Above The Ground & Under Ground Rainwater Tanks

Rainwater tanks can be placed anywhere you want them to be, provided it is conducive to its working. It is of utmost importance that the inlet is right below the guttering if you want to harvest rain water from the roof. You will find many different shapes of tanks which can be placed either above the ground or under it.

Let’s find out the pros and cons of both.

While the availability of space is very important factor to decide the placement of your rainwater tank, its quite obvious that above the ground rainwater tanks occupy more space than ones installed below. Underground tanks actually save some space for you and don’t get in your way.

Underground rainwater tanks need a pump to extract because of its unusual placement which is an added expense.  A pump is not a compulsory requirement for rain water tanks installed above the ground and lets good old gravity work its magic. Detecting malfunctions and leaks is really difficult in underground rain water tanks; it is relatively easier in tanks above the ground. In underground rain water tanks weather changes are not a big problem.

Torrential rains and extreme heat and cold may have an adverse effect on tanks installed above the ground; they can catch fire or get damaged during heavy showers and strong winds. When rain water tanks are installed below the ground, roots of trees can hamper its structure and also contaminate the water, this quite naturally is not an issue with above the ground rain water tanks. You can opt for rainwater tanks that are uncovered if they are installed above the ground but not in ones installed underground. It is not safe and has the risk of soil, faeces, pesticides entering it during rains as surface run offs. Installing above the ground rain water tanks is much easier and doesn’t require excavation as in the case of rain water tanks installed below. Maintenance of poly rain water tanks above the ground is much easier as well.

Weigh out all your options before installing your rain water tank. You also have the chose the type and shape of the tank. You can choose between steel, wood, concrete, fibre glass and polyethylene (poly) water tanks. There are also many shapes you can choose from. There are round tanks that are very popular all over the world and that can hold a large capacity of water. You can also go in for the slimline tanks that are great on the side of a wall and behind the house. You also have rain water tanks that are ornate and specifically designed to add to the façade of the house and many more to chose from.