As with most things in life, it’s good to think ahead. Doing things right the first time saves you from headaches down the road – it’s easier on your wallet too. These principles certainly apply to your water tanks as well. When you’re attempting to connect tanks together in a series, you have a wide array of factors to consider – right down to simply finding the right tank. If something is done wrong, you’re likely committing yourself to doing some hard plumbing later on down the line. Below we’ll discuss some of these ideas to consider and tips to make sure your connected pipes function as they’re intended to.
Common Do’s and Don’ts on Poly Tanks
Knowing what not to do is just as important as what to do, especially when it comes to poly tanks and pipes. Some things are obvious, while others may some like they’re up to discretion. There’s a certain finesse required for connecting tanks that goes beyond “attach this piece to that piece.” For instance, make sure you’re not over-tightening your tie down straps or bands on your tank. If they’re too tight, you’ll put excessive stress on the tank which could actually lead to a leak or damage later on down the road. Go for a snug fit, not something that’s so tight that you’ll never be able to undo it.
Also remember to not attach heavy valve and plumbing fittings on a bulkhead fitting without proper support. You’ll always want to use flexible connections to allow the tank to expand and contract. Give your tank some room to breathe. It’s less about restraining and more about retaining. Always water test the tank before using to be sure fittings are sealed tight.
Do not over-tighten the bulkhead fitting, either. Fittings are installed to proper torque ratings at the time of manufacturing but may become loose through movement in shipping. When you get your tank, hand-tighten the fitting and then give it a quarter of a turn to make sure it’s tight.
How Should I Plumb My Tanks?
You can plumb your tanks and avoid hard plumbing by making sure you’ve set yourself up for success. When you’re setting up your tank system, remember that rigid piping must not be connected directly to a tank. Flexible connections are required between the tank fitting and the pump to allow for expansion and contraction of the tank as it is filled and as liquid is withdrawn, which is why a good quality flexible hose is best. We also recommend proper support under heavy valves and fittings that may be attached to the tank fitting. These plumbing recommendations will also extend the life of the tank by reducing stress on the tank.
Need some help finding the right tanks and plumbing accessories for your connected tank system? Go To Tanks can help. Our massive inventory of water tanks has just about everything you could need to get a functional and durable plumbing set up without all the hassle. Reach out to us today and we’ll help find the right option for you.