Rainwater Tanks and Pumps
Rainwater tanks: Ways to make them less conspicuous
For many homeowners, the prospect of getting a rainwater tank raises a question: Where can I put it so that it’s not too conspicuous?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn how much rainwater can be collected from the roof of a typical Australian house, and it makes sense to collect as much as you can. The average Aussie house can support a 10,000-litre water tank. That’s enough storage to create real environmental benefits and generate meaningful cost savings.
A traditional 10,000-litre tank and pad has a diameter of approximately 2.8 metres or a little over 9 feet! Luckily, Rapid Plas water tanks are available in a variety of shapes and sizes from traditional heritage styles to modern slimline profiles.
If you want to make your tank less conspicuous, here are a few options:
Put it under the eaves
Rainwater tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and slimline tanks are ideal for concealing under eaves. Many houses have a blind side with large expanses of wall space, and these are ideal locations because, as well as being out of the way, tanks are close to gutters for water collection. Also remember that you can build the capacity of your water storage by connecting tanks together. Rapid Plas Slimline and Superslim styles are designed for urban use and under-eave settings.
Put is under a deck
The space under a deck is often wasted and low-profile water tanks are ideal for under-deck storage. Again, the tank is concealed, but it is often conveniently located for water collection from the gutters. While the tank is concealed, you can still have easy access to pumps and filters that can be located for ease of use.
Put it anywhere you want to
If you’re prepared to do some plumbing, you can put your water tank anywhere you want to, and the pipes connecting your water catchment (the roof) to water storage (the tank) can be concealed underground. Because water will only flow downhill, the one rule is that the water inlet on the tank must be at a level that is lower than the gutters on the water catchment. If you can do that and are happy to bury the pipes, you can pick your preferred spot! With the addition of a water pump, you can deliver water to wherever you need it.
Blend it in
Rapid Plas poly water tanks capture the heritage feel of corrugated tanks with the strength, durability and UV protection of modern materials. Tanks are available 24 colours to blend with the colour of your house, your fence or surroundings.
Screen it
There are plenty of easy and inexpensive screening options in timber, metal and composite materials that, when placed in front of your tank, will effectively and stylishly conceal it. Alternately, talk to your local nursery about plants that you can grow to conceal your water tank. Another option is to create a vertical garden by installing a lattice fence and planting climbers that will grow through the latticework.
Embrace it
A final option is simply to embrace it. You will be adding an asset to your home that improves your property. With Australia’s unpredictable rainfall, growing population and increasing demand on limited water resources, a rainwater tank says that you and your family are prepared to do your bit to secure the country’s water future, so embrace it. You, along with millions of other families, are doing the right thing and making a difference.