Storage tanks are large cylindrical containers that store large quantities of liquids and gases. You can use them for domestic, commercial, and industrial storage purposes. Depending on the purpose, these tanks can be used on the ground, on top of buildings, or underground. They are made with steel, cement, polyethylene, thermoplastic, or glass-reinforced plastic. This article sheds light on water storage tanks, their uses, and tips for choosing the right one.

Storage tank types and their uses
Storage tanks are categorized based on where they are placed and their purpose. The seven main types of tanks are as follows:

• Fixed roof tanks
  They are the most basic and least expensive storage tanks and mostly have a cylindrical steel shell with a dome- or cone-shaped roof. They are used in oil refineries and other industries to store chemicals at atmospheric pressure and to store water and food products.
• Floating roof tanks
  The tank roof moves as per the liquid level stored, preventing loss caused by vapor. It also reduces the risk of fire hazards. There are many floating roof tanks, like external and internal floating roof tanks and domed roof floating roof tanks.
• Horizontal pressure tank
  Also known as bullet tanks with elliptical heads, they are used to store liquids under high pressure.
• Horton sphere pressure storage tank
  A spherical tank stores large quantities of liquids or gases under high pressure.
• Variable vapor space tank
  These tanks are fitted with vapor reservoirs to handle fluctuations in barometric pressure and temperature. They can be stand-alone tanks or attached to fixed-roof tanks.

Tips to buy domestic storage tanks for water
Water storage tanks can be used for homes, farms, and industries. If you are looking for a water storage tank for your home, you should consider its capacity, durability, material, ease of maintenance, shape, and how safe it is to store water.

• Capacity
  The average water requirement is estimated to be about 135 liters per day. Choose a capacity that suits your family’s size and requirements. You can get water tanks that can store 700 to 500,000 gallons. You can also find portable water tanks useful for remote areas and firefighting.
• Durability
  A water tank should be sturdy enough to withstand natural forces like rain, wind, and heat. Fiberglass is one of the most durable materials for water tanks and is safe because it does not react with water. Most water tanks last ten to twenty years, and fiberglass tanks last up to thirty years.
• Material
  The material should be toxin-free, corrosion-resistant, and anti-bacterial. Some popular materials for household water tanks include plastics, fiberglass, concrete, steel, and stainless steel.
• Installation
  It should be easy to install without damaging the existing structure.
• Maintenance
  Since it stores water, you have to know the maintenance requirements and frequency of cleaning. You should also know the legal requirements for cleaning and servicing.

Best water storage tank manufacturers
Choosing the right water tank brand is imperative to maintaining your family’s health. It should be durable and easy to maintain, and the manufacturers should provide an adequate warranty and service guarantee if you detect any deficiency in water quality. Look for manufacturers who provide repair and maintenance services like annual inspection, checking, and repairs of seals and pumps. Some of the leading water storage tank manufacturers are as follows:

• National Water Storage Tank
• Vectus Water Storage Tank
• SureWater Water Storage Tank
• Legacy Premium Water Storage Tank
• LOSTRONAUT Portable Rain Barrel Water Tank
• KMJETNIVY Rain Barrel Water Storage Tank
• Norwesco Gallon Horizon Water Tank