Water tank

[bluedog225]

It looks like a buck a gallon is the going rate for these water tank in the 2000 gallon range.

What is the service life on these from e.g. Tractor Supply? I’m in Texas so lots of hot and sun.

Pretty big investment depending on how many years I get.

Rainwater collection. Fire backup. General around the place irrigation and water needs.

I was thinking brown instead of black as it wouldn’t get as hot.

Has anyone had one go bad on them? Are they fixable if somebody shoots a hole in it (country living).

Thanks

 

[Copymutt]

Around 2005 I bought a 3000 gallon & put it at the high point of the property, in the shade.
Sold that property in 2018. It was still like new. Cost was $1300.00.

 

[Stelzer]

If transferring liquids isn't realistic to your situation, your tank selection would probably serve you well for many years. However, if you can, IBC 275 gallon totes can be had from FB or CL for anywhere between $50-$100, making the cost less than half of that big tank in your OP. We use them for pressure washing here and many folks are literally giving them away. Transfer pump can be had for less than $100, just fyi. IBC totes come with cages and are stackable as well, 3 high, even when full.

 

[cvairwerks]

Do some looking around for blemished tanks. Less money and just as good. Also, if you go up on the capacity a little, the price doesn't change much.

 

[HotRod68Camaro]

Those tanks last a long time. Mine is only a decade old so i can't give you any info past that. I think getting it level and making sure there isn't any stress on whatever pipes you attach are key. Even then probably not a huge deal. No clue about patching a bullet hole though.

 

[Firebrick43]

When we lived in SoCal many of our friends and neighbors had 2000 or 3000 tanks as their wells could only pump 4 Gpm or less. The sun did work on them but still had a 20-25 year life span. I helped replace my wife’s best friends tank about that age and seen several others as well. They guys that hauled water on trailers it was slightly less due to the flexing and surging of the water.

I would suggest not getting a black one even though they last a little longer due to the carbon black color limiting uv oxidation. The problem is they keep the water to warm to use for animals or the house.

You can hot air weld them if you use the proper filler rod and it’s not that hard to do with the proper hot air welder. Most tanks are HDPE but a few of the more expensive but durable ones are polypropylene

Once they get sun baked(oxidized) and brittle the base material will crack adjacent to the weld and it isn’t worth it at that point.

 

[JeepYJ]

Can you put a roof over it? Should keep it cooler and last longer. Plus you’d get a little more rainwater collected off the roof.

 

[tez929rr]

Those tanks are all over around here. I’ve got one at our windmill and so far (about ten years) no issues. People rarely install concrete tanks any more. If you have an issue it’s way easier to replace a poly tank.

 

[cvairwerks]

One thing to add when you install the tank, is a wye with valves. Plumb one leg to your system, the other, deadhead into a 2" or larger camloc that is compatible with your local fire department. May never need for them to have to pull off it, but you never know. Not having to make a long run for a refill might just make the difference some day.

 

[PopcornSutton]

There is a place in Virginia called Polyprocessing that makes large storage tanks, at really good prices. They cater to chemical storage, but if bought new, they are clean. I have purchased two, the first is 1150 gallons which I placed at the corner of my house, and I divert the downspout and fill it with rain water. I use it gravity fed for our garden, some years we have drought conditions and it keeps things growing. The 15+ years ago I bought that one cost about 300 bucks. Two years ago I got another, a smaller tank of 160 gallons, that one was less than 100 bucks. They install whatever bulkhead fittings, vents and caps you want. These tanks sure have saved our gardens. I use that water for washing down the house, cars, etc. too. I can't see using my well water for things like that.