How to Ensure That Your Water Tank Base Is Appropriate
The durability of your large water tank may be compromised in case that tank is installed on the wrong base. This article discusses some of the considerations that you should have in mind as you confirm that the base onto which you have placed your tank will serve its purpose properly.
The Width
You should make sure that the tank base is wider than the tank that will be placed upon it. Tanks should never be wider than the base upon which they rest. Otherwise, some types of tanks, such as polyethylene tanks, may rupture if some of their bottom sections are left hanging beyond the confines of the prepared base. Measure the diameter of your tank and prepare a base which is at least 2-inches wider.
Smoothness
Ensure that the base upon which you are installing your tank is smooth. For instance, don't include any sharp stones in the concrete mix that you use to construct the base. The excessive weight of the water in the tank can cause those sharp objects to punch holes in the tank.
Levelness
It is also important for you to use a spirit level to confirm that the base which you have constructed is level. Such a level base will allow the weight of the water inside the tank to be distributed uniformly within the structure of the tank. Any imbalance can cause the tank to collapse prematurely.
Curing
Give the base ample time to cure before you install your water tank. For example, allow at least three days for the concrete to cure. The pressure exerted by a full tank can cause the base to fail in case that base hadn't cured fully by the time the tank was installed.
Compaction
It is common for different materials, such as rubble, to be used to fill the base constructed to hold a tank. Always ensure that those fill materials have been compacted properly. For example, it is insufficient for you to stamp your feet on those materials to compact them. Fill material stamped in this way can easily be displaced by the weight of a full water tank. Hire a compactor to compact that material properly so that your base will be strong enough to withstand the weight of the water tank.
Ask an expert to examine the base before you install the new water tank. That professional will point out any mistakes that you may have made so that you take corrective action before it is too late.
