Articles with Tag(s): "rainwater-tanks"

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AQUAPLATE® Steel in Rainwater Tanks

June 15, 2018
In our last article, we compared Poly Water Tanks with AQUAPLATE® Steel Tanks. In this article we look further into the features of AQUAPLATE® steel in rainwater tanks. History of AQUAPLATE® Steel Until recent decades, the most common material for rainwater tanks seen in the Australian outback were corrugated steel tanks. These tanks were often galvanised, which […]
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Australian Standards for Water Tanks and Tank Installations

June 15, 2018
Several important standards apply to rainwater tanks for manufacturing specifications, storing potable water, and plumbing in your tank. This article seeks to explain Australian Standards, who sets them, what they are and which ones you should look for when buying and plumbing in your rainwater tank. What Are Australian Standards? It might surprise some to […]
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Can You Bury Poly Water Tanks in the Ground?

June 15, 2018
Some people would like to bury their water tanks to either reduce their height or hide them completely from view. Unlike steel tanks which cannot be buried due to corrosive reasons, with a poly tank you have no such worries. This article will look at a few things you need to keep in mind if […]
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Building Sustainability (BASIX) and Rainwater System Requirements in NSW

June 15, 2018
New South Wales’ Building and Sustainability Index (BASIX) aims to achieve up to a 40% reduction on the consumption of potable water against the state benchmark. This benchmark is explicitly expressed as being equal to 90,340 litres of water per person per year. BASIX assessment is required for: new buildings that consist of one or more dwellings conversions of […]
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Buying Rainwater Tanks in Victoria – Council, State and National Water Tank Regulations

June 15, 2018
When choosing to purchase and install a rainwater tank in Victoria, you should understand rules and regulations at all three levels of governments – your local council, the State of Victoria and National guidelines. Many rainwater tank requirements are common sense and easy to comply with. If worried, this article is intended to help you […]
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Choosing a Location for Your Rainwater Tank

June 15, 2018
If you are you looking to purchase a rainwater tank, then you should have an understanding of what tank size you need. Once you have worked out how much rainwater you wish (and are able) to harvest, your next step will be identifying an appropriate location for a tank that size on your property. There are five […]
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Choosing a Suitable Rainwater Tank – Poly Tank Range of Models, Sizes and Styles

June 15, 2018
Modern waters tanks are available in a range of models, sizes and styles so that buyers can choose the right size and shape to fit in with their property and rainwater harvesting needs. Team Poly offer one of the most diverse range of poly water tanks: Round Tanks (545L to 50,050L) a traditional rounded corrugated look Boabab […]
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Benefits of Rain Heads When Harvesting Rainwater

June 15, 2018
  If you have trees surrounding your home or roof capture area, then leaves will no doubt fall or be blown onto there. When it rains, water washes these leaves, as well as sticks, insects and other matter into gutters and downpipes. Unless guarded against, such matter will wash into the pipework and potentially end […]
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Components of a Fully Integrated Rainwater Harvesting System

June 15, 2018
  Your rainwater tank is a key piece in your rainwater harvesting system, but it is one of many when it comes to delivering quality water into your home. There are various components (accessories) to the system to consider that can affect your water quality, how the water is distributed around your home and the […]
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Council Requirements for Water Tanks in New Homes

June 15, 2018
  If you are building a new home in Adelaide region then it is important to understand your water supply requirements to your property. This includes meeting certain council requirements for rainwater storage and plumbing. So there are two main questions you that will need to answer: What are my council requirements for water tanks? […]
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Council Rules when Connecting Your Rainwater to Mains Water

June 15, 2018
  As explained in a previous article, water tank requirements in the Adelaide metropolitan area vary in accordance to each council’s rules and regulations. However, there are some specific requirements that all South Australians must observe if connecting your rainwater tank to mains water. SA Water’s Rainwater Plumbing Guide states that: “Where rainwater is required by legislation to […]
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Deciding Between Multiple Water Tanks or One Large Tank?

June 15, 2018
When looking for a water tank, many consider buying just one to meet their needs. Yet, there are several reasons why getting two or more might be better. This article will explore reasons why you might wish to install multiple water tanks rather than one large tank or vice-versa. Factors to Consider When Choosing Choosing […]
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Do You Need a Plumber to Install Your Rainwater Tank?

