Access, Base Preparation & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the right location for your water tank is one of the most important decisions in the entire process and one of the most commonly underestimated.
At Tankworld Tasmania, we see far more issues caused by site access, base preparation, and system planning than by the tank itself. This guide is designed to help you plan ahead, avoid delivery delays, and ensure your tank performs reliably for decades.
1. Start With Delivery Access (Before Anything Else)
Before selecting tank size or pad location, delivery access should be your first consideration.
Water tanks are large, bulky items delivered by road-going trucks, not off-road vehicles. Access must be safe, firm, and suitable for unloading.
Things to check early:
- Driveway width and turning space
- Overhead power lines or tree branches
- Ground conditions (firm, stable surfaces only)
- Distance from the unloading area to the final tank location
If access is tight, steep, or restricted, this should be discussed before delivery is scheduled. In some cases, a truck-only delivery (no trailer) may be required.
Full vehicle dimensions, unloading space requirements, and safety rules are detailed in our Delivery Information Page and Pre-Delivery Guide.
2. Choosing the Right Tank Location on Your Property
A tank doesn’t have to sit directly next to a building — but it does need to be positioned practically, not just where it looks best.
When choosing a location, consider:
- Roof catchment and downpipe locations
- Overflow discharge direction
- Space for pumps, plumbing, and future maintenance
- Clearance around the tank (minimum 400 mm recommended)
Allow room for the tank to be rotated or adjusted once placed on the pad so inlets, outlets, and overflows align correctly.
3. Installing a Tank Away From the Building? Plan Ahead
In some properties, tanks are installed a distance from the building due to access constraints, slope, space limitations, or visual preference. This is common and completely workable — but it does require additional planning.
Depending on the distance and layout, extra considerations may include:
Plumbing & excavation
- Longer underground pipe runs between roof catchment and tank
- Trenching and backfilling costs
- Correct pipe sizing to suit longer distances and flow rates
Electrical supply for pumps
- Power may need to be run underground to the pump location
- Electrical trenching, conduit, and protection
- Weatherproof isolation and compliance requirements
- Higher electrical costs compared to pumps located close to buildings
Pump selection & performance
- Pumps must be sized correctly for:
- Distance from tank to house or irrigation points
- Vertical lift (head height)
- Number of fixtures or irrigation zones
- Undersized pumps may struggle to maintain pressure or flow over longer distances
System type considerations
- Some installations result in permanently charged underground pipework
- These are commonly referred to as wet systems or charged lines
- Wet systems require thoughtful design to manage water quality and maintenance
None of these factors prevent a tank from being installed away from a building — they simply mean the system should be designed correctly by a licensed plumber and electrician from the outset.
Understanding these considerations early helps avoid unexpected costs and ensures long-term system performance.
4. Base Preparation: Getting the Foundation Right
A water tank is only as good as the base it sits on.
A correctly prepared base must be:
- Flat and level
- Well-compacted
- Larger than the tank footprint (minimum 400 mm wider than the tank)
Common base options include:
- Compacted crusher dust, road base, or FCR (50–75 mm depth)
- Reinforced concrete slabs (strongly recommended for Slimline tanks)
Placing a tank on soft ground, fill, or uneven surfaces can lead to:
- Tank movement or subsidence
- Stress on fittings and pipework
- Long-term structural issues
Detailed base preparation guidance is outlined in the Tank Installation Instructions.
5. What to Expect on Delivery Day
Depending on the delivery method selected, your tank may be:
- Rolled off and left on its side
- Lifted off and laid down (Slimline tanks)
- Positioned onto a prepared pad (with customer assistance, where applicable)
On delivery day:
- A clear unloading area is required
- A 5-metre exclusion zone must be maintained
- Final positioning may be the customer’s responsibility
If conditions are unsafe, the driver may leave the tank in a safe nearby location or reschedule delivery.
This isn’t about inconvenience — it’s about safety for people, property, and the tank itself.
6. Securing the Tank If Installation Is Delayed
Once delivered, the tank becomes the customer’s responsibility.
If a tank is temporarily stored:
- On its side: it must be chocked, strapped, and protected from wind
- Upright on its base: it should be ballasted with water and restrained
Unsecured tanks can move in strong winds and cause damage to the tank or surrounding property.
Correct temporary storage methods are outlined in the Pre-Delivery Guide.
7. Common Tank Location Mistakes to Avoid
Some of the most common issues we see include:
- Choosing a tank location without checking delivery access
- Preparing the base after the tank arrives
- Underestimating space needed for unloading
- Installing Slimline tanks on soft or uneven ground
- Placing tanks hard against walls (poly tanks expand when full)
Most of these problems are easily avoided with early planning and a quick conversation before delivery day.
Final Thought: Plan Once, Do It Right
A well-planned tank location:
- Makes delivery smoother
- Reduces installation stress
- Improves long-term performance
- Avoids unexpected costs
If you’re unsure about access, base preparation, or system layout, reviewing our detailed guides — or speaking with the Tankworld Tasmania team early — can save time, money, and frustration later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Tank Location & Installation
Can a water tank be installed away from the house?
Yes. A water tank can be installed away from a building if required for access, slope, space, or visual reasons. When tanks are installed further from the roof catchment, additional planning may be required for plumbing, electrical supply, and pump selection to ensure the system performs correctly.
What is a wet system or charged line?
A wet system (also called a charged line) is where underground pipes between the roof and the tank remain permanently full of water. This typically occurs when a tank is installed lower than the building or at a distance. Wet systems are common but require careful design to manage water quality and maintenance.
Is a wet system bad for rainwater tanks?
No. Wet systems are not bad, but they do behave differently to dry systems. Because water remains in the pipes, good leaf management, correct pipe sizing, and proper system design are important. A licensed plumber can design the system appropriately for long-term performance.
Does installing a tank further away increase installation costs?
It can. Longer distances may increase plumbing costs due to additional trenching and pipework. Electrical costs may also increase if power needs to be run underground to the pump location. These factors should be considered early in the planning stage.
Do I need power at my water tank?
If the system uses a pump, power is required at or near the tank location. When tanks are installed away from buildings, this often means running underground electrical cabling, which must be installed by a licensed electrician and may increase installation costs.
Does pump size matter if the tank is far from the house?
Yes. Pump selection is critical when water needs to be moved over longer distances or lifted vertically. Pumps must be sized to suit pipe length, head height, and water demand. An undersized pump may result in poor pressure or reduced flow.
How close does a tank need to be to the building?
There is no minimum or maximum required distance. The best location depends on access, drainage, base preparation, and system design. Tanks can work effectively close to or away from buildings when planned correctly. Remember to keep clearance around the tank when installing beside a building (minimum 400mm recommended).
Can a tank be delivered before the base is ready?
Yes, but the tank must be stored safely. Tanks left on their side must be chocked and secured, and tanks stored upright should be ballasted with water and restrained. Unsecured tanks can move in strong winds and cause damage.
What happens if delivery access isn’t suitable?
If access or unloading conditions are unsafe, the tank may be left in a safe nearby location or the delivery may need to be rescheduled. This is to protect people, property, and the tank itself. Checking access early helps avoid delays and additional costs.
Who is responsible for designing the plumbing and electrical setup?
Plumbing and electrical work must be designed and completed by licensed trades. While Tankworld provides guidance on tank placement, delivery, and base preparation, system design and installation are the responsibility of the customer’s plumber and electrician.
Disclaimer: This information is provided as a general guide only. Tank installation, plumbing, and electrical work must be designed and carried out by suitably licensed professionals in accordance with local regulations.