Installing a water tank

Plastic tanks are very popular for water storage as they are economical, easy to install, easy to clean and easy to plumb, however it is essential that the tanks are installed correctly to ensure a long and trouble-free life. The following guide is based on installing a Bailey 25,000L tank and has been prepared by Bailey Tanks to ensure your water tank site is planned correctly, ready for your new tank to be delivered.

STEP 1: Prepare a framed box

The site should be .rm, level, stable ground. Prepare a wooden box with 100mm x 50mm timber. There should be 250mm clearance between the tank and the timber edging. This should be securely fastened with coach bolts and staked into the ground to prevent movement. The box is to ensure no erosion occurs. If locating the tank on a sloping section, ensure the area around the tank will not erode, however, do not back fill against the tank.

STEP 2: Site preparation

A pad of at least 100mm of sand or gap 7 is recommended; this equates to 1.6 cubic meters of fill. Spread the sand with a rake as evenly as possible, and then compact. Run a long piece of timber across the top with a spirit level to achieve the most accurately level site possible.

Optional: You may prepare a box section in the corner of your site as a concrete foundation for a pump and Bailey Pump Cover. Allow 850mm x 550mm.

STEP 3: Delivery

Our specifically designed trucks with lowered decks will deliver your Bailey tank. Delivery is as close as access provides. If the site does not allow the truck access, 2-3 people, including the driver, are required to roll the tank into position. A Bailey 25,000L tank weighs 375kg dry.

NOTE: Bailey Tanks do not guarantee delivery to site. Delivery is to the road entrance of the property, however, if access is deemed possible the driver will do their best to get as close to the site as possible. This is at the driver's discretion. Installation is the responsibility of the purchaser.

STEP 4: Positioning of tank

Before flipping the tank on to its base, ensure you have it positioned the way you would like it to fall. A specially moulded box with flat sides is conveniently located to the front of the inspection hatch at the top of the tank. Fittings such as inlet, overflow, ballcock and water level indicator can be installed here. Once the tank has been flipped onto its base, shuffle the tank into its desired position.

STEP 5: Plumbing of inlet pipes

Only hole saws are to be used to drill into the tank. Drill appropriate size hole to fit the pipe. A rubber grommet is recommended for sealing the pipe work into the tank. In the example shown, a 100mm PVC pipe has been fitted into a 100mm rubber grommet. The piping is to be fitted only into the provisions provided. Push the rubber grommet into place and then slide the PVC pipe through.

STEP 6: Plumbing of overflow pipes

On the opposite side of the tank you will find additional provisions for the inlet and overflow. The overflow is to be drilled and fitted the same as the inlet to ensure a tight leak-proof seal. Fitting the overflow in the areas provided ensures maximum capacity of your Bailey Tank. The overflow should be piped away from the tank to prevent any erosion to the tank site.

STEP 7: Plumbing of outlet

A 2" (50mm) BSP outlet is provided at the base of the tank ready for you to screw in your fittings. A Bailey pump to tank connection kit can be purchased separately to supply all necessary fittings from the water tank to the pump. Bolt the pump to the pump cover base. Bolt the cover down with dyna bolts.

Once the tank is installed it is recommended, especially in high wind areas, to fill the tank with a minimum of 1,000-2000L of water to ensure the tank does not blow away.