non-potable tanks, primarily due to additives or colors. Agriculture uses most non-potable, often yellow, tanks.

8. Types of Plastic Water Tanks

Polyethylene tanks come in various forms:

• Vertical Aboveground
• Underground Cistern
• Rainwater
• Slimline (Doorway)
• Emergency
• Conical
• Portable (Utility, Loaf, IBC Totes, Leg, Pickup Truck Bed, ATV/UTV)

They are also used on RVs and boats.

9. Tank Sizes and Volumes

Yes, tank sizes vary by type:

• Vertical: 10 to 20,000 gallons
• Underground: 250 to 10,000 gallons
• Rainwater: 100 to 10,000 gallons
• Emergency: 100 to 500 gallons
• Slimline: 100 to 1,000 gallons
• Leg: 30 to 6,025 gallons
• Utility: 7 to 1,000 gallons
• RV/Marine: 3 to 200 gallons
• IBC Tote: 110 to 550 gallons

10. Best Water Tanks for Home Use

The best tank depends on your needs:

• Vertical Tanks: General uses
• Cisterns: Long-term underground storage
• Rainwater Tanks: Rainwater harvesting
• Slimline Tanks: Limited space
• Emergency Tanks: Indoor storage and preparedness
• Portable Tanks: Transportation

11. Available Tank Colors

Polyethylene tanks come in white, black, green, blue, brown, red, and yellow. Green and black are the most common. Metal tanks are usually the natural color of the steel.

12. Tank Color and Quality

Tank color can indicate quality, with potable tanks usually in white, black, green, blue, beige, or red, and non-potable often in yellow.

13. Water Tank Color and Algae Growth

Tank color affects algae growth. Light-colored tanks allow more sunlight, promoting algae growth, while dark-colored tanks reduce it, with black and dark green being the most effective.

14. Checking for Algae Growth

On a sunny day, slightly open the tank lid and check inside. If the walls are illuminated, light is entering, and algae may grow. If no light is seen, algae growth should not occur.

15. Common Sizes and Prices of Plastic Water Tanks

For vertical water storage tanks, common sizes range from 250 to 4,500 gallons, with prices between $400 to $4,000.

16. Repairing Plastic Water Tanks

Plastic water tanks can be repaired if the damage is not extensive. Large tears or cracks over 12 inches should prompt replacement rather than repair.

17. DIY Plastic Water Tank Repair

For home repairs, ensure the tank is clean and dry. Use a poly welding gun, plastic repair epoxy, drills, and rotary tools. Drill holes at crack ends, sand the damaged area, and follow epoxy usage instructions. Let the repair cool and dry as recommended.

Tools for Repair:

• Poly Welding Gun
• Plastic Repair Epoxy (Polyethylene Welding Rod)
• Drill with 1/8 in. Drill Bit
• Rotary Tool with Abrasive Rotary Attachment

Repair Method:

Ensure the tank is clean and dry, drill stress relief holes, sand the damaged area, and apply welding epoxy as per instructions. Allow the repaired area to cool and dry completely.

18. Painting Polyethylene Water Tanks

Yes, polyethylene water tanks can be painted with proper preparation and paint selection. Remove the glossy surface, ensure the tank is clean and dry, and use paint types like elastomeric paint, exterior-rated latex paint, or automotive grade urethane paint.

Preparation:

1. Sand the surface
2. Use paint thinner
3. Gently flame the surface

Recommended Paints:

• Elastomeric Paint
• Exterior-rated Latex House Paint
• Automotive Grade Urethane Based Paint

20. Thickness Variations in Plastic Water Tanks

Yes, the thickness can vary. This variation can occur within the tank itself due to engineering requirements or between different manufacturers based on resin quality and manufacturing methods.

21. Weight Differences in Water Tanks

Weight differences in water tanks of the same volume typically result from varying material thickness. Thicker tanks use more raw material, often due to differing manufacturing standards or resin quality.

22. Does Tank Thickness Matter?

Yes, but primarily due to manufacturing standards and resin quality. Thicker tanks are not necessarily better and could indicate the use of lower quality resin requiring more material to meet regulations.

23. Joining Multiple Water Tanks

Yes, water tanks can be joined using plumbing. This is common to expand storage capacity. Tanks can be connected from the top or bottom using fittings and pipes.

