Prepare for your new tank

Water Tank Installation

Proper site preparation is essential for the safe installation and long-term performance of your water tank. Follow our base, access and positioning guidelines before delivery day.

Water tank installation

Prepare your site correctly before your tank arrives

Correct site preparation is essential for the performance and longevity of your water tank. This guide explains how to choose a suitable location, prepare the base and understand the key plumbing and maintenance requirements.

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Before delivery

Your tank base should be complete, compact, level and clear of obstacles before the delivery truck arrives.

Large Tankworld water tank installed on a prepared base
Step-by-step guide

Tank installation instructions

Follow these five key steps to help ensure your tank is correctly positioned, supported and connected.

01

Choose the site

Selecting the correct site is critical to providing reliable water storage for many years. Consider the tank dimensions, roof catchment, plumbing locations and access requirements before confirming the final position.

  • Locate the downpipes from the roof area being used as the water catchment.
  • Locate the stormwater connection point for the tank overflow, where applicable.
  • Confirm the tank diameter, inlet height and available fall from the guttering.
  • Allow sufficient surrounding space for current and future access. Approximately 400mm clearance is recommended.
  • Consider the tank inlet, overflow and outlet positions before delivery.
02

Excavate and level the site

Begin with a flat and stable site. Remove grass, topsoil and soft material to establish a firm foundation. Depending on the property and required plumbing fall, further excavation may be necessary.

Take care around underground services before starting work. Contact Before You Dig Australia or an appropriate locating service when required.

03

Prepare the base

Your tank must sit on a compact, level and stable base. We recommend approximately 50–75mm of compacted crusher dust, road base or suitable fine crushed rock.

The base material should be retained to prevent it washing away. A correctly designed level concrete pad may also be used. Do not place the tank on unstable fill, as subsidence may cause movement or tank failure.

04

Site the tank

Depending on your chosen delivery method and available access, the delivery driver may assist with positioning the tank onto the prepared base.

Consider the inlet, overflow and outlet positions before final placement. The tank may need to be rotated or moved to achieve the best plumbing configuration.

05

Complete the plumbing

Plumbing work should be completed by a licensed plumber or suitably qualified person and remains the responsibility of the purchaser.

  • Connect the roof downpipes to the tank inlet strainer.
  • Pipe the tank overflow to a suitable stormwater system or approved discharge point.
  • Connect the tank outlet or valve to the pump or water supply system.
  • Support all plumbing independently so the tank fitting does not carry the weight of the pipework.
  • Use flexible connections where possible to absorb movement and expansion.
Correct tank support

Preparing a suitable tank base

A correctly prepared base supports the entire floor of the tank and helps protect it from uneven loading, movement and erosion.

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Use firm natural ground

Build the base on stable ground rather than loose or uncompacted fill.

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Compact and level the base

The entire tank floor must be supported without hollows, high points or sharp material.

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Extend beyond the tank

The finished base should extend approximately 400mm beyond the tank around its perimeter.

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Retain the base material

Use retaining beams or suitable edging to prevent the material from washing away.

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Direct overflow away

The overflow pipe must discharge away from the tank base to prevent erosion and undermining.

Tankworld water tank base preparation and plumbing diagram
Application requirements

Installation requirements by tank type

Some tank styles and installation locations require additional preparation. Confirm the requirements for your selected tank before work begins.

Securing your new tank

Place at least approximately 25mm of water in the tank as soon as practical after delivery, or otherwise temporarily secure the tank, to reduce the risk of movement in strong winds.

Slim line tank installation

Slim line tanks have a tall, narrow profile and must be installed on a sound, level and stable base, preferably concrete.

Do not install a poly slim line tank directly against a wall. The tank may expand when full and place pressure against the adjoining structure.

Concrete pad installation

A reinforced concrete pad may be used provided it is level, correctly designed and extends beyond the complete diameter or footprint of the tank.

Galvanised fire tanks

The base should generally consist of approximately 50–75mm of compacted 7mm crushed blue stone or another approved material, fully contained so it cannot wash away.

Tank stand installation

Tank stands must be structurally designed to safely support the complete tank weight when full. Hardwood decking gaps should generally be no greater than 50mm.

Plumbing must be supported independently and connected using a flexible hose where appropriate. Tank stand design and installation remain the customer’s responsibility.

In-ground installation

Standard poly tanks should not generally be buried deeper than 400mm. A purpose-built heavyweight tank may be required for deeper installations.

Discuss any proposed in-ground installation with the Tankworld team before selecting or ordering your tank.

Please read carefully

Important fittings and plumbing requirements

Correct fittings, supported plumbing and suitable overflow drainage are essential parts of a reliable installation.

01

Tank fittings

Advise us before delivery if additional fittings or gate valves are required. Fittings supplied may vary depending on the selected tank and order specification.

02

Support all pipework

Pipework must not rely on the tank fitting or tank wall for structural support. Flexible plumbing connections are strongly recommended.

03

Drinking-water installations

Cold-water storage tanks used in drinking-water installations must comply with the applicable Plumbing Code of Australia requirements and relevant Australian Standards.

04

Overflow drainage

The overflow must be piped away from the tank and its base. Discharging water beside the tank can erode the site and cause the tank to settle or fail.

Protect the tank base

Failure to pipe the overflow away from the tank can undermine the prepared base and may lead to distortion or tank failure. Long-term maintenance of the site, base and surrounding drainage remains the owner’s responsibility.

Completed Tankworld water tank installation
Ongoing care

Tank maintenance

Regular inspection of the tank, base, plumbing and rainwater collection system can help identify issues before damage occurs.

  • Check the tank and fittings for leaks, movement or damage.
  • Keep the tank base and surrounding area clear of vegetation, roots and animal activity.
  • Check gutters, screens and downpipes regularly.
  • Remove and inspect the tank inlet strainer when required.
  • Arrange suitable cleaning and disinfection as part of regular water-system maintenance.
  • Confirm the overflow continues to discharge safely away from the tank base.
Warning: Never enter the confined space of a water tank.

Ongoing maintenance of the tank, base and associated plumbing remains the responsibility of the owner. Damage caused by poor site preparation, erosion, unsupported plumbing or inadequate maintenance may not be covered by warranty.

Need help planning your installation?

Speak with the Tankworld team before preparing your site if you have questions about tank dimensions, base requirements, access or delivery.

View Full Installation Guide