Complete Guide to Water Tank Stands: Benefits, Types, Installation & Maintenance

Introduction to Water Tank Stands

Installing a water storage tank is a great way to ensure a reliable supply of water for your home or business. With the ability to store hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water at a time, a water tank provides a buffer in times of shortage or disruption to normal water service.

An often overlooked but critical component of any water tank system is the stand that elevates and supports the tank itself. Selecting the right water tank stand and properly installing it helps ensure your storage tank remains upright, intact, and securely in place for years.

Benefits of Using a Water Tank Stand

Water tanks, especially larger ones, are heavy when filled with water. A sturdy tank stand bears this weight and keeps the tank upright. It also raises the tank above ground level, using gravity to facilitate water flow around your property.

Key advantages of installing your water tank on a stand include:

• Supports the heavy weight of a filled tank
• Prevents tipping over or rolling
• Raises tank to generate water pressure
• Allows inspections and repairs
• Protects tank from corrosion
• Extends overall tank lifespan

Supporting Heavy Weight

Filled water tanks weigh hundreds or thousands of pounds, depending on capacity. Placing directly on the ground risks cracking the surface underneath. Elevating on a stand transfers the load safely without sinking or shifting.

Preventing Tipping Over

Stand systems provide a stable, level base to resist natural movements that could otherwise topple a tank. Stands have wide footprints for balancing upright despite uneven terrain or forces from wind and precipitation.

Facilitating Water Pressure

By elevating a storage tank 1 foot for every 0.433 PSI of desired water pressure, a stand uses gravity to move water where it needs to go. Stands raise tanks high enough to generate adequate pressure for distribution across properties.

Enabling Repairs and Inspections

Stands create space underneath tanks for easy visual inspections to check for leaks, damage, and other issues requiring repair. Complete access enables fixing problems that otherwise go undetected on tanks sitting directly on the ground.

Protecting Against Corrosion

Close contact between a tank and soil lead to corrosion issues over time. A stand raises the tank completely off the ground with air flow all around to keep exterior surfaces clean, dry and free of corrosion while also preventing exterior contamination from affecting water quality.

Extending Tank Lifespan

By facilitating repairs, preventing corrosion, and enabling complete drainage, water tank stands maximize useful lifespan. Tanks degrade much faster without stands to mitigate damage from stress, wear and tear over many years of use.

Types of Water Tank Stands

Water tank stands come in many designs made from various materials. The right choice depends on factors like tank size, planned elevation, and location terrain.

Metal Stands

Sturdy welded steel stands support tanks up to about 5,000 gallons for heights around 10 feet. Galvanized coatings resist corrosion. Metal stands assemble on site with concrete footings poured to stabilize the footprint.

Concrete Stands

Poured concrete platforms can hold up to 50,000 gallons for heights above 30 feet. Concrete's strength and rigidity handles very heavy loads but requires extensive footings underground. This permanent custom option suits large tanks.

Plastic Stands

Lightweight molded polyethylene stands reliably manage 500 to 2,000 gallon tanks up to 10 feet high. Resilient plastic withstands weather and humidity. Bolt-together segments make DIY assembly simple with no heavy equipment required.

Wooden Stands

Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant woods perfect for elevating smaller tanks. Buttresses or crisscross bracing between vertical posts provides stability. Wood stands up to about 5 feet suit visual aesthetics for some properties.

Key Considerations Choosing Tank Stands

Keep the following important factors in mind when selecting an appropriate stand for your water storage tank installation project:

Tank Size and Volume

Match stand load capacity to the tank's gallons and empty/filled weight. Account for possible future expansion if you may upgrade tank size over time.

Desired Elevation

Choose stand height based on required water pressure and delivery across your site. Determine elevation need accounting for all usage points and distance from the centrally located tank.

Soil Conditions

Softer soils require wider stands with more extensive footings or foundation. A professional assessment of soil bearing strength should guide design of any permanent tank stand installation.

Snow/Wind Loading

In windy cold climates, factor lateral wind sheer pressures and potential snow piled on tanks into the stand selection with a minimum safety buffer. Bolts and concrete footings anchor stands against extreme events.

Plumb and Level Placement

Survey the planned location to ensure compacted level ground free of depressions for evenly distributing weight through the stand. Stabilize uneven spots before bolting together components.

Accessibility

Consider clearance requirements all around tanks on stands for inspections, maintenance, plumbing and electrical connections. Stands should not contact outer tank walls.

Installing Water Tank Stands

Tools and Materials

Typical projects require:

• Shovels for digging and soil prep
• Hammer drill with concrete bits
• Traditional carpentry tools
• Lumber and fasteners
• Quick-setting concrete mix
• Nuts, bolts, washers
• Leveling tools
• Personal protective equipment

Steps for Proper Installation

Refer to manufacturer specifications for each stand type but in general:

1. Clear and grade installation area
2. Dig holes for footings based on design
3. Pour concrete and allow full curing time
4. Position and anchor vertical posts/supports
5. Secure horizontal cross bracing
6. Double check level and plumb
7. Install water tank centered on stand
8. Attach pipe, gauge and drain fittings

Incorrect assembly compromises stability and risks catastrophic failure down the road. Consider professional assistance ensuring proper water tank stand configuration and anchoring for your specific needs.

Maintaining Water Tank Stands

Routine inspection and upkeep preserves integrity and prevents degradation of tank stands over time:

• Check for loose, broken or missing hardware
• Ensure vertical alignment without leaning
• Verify consistent base contact through seasons
• Touch up protective coatings over rust spots
• Clear debris and vegetation around stand perimeter

Address any minor issues promptly before small problems cascade into larger stability risks. A well-built stand that receives regular attention provides many years of reliable water tank support.

Conclusion

Choosing and properly installing the right stand keeps your water storage tanks secure and aligned for optimal gravity flow functionality. While sturdy stands require significant initial effort and expense, they repay your investment many times over through extended tank lifespan, consistent water availability and peace of mind knowing you have reliable reserves.

With attention to design criteria and regular maintenance, a high-quality water tank stand remains a crucial asset providing key support literally and figuratively for residential, commercial and agricultural water system resilience.

FAQs

How much weight can a water tank stand support?

Weight limits range widely based on stand material and design. Smaller plastic stands hold 500-2,000 gallons while sturdy metal or concrete stands can handle 5,000+ gallon tanks when properly anchored and reinforced.

What is the best material for a water tank stand?

Steel and concrete stands offer the most strength and durability for larger tanks. Plastic and wood stands work well for smaller tanks up to 2,000 gallons. Choose stand material based on tank size, budget and visual appeal.

Do I need professional installation for a water tank stand?

For permanent large concrete stands, professional engineering and construction is advised. Smaller steel and plastic stands can be DIY projects if properly assembled. Consider pros when uncertain about site conditions.

How high should I elevate my water tank?

The standard guidance is to elevate tanks 1 foot for every 0.433 PSI of desired water pressure. Actual stand height depends on the distance to points of use on the property to generate adequate pressure.

How often should I inspect my water tank stand?

Check stands at least 2-4 times per year for corrosion, debris buildup, plumb alignment, loose hardware and base contact. Address minor issues quickly before small problems become major failures.