June 15, 2018
  While most water tanks are easy to install yourself, any plumbing into your home for use in toilets, hot water systems or laundry must be completed by a licensed plumber. You should not carry out the plumbing work yourself unless you are a licensed plumber. Licensed plumbers will be will be aware of Australian […]
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Fixing and Preventing Rainwater Tank Overflow Problems

June 15, 2018
Installing screening on your tanks is a necessity and council requirement to keep out mosquitoes and insects from your tank. Yet, screening can introduce new problems that tank owners should be aware of. Without proper tank maintenance to clean out strainers and unclog screens, water might end up overflowing from the top of your tank and/or not […]
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Galvanised Steel in Rainwater Tanks

June 15, 2018
  In our last article, we compared Poly Water Tanks with Galvanised Steel Tanks. In this article we look further into the features of galvanised steel water tanks. Until recent decades, the most common material for rainwater tanks seen in the Australian outback were corrugated steel tanks. These tanks were often galvanised, which is a process […]
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Leaf Screening: Gutter Guards vs Rain Heads

June 15, 2018
If you will be harvesting rainwater from your roof, then you might be wondering how to guard against leaves, insects and debris entering your water supply. There are solutions like water diverters, which work great and should always be installed. Screening prior to water entering your pipework also makes sense. This article explores two pre-filtration screening […]
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Help Property Owners Choose a Water Tank to Fit Space Limitations

June 15, 2018
When building a house, especially on a smaller lot, it might be difficult planning where to place a rainwater tank. Many builders will often just plonk in a storage tank in the most convenient location, below a downpipe on the outside of a house. Presenting a few options, however, to the property owner, shows an attention […]
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How to Clean Sludge Out of Your Water Tank

June 15, 2018
To ensure rainwater collected in your tank remains clean and fresh, it is important to properly maintain your tank. Part of this maintenance involves cleaning out the sludge that builds up at the bottom from the accumulation of sediment and organic matter. What is sludge? Even with strainers, plant material, waste and sediment will still […]
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How to Install Team Poly’s Razor Slimline Tanks

June 15, 2018
When deciding the best location for your tank, keep in mind that the closer your tank is to your downpipe, the simpler it will be to install. Slimline tanks which are normally located alongside a house are therefore a good option, especially our Razor slimline tanks which are designed to be bracketed to your house […]
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How to Install Underground Poly Water Tanks

June 15, 2018
Underground water tanks are great if you want to harvest rainwater and not have valuable surface space being taken up. Team Poly’s underground water tanks are made in Australia according to a patented and leading German-engineered design that provides optimum strength and optional self-cleaning filter. Please refer to our underground tank installation guide for complete instructions. This article […]
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How to Link Multiple Water Storage Tanks Together

June 15, 2018
In a previous article, we covered the question of whether multiple water tanks or one single tank would be the best option. If you believe multiple water tanks are the best way forward for your situation, then reading this article will give you some understanding about how your tanks can be linked. When installing your tanks, we […]
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How to Spot a Cheap Water Tank from a Quality Tank

June 15, 2018
We have all experienced the salesman who will do or say almost anything to have us buy something. An often used phrase during their pitch is “higher quality”. It is heard so often, “high quality this” and “high quality that” such words often carry little to no substance. Yet, most of us are often willing […]

Installing a Rainwater Tank that is Safe for Drinking

June 15, 2018
  Most rainwater stored in Australian water tanks gets stored within a poly plastic membrane or tank. This remains true whether your tank is made from galvanised steel, some stainless steel tanks, BlueScope Steel’s AQUAPLATE® or ZINCALUME® or just straight polyethylene. Given this, it is important to ensure your poly tank or inner poly lining is made […]
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Is it Safe to Drink Water from Rainwater Tanks?

June 15, 2018
  Water is a valuable resource and rainwater stored in a tank is safe to drink as long as proper steps are taken. You just need to ensure that parts of your rainwater harvesting system are made of safe food-grade materials and properly maintained. To ensure the safety of your catchment area, you need to […]
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Is Your Rainwater Safe to Bath and Shower In?

June 15, 2018
Most people are comfortable with the idea of using rainwater for washing clothes or flushing toilets, but some have reservations about bathing, showering or drinking rainwater. Provided that you take simple precautions, rainwater is perfectly safe to drink (read more in our article Is it Safe to Drink Water from Rainwater Tanks?). Since it is safe to drink […]
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Main Tank Fittings and Accessories When Plumbing in Your Rainwater Tank

June 15, 2018
When buying a rainwater tank, you can save money by ensuring many required fittings and accessories are included in your deal. This is especially important if plumbing your rainwater into your house. This article is intended to help you know what other fittings and accessories you will need when plumbing in your rainwater tank. Standard Tank Fittings As […]
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Maintaining Your Rainwater Tank for Potable Water

June 15, 2018
Harvesting rainwater into a water storage tank can provide you with a valuable source of water to be used throughout your home or property. Provided your rainwater tank has been correctly installed and is safe to use for storing drinking water (AS/NZS 4020), you will need to ensure that your tank is properly maintained. Maintaining your rainwater […]
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Narrow Water Tanks for Smaller Properties and Shrinking Lot Sizes

