Underground storage tanks tidy solution for substance storage needs.

The acronym “UST” probably isn’t one we come across often in the South African context, so we will use the conventional term: underground storage tank.

An underground storage tank is any one or combination of tanks, including connected underground pipes, which can be used to contain regulated substances. This type of tank and its volume, including the volume of underground pipes is 10% or more beneath the surface of the ground.

The next question you may ask is: What is the difference between an underground storage tank and the above-ground storage tanks?

Unlike above-ground tanks; which are ideal for establishments that would like to cut costs on the initial installation of the tank, with the digging, the reinforcing, the backfilling and the final paving. These tanks are therefore easier to install, maintain and repair.

When it comes to underground storage tanks, these are favourable for establishments that want to save on space. Placing a storage tank underground frees up ample prime real estate / land space that can be utilised efficiently and profitably, above ground.

Storage tank manufacturers and suppliers like RotoTank, offer quality tanks, in different sizes. Our underground water tanks make a solid alternative to the usual above ground water tank types. These tanks have several uses and notable advantages:

• Store water from rainwater harvesting systems
• Store water from other sources for household/office/farm use, in a convenient 5000L water tank
• Use the underground tanks as water reservoirs for irrigation systems
• Store water as emergency supply for long periods, i.e. firefighting purposes.
• Additionally, water reserves for livestock can be stored underground

Is the idea of underground storage tanks growing on you more and more overtime? Good. These types of tanks hold various advantages: if space is limited in the space that you plan to keep/install the tank, then placing it underground solves that predicament.

Said tank can be placed under driveways or lawns and the placement of your tank underground helps you avoid the less-than-aesthetic look of a tank, within the overall look of your real estate or land. Underground tanks are also protected from fires and other natural disasters that may occur in your specific locale.

Furthermore, in an agricultural or wildlife situation, tanks placed underground are well protected from animals which may rub against or damage the alternate tanks that can be installed above ground.

Since we have detailed the uses and advantages of underground storage tanks, it is only fair to mention the disadvantages as well.

• The construction of the tank and the initial cost of installing an underground tank is quite expensive.
• The pumps needed to extract water from underground tanks can sometimes use gravity alone for enough pressure (especially if placed on water tank stands)
• Once a tank has been installed underground, it presents great potential hazards of leaking and seeping into the soil further below and around it and contaminating that land and the groundwater as well.

Leaking underground storage tanks are a nightmare that any establishment or household should never have to experience because this brings about secondary health and environmental risks.

If you have any additional questions about underground storage tanks or any other aspects of our product line, contact the team today.