If you’re a residential or commercial property owner, purchasing a water storage tank is always a great investment. But as with any major project, installing a guaranteed durable water storage tank can be costly, especially with annual inspection and maintenance included. And so, knowing how long water storage tanks last is best if you want assurance that you will get great value for your money.
In general, a plastic water tank should serve you for up to 20 years. Metal water storage tanks are strong and durable, as expected, and have a life expectancy of 30 years or more when it is well maintained. The life expectancy of a concrete water storage tank is around 20 to 30 years, even reaching 50 years if well maintained.
While it only estimates the lifespan, several factors affect a water tank’s lifespan, and learning about what they are is not that complicated.
Best Ways to Extend Your Water Storage Tank’s Lifespan
Apart from the usual routine maintenance for your water storage tank, knowing the different factors affecting a water tank’s longevity will help you maximize your water storage tank’s lifespan. The three essential factors to consider are material, location, and usage.
1. Be very wise in choosing the tank material.
Most water tanks sold are either made using plastic or metal. A plastic water storage tank is an excellent option because it is made from UV-treated, food-grade, and non-biodegradable plastic material. With this composition, you can be sure it will not break down for some time. Plastic water storage tanks should last around 10 years or so, but if you are attentive to their routine maintenance, they could last up to thirty years.
But if you want to ensure your money will not go to waste, a stainless steel water tank is an excellent choice. Made from steel, it is naturally more sturdy and has a longer shelf life than most water storage tanks. The stainless steel tank has an expected service life of over three decades if well maintained.
2. Choose the right location best suited to the material used.
The lifespan of a water storage tank can also be determined by the geophysical characteristics of the location where you will install the unit. Take caution if your water storage tank is built near the sea because the salt sea air will likely speed up the corrosion of the water storage tank.
If you live near the coast, you might need to spend a few more to ensure that your water storage tank has the proper sheeting, which aids with protection against salty air. But if you acquire a stainless steel tank, this should be fine.
If you reside in an area where it is always sunny or arid, the UV treatments of a plastic water storage tank will only last for a while. Permanent exposure to intense UV for extended periods will cause early degradation of the plastic material.
3. Determine the usage.
The lifespan of a water storage tank is also determined by how it is used. A water storage tank that is clean and potable will have a much longer lifespan than that of a unit with harsh chemicals or salt kept in it.
If you use a stainless steel tank for potable water storage, installing a food-grade tank liner is highly recommended. This is to guarantee the long-term integrity of the tank and to avoid any oxidized steel or zinc from contaminating the water supply. However, a tank liner is optional for a plastic water storage tank because it is already constructed from food-grade plastic materials.
4. Perform regular maintenance.
Keeping up with routine maintenance is essential if you want your water tank to last as long as possible. This includes cleaning the tank, checking for leaks and damages, and ensuring that the tank is structurally sound. Cleaning the tank at least once a year can help remove debris, sediment, and bacteria that can lead to damage over time.
5. Only hire a professional team to install your water storage tank.
A professional tank installation team in Australia, like Raven Tanks, can help to ensure that the tank is properly supported and leveled, thereby reducing the risk of damage from shifting or settling. Likewise, a professional can assist you in selecting the optimal tank for your requirements, as they are certified experts in handling all types of tank installation projects.
Let Raven Tanks Help You Maximize Your Water Tank’s Lifespan!
For over 20 years, Raven Tanks has been providing reliable and professional water tank installation, inspection, and maintenance services all over Australia. We are pleased to serve the towns and cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, NSW, and Victoria, Australia.
Call Raven Tanks at 1800 770 899. Our friendly and experienced customer service team is always ready to help you!
Or, you can email us at contact@raventanks.com.