Where Concrete Water Tanks Fail

Deciding on a water tank for your storage needs isn’t something to do lightly. As with anything, it’s tempting to choose something that is less expensive, which is why many people look to concrete water tanks for the answer. Unfortunately, these types of water storage solutions are not a good choice in the long-term. There are numerous downsides to this type of water tank.

We will go into the pros and cons of these tanks and illustrate how they aren’t the best solution for your water storage needs. We will also help you choose a better solution by showing you a plastic based alternative that beats concrete at every turn.

The Pitfalls of Concrete Tanks

Water Tanks have been used throughout history for a variety of purposes. In ancient times they acted as a means of irrigation for crops and other forms agriculture. In the middle Ages, castles were equipped with them to provide a source of water in the event of a siege by enemy forces. Today, they are used as means of capturing and storing rainwater, or as an emergency supply in the event of a fire or natural disaster.

The stored water in these tanks can be used for household chores, for drinking if it has been filtered, for cleaning and bathing, and many more options. The actual tanks have been made from a variety of materials over the course of history:

•      Plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene
•      Fiberglass
•      Concrete
•      Stone
•      Wood
•      Ceramic
•      Steel

Specifically, we’re here to talk about concrete tanks. For starters, they do have some positive aspects, but these are vastly overshadowed by the problems and potential complications they come with.

For example, concrete tanks are widely available and mass produced constantly. They are also the least expensive type of tank on the market. In addition, they don’t require any gravel-packing during installation which removes a step from the process. Now let’s look at the problems they include:

1. Transportation

Concrete tanks are among the heaviest types of tanks there are. While they may be available consistently, transporting them to the job site requires some serious equipment that can withstand the weight.

2. Wavering Quality

These types of tanks are manufactured in massive amounts. This results in various problems which commonly arise from anything that is mass produced. In most cases, these are made to be septic tanks which of course can leak a little without any problems. Concrete is a very porous material which lends it to possible leaks and cracks in the final tank.

This is of course a very bad situation for a water tank. Any incursion from external contaminants can ruin the water in the tank and make it impossible to drink or use for cleaning.

3. Low Lifespan/Constant Repairs

The lifespan of a concrete tank is among the lowest of all the options. With only a 15 year expectancy, they will also become a money pit for you and your family as they begin to leak and deteriorate. When they become older, they also begin to show wear in too many places to simply plug leaks. For potable water, the liner also has to be replaced every few years.

4. No Compatible Accessories

Increased technology has resulted in the creation of various accessories that make underground water storage tanks far more efficient. Concrete tanks are not compatible with these types of accessories which immediately makes them more cumbersome and obsolete than just about any other option.

An Alternative to Concrete Water Tanks

For every benefit that concrete tanks offer, there are two or three downsides that make it less worthwhile for you and your family. The short lifespan, the constant maintenance, repairs, and problems just aren’t worth it for the money you’re saving. In the long run, you’ll be spending more than the other options combined.

The patented OcTank solution from FreeWater Systems is the answer to your questions however. Our tanks are designed to last not fifteen years, but fifty! We’ve already been supplying customers across the United States and in the Caribbean since 1994 and the popularity of these reliable and durable tanks is only growing with time.

Unlike concrete water tanks, ours are fully compatible with various accessories and tools that make your life easier and your water safer. We manufacture pre-assembled kits that are shipped to you ready for turnkey installation. Everything from rainwater capture systems to fire cisterns, we have it all ready and waiting for you.

As with anything, saving money is important, and we recognize that here at FreeWater Systems. We also understand that you want something reliable that is worth the investment you’re making. Without a single shred of doubt, we can say that our patented OcTanks are the best polyethylene tanks on the market, made to last and keep your water safe.