Water storage tanks for holding potable water are available in many types and sizes and can be installed above ground or below.
Though each tank is engineered to keep potable water clean and free from contamination when properly maintained, both do have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Before jumping ahead and contracting a water tank service to install a water tank below ground, it is important to understand and weigh the pros and cons of such action.
Pros of Underground Water Storage Tanks
Underground water storage tanks offer a number of advantages for tank owners, whether dealing with smaller residential vessels or huge municipal ones.
While the cost of having a water tank service dig and install one underground may be higher than keeping it above ground, there are a number of reasons why it may still be better to opt for an underground tank:
- Better Use of the Land - A water storage tank installed underground leaves the surface land available for additional use. This type of land optimization may be a key factor if space is limited or it is necessary to do more with a lot or parcel than simply house one or more water containers.
- Maintain Internal Temperature - Depending on the local climate, hot or freezing water within underground containers can be an issue. Underground tanks maintain a cooler temperature in the hot summer and stay warmer in winter due to the insulation that the soil around them provides.
- Physical Protection - A water tank engineered for underground installation is protected against damage due to weather events, vandalism, and accidents as well as theft.
- Appearance - When the appearance of property is important, underground water tanks that are hidden out of sight are preferable.
Cons of Underground Water Storage Tanks
While using underground water storage tanks definitely affords many advantages, there are two notable disadvantages to be aware of before installing them: cost and maintenance.
- Added Installation Cost - Due to the added cost of water tank services required to excavate the ground and bury the tank, installation can be more expensive than setting up an above-ground water type and putting it into service.
- Maintenance Challenges - Providing all required maintenance to underground tanks is essential, as maintenance problems can be more challenging to deal with since access to the tank is limited.
An additional consideration is the soil type where the tank will be buried, as underground vessels designed by water tank engineers are made to be buried in specific ground soil types, preferably those with a low clay content to prevent cracks due to external soil pressure against the tank.
Are Underground Water Storage Tanks Right for Your Needs?
Appropriate water storage tank choices must consider many factors, including the size required and where the tank must be set up.
Underground tanks that are specially designed by water tank engineers are a useful option for many installations as long as the benefits outweigh the potential problems.
In locations with the right soil types and where above-ground damage or the aesthetic appearance of the property is a concern, it may be worthwhile to have water tank services install large water storage vessels underground.
