IntoEco - Water Tanks

Water restrictions are predicted to get worse, as the effects of population pressure and climate change worsen. Take yourself out of the loop, and enjoy zero-cost, guilt-free garden watering and car washing, with an affordable water tank from IntoEco.

You can also link your water tanks with a solar energy hot water service, for a completely sustainable solution. Ask our experts about the possibilities today.

Rebates for Solar Power, Water Tank and Solar Panel Installations

At IntoEco, you'll also find extensive information and links about your rebate entitlements for solar energy, eco friendly hot water systems and water tanks in Melbourne & Sydney. We have state-specific information, as well as plenty of avenues to explore for further explanation of your rebate options, direct from the administering government departments.

If you'd like more specific information about the rebates that apply to any of our tanks, hot water systems or solar power products, simply get in contact with the 'little green men and women' at IntoEco!

The installation of a rainwater tank can have both financial and environmental benefits for households. Collected rainwater can be used for watering the garden, flushing toilets, clothes washing, indoor and outdoor cleaning, rinsing dishes and car washing.
For rural areas rainwater may be a better source of potable water than rivers or dams. For areas prone to bushfires the collection of rainwater may help to minimise the impact of such events.

The collection of rainwater in urban areas also reduces the amount of stormwater washed into our waterways. Stormwater can contain many pollutants, such as oils, soil and litter, which ends up in drains and gutters where they are transferred straight into rivers, harbours and oceans.

Green Plumbers have secured exclusive access to a range of high quality, fully certified polythene tank and pump packages to suit your desired needs. To assist you make the best tank choice, please click here for more information.
Before choosing to install a water tank there a couple of core things to consider

• What size tank do you require?
• What style of tank do you desire?
• What size water pump do you need?
• For what purpose do you require captured water?
• Do you have sufficient access points to your property to allow for tank installation?
• Is your roof material non-toxic? Lead-based paint and flashing, or tar-based coatings found on some roofs effect water quality.
• What type of structural support does your tank require?

Tank Sizing

The first step in selecting your water tank is to work out the size tank you need. You will first need to determine how much water you intend to use, and what application it is to be used for. Do you just want to water the garden, or do you intend on flushing the toilet and doing you laundry to?
If you want the tank for indoor use you are required to engage with a qualified plumber to connect your system to mains water. The plumber will take into consideration implications such as backflow prevention (link to anchor) and mains fall back (link to anchor).
An additional factor in selecting the right tank is calculating how much water you can realistically collect at your site. To do this you will need to know the approximate pitch of your roof, the area of your roof and the average rainfall in your area. To assist you, the Bureau of Meteorology website has details of average rainfall for each locality in Australia. Alternatively you can find many good rain water tank size estimation calculators online or simply click here to be forwarded on to the Green Plumbers recommended calculator.

Tank Style

There are many tank shapes available that can be integrated into walls, roof cavities, underground or above-ground to economise on space. In choosing the right tank style for you, please consider the following:

• Above ground rainwater tanks are usually the cheapest. Consider slimline and wall line tanks that can fit into tight narrow spaces. The narrow base of slimline and wall line tanks can concentrate enormous pressure over a small area making them more susceptible to any movement or compression in their base. Preferably concrete or paving should be used, as a minimum when installing these tanks, a compacted base of any medium that will not compress under the gross weight of the tank full of water can be used.
• Underground tanks save on space and have greater catchment potential than above ground tanks. However this option can be more expensive and requires excavation. Some authorities also require annual testing of backflow prevention device. Consider modular systems that capture water via infiltration through the grass lawn or garden.
• Underfloor bladders save on space and may have greater catchment potential than above ground tanks. Installation is also more technically involved. Consider sealed flexible bladders which can be installed side by side or end to end depending on space.

Pump Sizing

Water use requirement
Garden Watering
While the amount of water required in your garden will vary with climate, the size of the garden and the type of plants it contains, an average household requires a tank with approximately 2000 to 4000L capacity to water their garden year round.
Fit a tap directly to the rainwater tank for watering the garden, washing cars and for other outdoor uses.
A sprinkler will require a pressure pump
Toilet flushing

Tank installation access

It is important to make sure that the dimensions of the tank you have chosen allow for sufficient space to have the tank installed.

Water catchment quality

When considering purchasing a rainwater tank for your property it is important to ensure that your roof catchment area is free from contamination such as lead based paints or tar based coatings. If you are unsure of what roof application is present on your property, we recommend that you consult your local Green Plumber.

Tank Structural Support

In order to prepare your site for the installation of a water tank, there are number of considerations to take into account.

• Base of tanks must be supported across its entire area.
• Pipe work should not place any loading on tank wall

When installing a tank on natural ground, ensure a level site, free of rock or stone with a diameter 600mm (2ft) greater than tank. An alternative method is to provide a 75mm sand base sprinkled with cement, bordered with a retaining beam.
If you are considering utilising a tank stand, consider the following points

• The stand structure and decking must support the full weight of the tank and captured water (1kg/1 litre of water)
• Timber decking should have no gaps greater than 40mm.
• Tanks should be tied to a stand to prevent movement when empty
• Pipe work must be supported on stand with flexible coupling to tank.