24. Benefits of Top Connection

Connecting tanks at the top causes them to fill sequentially. The maximum water level is limited by the first tank’s outlet height. This setup is beneficial to manage overflow and easy measurement of tank levels.

25. Benefits of Bottom Connection

Connecting tanks at the bottom allows them to fill evenly. This system balances the water volume across all tanks, providing a uniform water level.

26. Using Pumps with Water Tanks

Yes, pumps can fill or draw water from tanks, providing adequate pressure for various applications. Ensure the pump’s displacement rate aligns with the tank’s venting capacity to avoid over-pressurization or vacuum conditions.

27. Pressurizing Polyethylene Water Tanks

No, poly water tanks are not designed for pressurization or vacuum conditions. Such scenarios can damage the tank or the connected plumbing system.

28. Importance of Venting a Water Tank

Yes, venting is crucial to release air pressure built up during filling. Many tanks have automatic venting lids to manage this pressure.

29. Causes of Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can result from leaks, cracks, or positioning issues. Ensure your tank and plumbing are intact and consider relocating the tank or using a pump to boost pressure.

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Check for unnoticed cracks even above the water level if you experience unexpected pressure drops.

Low water pressure can also stem from insufficient gravity pressure or too many connected taps. Elevate your tank or install a booster pump for improvement.

30. Purchasing Plastic Water Tanks

Plastic water tanks are available online, at farm and hardware stores, or secondhand. Buying online offers variety, delivery options, and new, guaranteed products.

31. Pre-Use Cleaning for Water Tanks

Yes, it’s advisable to flush and rinse new tanks to remove any residual manufacturing dust or materials before first use.

32. Cleaning Frequency for Water Tanks

Annual cleaning is recommended, but frequency can vary depending on water quality, algae growth, and tank usage. Regular cleaning prevents build-ups and ensures water quality.

33. Steps to Clean a Water Tank

To clean a water tank: drain existing water, scrub with soapy water and a non-metallic brush, rinse thoroughly, and disinfect if necessary.

1. Drain the tank, using water for non-edible plant irrigation or stormwater runoff if suitable.
2. Clean with a non-metallic brush and soapy water. Consider a power washer for larger tanks. Household bleach or baking soda can help remove algae and buildup.
3. Rinse and drain the tank thoroughly.
4. Disinfect new water based on usage needs.

34. Pre-Storage Water Treatment

Treating water before storage is not necessary but can simplify future use and cleaning by preventing algae and microbiological growth.

35. Rainwater Harvesting Benefits

Rainwater harvesting reduces water bills, promotes self-sufficiency, aids in local water shortages, and supports environmental conservation. It can provide all necessary water for a property with the right setup. For more, see our Rain Tanks Series.

36. Determining Rain Water Tank Size

Consider local rainfall, roof size, and water usage to determine the appropriate tank size. Use the EPA National Stormwater Calculator to estimate local precipitation.

Rainwater Harvest Volume (Gallons) = Rainfall Amount (Inches) x Catchment Area (Square Feet) x 0.623

Apply this equation to determine your needs.

37. Rain Needed to Fill a Water Tank

Calculate based on tank size and catchment area. The required inches of rain = Tank Gallon Size / (Roof Area x 0.623).

38. Drinking Rain Water

Rainwater is safe for drinking if properly treated to potable standards, as supported by the CDC. For more, see our post on treating rainwater before drinking.

39. Making Harvested Rainwater Safe

Screen debris, use a pump, multi-stage filtration, and UV light or chemical treatment. Follow recommendations for best results.

40. Installing Vertical Water Tanks

Install tanks on a flat, level, solid surface like concrete, crusher dust, pea gravel, or firm ground. Secure foundations are essential for large tanks.

41. Optimal Water Tank Placement

Indoors is best to limit temperature changes and sunlight. For outdoor tanks, place them in shaded areas like sheds or under overhangs.

42. Tightening Bulkhead Fittings

Hand tighten, then do an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Avoid overtightening, which can damage seals.

43. Freezing Concerns for Plastic Water Tanks

Polyethylene tanks can withstand freezing temperatures, but ensure sufficient space