Applications For and the Advantages of FRP Tanks

20 REASONS WHY A DARCO FIBERGLASS (FRP) UNDERGROUND WATER STORAGE SYSTEM SHOULD BE THE FIRST CHOICE TO MEET YOUR DRINKING WATER, STORM WATER, AND FIRE PROTECTION NEEDS

1. Above ground tanks always look like a sore thumb. Regardless of color or landscaping they diminish the natural view and often function more like a billboard or communications tower.
2. Underground tanks with lockable hatches are safe – out of site and out of mind – less likely to be vandalized or create an attractive nuisance.
3. FRP tanks are less expensive per gallon compared to drinking water quality reinforced concrete tanks up to the 250,000-gallon size range.
4. Concrete tanks will eventually hairline crack and leak to some degree – this means that small amounts of untreated groundwater may be infiltrating from outside.
5. Steel tanks will eventually rust and corrode. With or without protective coatings, it is just a matter of time – FRP tanks will never rust or corrode.
6. FRP tanks can be manufactured from a “food contact” grade fiberglass resin which is safe for the temporary storage of drinking water (potable water).
7. Properly buried water tanks won’t freeze – no worries about insulation and electrical heating, even in northern states or high elevation locations.
8. Underground water temperatures average about 50 degrees – an environment less likely to support the growth of algae or bacteria.
9. Fiberglass tanks are light in weight and easy to transport and position into a prepared hole.
10. A 15,000-gallon tank may be hauled on a flatbed trailer behind a 1-ton pick-up.
11. Large fiberglass tanks can be shipped on extendable drop deck semi-trailers within the Continental United States.
12. Insulated thermal storage tanks can hold hot or cold water to increase efficiency when heating or cooling commercial and industrial buildings.
13. FRP cisterns meet NFPA 299 rural fire fighting flow standards often required for homeowner insurance coverage in remote forested areas.
14. FRP tanks meet the basic National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1142 and NFPA 22 structural guidelines, storage capacity, and fire flow requirements.
15. FRP tanks make excellent single and multiple compartment septic tanks or sewage holding tanks, but must have prior approval from the local Department of
16. Large multiple tank systems can be arranged in any pattern necessary to meet a required excavation footprint – “L” shaped for instance.
17. Fiberglass tanks are pressure tested when made, so there is no need for potentially dangerous on-site air pressure testing prior to installation.
18. FRP tanks may be bedded and backfilled with common pea gravel or crushed rock chips.
19. FRP tanks will withstand the weight of automobiles and trucks when properly installed beneath an approved concrete traffic slab on grade.
20. Storage systems may be set up with compartmentalized or baffled chambers, such as a 20,000-gallon tank incorporating one 6,000-gallon drinking water compartment unconnected to 14,000 gallons dedicated for fire protection.