Critical Tips for Industrial and Manufacturing Professionals and Consumers

The way an excavation is done in order to install an underground water storage tank depends on several factors. This article discusses some of those considerations.

Tank Numbers

Will you install one or several water storage tanks? The desired number of water tanks will influence how the excavation is done. For example, a decision may need to be made on whether one large hole should be excavated for those different tanks or each tank should be placed in its own excavated hole.

Site Traffic

What kind of traffic will be moving on the ground after the tank has been installed? The nature of the traffic around that area can impact the way the water tank is installed. For example, a thick concrete pad may need to be constructed at the bottom of the excavated hole so that the water tank has enough support. Otherwise, the tank can settle and damage the piping attached to it after heavy vehicles move repeatedly on the ground under which the tank was installed.

Groundwater

The hydrologic factors at the site are also likely to affect the way the excavation and tank installation is done. For instance, locations with a high water table may compel the excavation contractor to deploy pumps to extract the water which collects in the hole being created. This water will have to be kept out until the tank has been backfilled. These measures can increase the cost of installing your water tank.

Tank Material

The material from which your underground water tank is made can affect how that tank is installed. For example, you may need to implement appropriate measures to prevent a plastic tank from floating. Such anchorage measures may not be required in case the tank is made from a heavier material, such as steel.

Codes and Regulations

The excavation for the installation of your water storage tank will also be influenced by any existing local or state codes and regulations. For example, the local code may stipulate how deep the tank should be installed in order to address contamination risks. The installer that you select should have an understanding of all the applicable laws and codes so that you aren't held liable in case a breach is discovered later.

As you can see, the installation of a water tank isn't an exercise which is performed randomly. Several factors, both local to the site and regulatory issues, have to be factored into the process of installing the tank. Get expert help for this task so that you avoid placing a huge burden on yourself as you try to meet all the requirements of a proper water tank installation.