Rainwater Storage Tank Frequently Asked Questions

1.   What is the best size water tank for me?

2.    What can I use the water collected in my water tank for?

The water collected in your water tank can be used for washing the car, watering the garden, washing the dog, hosing down the driveway, including use with a high pressure cleaner for driveways, windows and walls, and topping up the swimming pool.

You can also have your tank connected to your toilet or washing machine by a licenced plumber who can advise on the requirements and restrictions.

3.    Am I eligible for a water tank rebate?

There are a lot of water tank rebate schemes being offered by local councils, state governments and water suppliers. Please check our Tank Rebates page for further information.

4.    Can I install my own water tank?

If you are going to use the water from your tank for outdoor purposes only, you can install your own tank if you have a bit of handyman know-how, have the tools and materials necessary and as long as you abide by any local authority requirements.

If you are going to have your tank water plumbed into your house to use for the toilet and washing machine, you are required to have your water tank installation done by a licenced plumber. Please take a look at our Tank Installation page.

5.    Do I need to connect to mains water?
When using your tank water for use inside the house, most council require that you install a mains connection kit. When the tank gets low, the system will top up automatically from the town water supply.

6.    How much rain will it take to fill my water tank?  

This can be worked out by a simple calculation. 

1mm of rain on every square meter of surface area results in 1 litre of water into the tank.  

For example if your house roof is 12 meters long by 10 meters wide - 12 x 10 = 120 square meters.  

If you had a very brief storm that dropped 1mm of rain on the roof, you would receive 1mm x 120 sq m = 120 litres of rainfall into the tank.  

If you have a larger storm that drops 25mm of rain, 25mm (of rain) x 120 (square meters of roof area) = 3,000 litres of rainwater into your tank.  

This calculation works for any roof area, all you need to know is the length x the width = square meters.   You could also check what your area's monthly or annual rainfall average is and multiply this by your roof area to calculate your potential monthly or yearly water catchment.

7.    Will I need to buy a pump to use with my water tank?

Unless you can use gravity for water pressure we recommend you buy a pump to connect to your water tank. To give you an idea of water pressure rates:

Council mains are usually 276 kPa (40 psi)

Household pumps range from 103-276 kPa (15-40 psi)

A tank on a stand at 10 mtrs (33 ft) will give 103 kPa (15 psi)

1 metre gives 10.3 kPa (1.5 psi)

psi = pounds per square inch           kPa = kilopascal

8.    Should I buy a slimline or round water tank?  

Round water tanks are far more economical (lower cost per litre) but, they generally take up more room.   If you have the space, buy a round tank.   If you don't have the space, buy a slimline tank as they are generally taller but will also normally fit down the unused side of the house.

9.    Can I put a water tank under the house?  

Yes, you can as long as you have the space. Our rectangle tanks are ideal for going under the house or deck. They can be supplied in any configuration up to 10 tanks.  

10.   What are some reasons for buying a rainwater tank?

You want to save money off your water bill

You want to water the garden or wash the car without having to worry about water restrictions

You need to satisfy council requirements or basix regulations

In some areas when you renovate you may have to install a water tank of a certain size

You may be environmentally friendly and wish to reduce your demand on mains water as well as the amount of stormwater runoff into rivers and oceans

You may want to Harvest water that tastes better and is generally less salty, which is better for appliances and plants

You may want to have independent water and not rely on council supplies

You may need to have a reserve of water for fire fighting
It is possible that some reservoirs may run out of water

11.   What payment methods do you accept?

We accept direct bank deposit, Visa and Mastercard. If you choose to pay via bank transfer we will send you an email containing our bank account details when you place your order. 

Delivery to certain areas is included  in the listed price of the water tanks. For more information about delivery costs, please see our Tank Delivery page.

13.   Is GST included in the price?