Water storage tanks are built to last for a good amount of time. But as is the case with anything in this world, even they need to be laid to rest and be replaced by new ones. It sounds like such a daunting task, especially if you’re a first timer, but you wouldn’t want to overuse a tank’s lifespan just because of the anxiety of not knowing how to dismantle it.
In this article, we teach you some of the simplest ways of storage tank installation and replacement so that you may be equipped with the technical know-how in case you need to do it yourself.
WATER STORAGE TANK REPLACEMENT
1.Drain the tank
Before removing your old storage tank, make sure that you’ve already isolated it from your household’s water system, and that it’s already been drained. To do that, all you need to do is turn off your water supply and close the valve on the tank pipework. This should be pretty easy to do since all it takes is locating the main valve and turning it off firmly.
2.Check for leftover water and debris
Once you’ve done this, it’s time to drain the water from the tank. Simply turn on all your faucets or taps and keep it on until water runs out. Once done with this step, double check the inside of your tank to make sure that no more water is left. If there is still some good amount of water, empty it by using a small bucket. Depending on the age of the tank, some sludge and residue might have accumulated at the bottom over time so it is also wise to use some newspaper as a protective layer that would catch the waste spilling from your bucket.
3.Dismantling the tank
After draining your tank, it’s now time to dismantle it. All you’ll need is a universal pipe wrench, and in some cases, oil to loosen some tight screws. After preparing these materials, make note of the positions of the existing plumbing fixtures. This will help you know where each piece goes when you have your new tank. You then remove all the connections to the tank’s float valve, and then disassemble the remaining pipes and the overflow.
NEW STORAGE TANK INSTALLATION
1.Secure the base
If you’re installing a new tank as a replacement for an old one, this step should already be covered. But if you’re about to install a brand new water storage tank, make sure that you provide either a base made of concrete or compacted material. Also note that the size of the base should be bigger than the diameter of your tank’s base and that it is equally flat in all directions. Doing so will prevent you from unnecessary spillage and other issues in the future.
2.Install the overflow
In most cases, the overflow is already installed to your new tank. But just in case it isn’t, do not fret as it is a simple process that only requires you to drill a hole wherein you attach a gasket (and sometimes a filter). It’s also important to drill some screws to make the fixture secured. This will provide a space for water to escape, preventing some possible erosion of your foundation.
3.Connect your fill pipes from your water source
It’s now time to connect your pipes from your water source. You will definitely need to install some filters to your tank, but the kind of filter will depend on your type of water source and what you’ll need the water for. If you are unsure of what filter to use, it is best to consult an expert in the field so that they may provide you the most suited recommendation.Â
Now that you have these basic steps in water storage tank replacement and installation, you’re all set to do it yourself. But if you’re still not that confident in being up to the task, you may always seek professional help from trusted providers such as Firstank Philippines.
