Heavy rain around the country has prompted us to again highlight the danger of unstable water tanks.
It’s not unusual to see a large water tank supported on an old timber frame, a rusty steel stand or a stack of bricks, and a full tank of water atop a rickety tank stand on softened ground is a recipe for disaster.
Many people don’t realise that one thousand litres of stored rainwater weighs a tonne. 2,500 litre rainwater tanks are common and when full, they weigh 2½ tonnes!
Structures supporting elevated water tanks require ongoing safety assessments to check for any deterioration or any sign of the tank starting to lean. A toppling tank of water could severely injure someone or at the very least damage property.
Archicentre Australia’s architect assessors are continually amazed at some of the dangerous water storage vessels they come across. Some home-owners are creating make-shift water tanks using wheelie bins or old steel containers, with many being unstable.
Home-buyers and home-owners should be mindful of poor water tank installation practices and be on the lookout for dodgy workmanship. Water tanks must be safely installed and connected to the stormwater drainage system by a licensed plumber, so it’s important to make sure that tanks are properly installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended installation guidelines.
Home-made tanks or unstable tank stands are accidents waiting to happen, so check your tank now and stabilize it if necessary.