June 15, 2018
According to the 2016 State of the Land Report (PDF) submitted to Australia’s federal government by The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), lot sizes continued to fall in urban areas around Australia. Major cities and regions reported on (Sydney, South-East Queensland, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne) are all, for the first time, now less an average of 500 […]
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NSW Development Code for Rainwater Tank Installations

June 15, 2018
When installing a water tank you need to make sure that all the work is conducted in accordance with state government specifications and requirements. This article was written for tank installers to understand the regulations in New South Wales for rainwater tanks installed above ground and below ground, and the associated plumbing requirements. Note: When working in NSW […]
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Installing a Water Tank in South Australia: Planning, Plumbing and Protection

June 15, 2018
The South Australian Government has introduced a number of initiatives, especially in recent years, with the purpose of encouraging and ensuring more sustainable water use in the State. One of these initiatives is the requirement for mandatory water tanks, which requires a rainwater tank and rainfall harvesting system to be set in place. However, the compliance with this […]
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Rainwater Tank “First Flush” Water Diverters

June 15, 2018
Rainwater diverters ensure a cleaner water supply by stopping the initial run-off of rainwater from entering your rainwater tank. This “first flush” of rainwater may contain debris, leaves or possibly chemicals and particles blowing through the air. Why Should You Install a Water Diverter? They provide fresher water and are a preventative measure against mosquitoes and their […]
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Rainwater Tank and Installation Costs – Tank, Pump, Screen, Cover & Accessory Prices

June 15, 2018
Rainwater tank prices can vary significantly depending upon manufacturing brand, supplier, material type and your desired style of tank. This article will provide you with a better understanding of the costs involved with buying and installing a rainwater tank. Rainwater Tank Prices – Poly and Steel Tanks Team Poly offers a wide selection of poly […]
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Installing Backflow Prevention Devices for Plumbed-in Rainwater Tanks

June 15, 2018
When plumbing in a rainwater tank, a typical setup is to connect mains water to it as a backup water supply. When your tank runs dry, a rainwater to mains water switch can flip over to your mains water so that toilets and washing can continue without issue. Connecting to your mains water supply means a licensed […]
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Recommended Accessories for Your Rainwater Tank

June 15, 2018
  When you purchase a rainwater tank then there will be other parts and accessories that you will need. Sometimes they will be bundled with your water tank, often saving you money. Other times you will need to purchase them separately. The usual tank fittings and accessories include: tank fittings and tap leaf strainers and […]
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Rotathene® SUPA UV – The Sun Protection Standard for Polyethylene Water Tanks in Australia

June 15, 2018
Dorothea McKellar wrote in the second stanza of her well known Australian poem, “My Country”: I love a sunburnt country, A land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, Of droughts and flooding rains. I love her far horizons, I love her jewel-sea, Her beauty and her terror The wide brown land for me!  Australia is […]
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Quick Guide to Victoria Rainwater Tank Installation Regulations

June 15, 2018
When installing a water tank, you need to make sure that all the work is conducted in accordance with state government specifications and requirements. In this article, we will look at regulations in the state of Victoria associated with rainwater tanks including general requirements, installation requirements and requirements often required by local authorities. Install Requirements for […]
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Water Retention Tanks for Fighting Bushfires

June 15, 2018
  Bushfires are a serious threat to many towns and suburbs in the Adelaide region. More than 75 towns in Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island are in bushfire prone areas. 35 suburbs in Adelaide’s fringes are prone to bushfires. If you are building a new home in and around the region of Adelaide […]
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Water Storage and Council Considerations for New Homes

June 15, 2018
  If you are looking to install a rainwater tank in your new home, then you need to be aware to any requirements that your local council might have. Council requirements vary from one area to the next so it is something that you will need to verify. Council Requirement Considerations Firstly, councils often require […]
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Water Tanks for Stormwater Detention

June 15, 2018
  If you live in and around the suburbs of Adelaide then when building a new house or performing significant additions to an existing house, your council may have stormwater detention requirements that you need to meet. Why is Stormwater Detention Required? During storms and a heavy downpour of rain a lot of stormwater can […]
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Testing the UV Protection of Polyethylene in Water Tanks Against the Harmful Effects of the Sun

June 15, 2018
Australia has one of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world with over 200 kilolangleys of UV radiation annually, double that of SE Asia, Europe and most of North America. With such high level of UV exposure, it is important that any product in Australia’s Sun be able to endure and stand the test […]
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Preparing for Your Rainwater Tank

June 15, 2018
  Preparing for your rainwater tank is easy. Two main areas you will want to ensure are correct include your roof and gutters and tank foundations. Roof and Gutters The roof and gutters of your catchment area are obviously a key component when harvesting rainwater. They should be cleared of any leaves or debris and damaged guttering […]
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How to Calculate the Amount of Rainwater You Can Capture

