Things to Consider

Things to Consider

 

Because all underground tank application are to some degree unique, we get calls from people who know they need a tank, but are unfamiliar with all the possible variables to be considered for their tank installation. To help, below is a list of questions we routinely ask our customers so they can better understand what they may need or want.

Questions to consider when getting a preliminary quote:

Physical Jobsite:
1. Job location: State & City – Are there any road restrictions that would effect getting our tractor trailer to the jobsite?

2. Application: Stormwater Retention & Detention, Thermal Energy Storage, Potable Water, Fire Cistern or Fire Sprinkler Reservoir, Recycled Water, Rain Capture/Irrigation, Sewage and Wastewater Holding, Agri-business or other.

3. Ground water: Specify the water table depth in the area and if it is constant, seasonal, or in a flood plain.  Please include any other relevant hydrologic information

4. Soil conditions: Sand, clay, rock, etc.

5. Jurisdictional: What are any specific requirements to be addressed as requested by your local city, county, state or other governing entity?

6. Engineering: Are there any written plans and/or specs on the project, even preliminary sketches? Please email anything pertaining to the tank so that we can meet such specs as closely as possible.

7. Earthquakes: What are the requirements (if any) from your local city, county, state or other entity pertaining to the seismic activity?

Once you determine where your tank will be physically located you can then consider the piping layout required.

Tank Fitting Considerations:
1. How will water get into the tank, such as:

a. From a well
b. From a city main
c. From roof leaders capturing rain off rooftops
d. From local water delivery truck or fire truck
e. Other

2. If the water level gets too high, is there a safe place for overflow:

a. To a storm sewer drain
b. To daylight where it would be visible to the owner
c. Is there an “automatic feed” system such as from a well? If so, is there an alarm or some type of safety mechanism to alert the owner of a malfunction in the level control system

3. How will water get out of the tank:

a. Gravity flow from the bottom of the tank to a pump or fire hydrant
b. Pumped out by a submersible pump mounted inside the tank
c. In the case of a fire cistern, will the pumper truck draft the water directly out of the tank

4. Venting:

a. It is imperative that the tank is vented to atmosphere with a properly sized fitting to allow ample air flow while pumping water out or refilling the tank.

5. Entry into the tank:

a. We recommend installing a manway on every tank which allows access for periodic inspection and cleaning if necessary

6. Tank appurtenances:

a. Are specific accessories required such as a level gauge, float valve, or any special purpose fittings?  This information will help us accurately price the tank in our preliminary estimate.
b. If you know the pipe fitting sizes that will be required for inlet, outlet, gauging, or other accessories please include that fitting diameter information.