June 15, 2018
Calculating the amount of rainwater you can collect is an interesting task to perform when considering rainwater storage tanks. Knowing how much rainwater you can capture provides a good upper maximum limit of water you will need to be able to store, which is often much higher than people realise. Calculating Your Rain Harvest Given […]
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Save Money with Rainwater Tanks and Beat Future Water Prices

June 15, 2018
Is It Worth Buying a Rainwater Tank? Water is a limited resource. Australia’s homes and industries continue to use more water, which has pushed prices higher and higher over a number of years. Prices look almost certain to continue rising along with this increasing demand. If you own a business and water is a significant […]
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Selling Team Poly Water Tanks as a Sales Agent

June 15, 2018
Whether you are a commercial retail store, builder, plumber, landscaper or other tradesperson, Team Poly are always looking for new professional relationships. This article explores many questions you may have if you are interested in selling our tanks. Are Prices Better for Sales Agents? This is our most often asked question – yes, pricings are better […]
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Water Tanks Compared: Poly Tanks versus AQUAPLATE® Steel Tanks

June 15, 2018
One of the most popular tank choices today are polyethylene (poly) water tanks. Another choice you might come across when selecting a rainwater tank is BlueScope Steel’s AQUAPLATE® steel tanks. Water tanks made from AQUAPLATE® steel sheets are made from ZINCALUME® steel (normally the older AZ150 rather than more durable newer generation AM125) that is thickly coated with […]
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Setting Up Your Rainwater Tank for Drinking Water

June 15, 2018
  Rainwater from your roof can be a valuable resource and is fine to drink when stored in a safe and properly maintained rainwater tank. When installing your rainwater tank you will need to prepare your site, run piping from your roof to your tank inlet, attach piping to your overflow and install any pump […]
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Site Preparation and Pipework Installation for Rainwater Tanks

June 15, 2018
Once you have ordered your rainwater tanks, your next task is to prepare the location (site) where your tank will be placed. This article goes through some basic steps for site preparation and piping installation so that you have a good idea what needs to be arranged and considered before your tank arrives. Site Preparation for […]
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Stainless Steel in Rainwater Tanks

June 15, 2018
In our last article, we compared Poly Water Tanks with Stainless Steel Tanks. In this article we look further into the features of stainless steel in rainwater tanks. About Stainless Steel Unlike carbon steel, stainless steel will not readily corrode, rust or stain from water contact and moisture. Stainless steel is also known as inox steel, […]
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Switching between Rainwater and Mains Water

June 15, 2018
  A rainwater to mains water switch helps you make the most effective use of your tank water. It allows you to use your tank water supply first and then switch to mains water supply if your tank is low or empty. This set up ensures you maintain a reliable water supply to your toilets, laundry and […]
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Water Tanks for Small Spaces

June 15, 2018
The Urban Development Institute of Australia has released its 2015 State of the Land Report indicating a continuing downward trend in block sizes for new homes. The average median lot size nationwide is 474m2. Because lot size continue to decrease and homes tend to be built border to border, new home buyers must be selective when planning […]
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Water Tanks Compared: Poly Tanks versus Galvanised Steel Tanks

June 15, 2018
One of the most popular choices today for storing rainwater is polyethylene (poly) water tanks. Another choice you might come across when selecting a rainwater tank are thick galvanized steel tanks. Water tanks made today from galvanised steel are often thickly coated with a zinc alloy. This protects the inner steel from rust and corrosion. In […]
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Water Tanks Compared: Poly Tanks versus Stainless Steel Tanks

June 15, 2018
One of the most popular tank choices today are polyethylene (poly) water tanks. Another choice you will likely come across when deciding upon a rainwater tank are stainless steel tanks. Before comparing important differences between poly and stainless steel water tanks, it is important to understand that there are different grades of stainless steel. Grades are […]

Water Tanks Compared: Poly Tanks versus ZINCALUME® Steel Tanks

June 15, 2018
One of the most popular choices today for storing rainwater are polyethylene (poly) water tanks. Another choice you might come across when deciding on a rainwater tank is ZINCALUME® steel (a mixture of zinc and aluminium). Tanks made from ZINCALUME® steel, are made from a steel that has been dipped in aluminium (55%), zinc (43.5%) and […]
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Understanding Rainwater Tank Warranties

June 15, 2018
It is not possible to foretell any issues that may occur when purchasing a water tank. Your risk however can be minimised by doing your best to choose a reliable brand and knowing you have a warranty to depend upon provides some peace of mind. This article is intended to help you understand warranties and what to […]
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What Colour to Choose for Your Poly Water Tank

June 15, 2018
If you have decided to purchase an above ground tank, know where you’ll locate it, then you will then need to decide upon a tank colour. Sounds simple, but then choices that seem simple often end up stumping us, especially if like me, you tend to overthink on decisions. An advantage to poly tanks is […]
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What is a “Dry System” with Rainwater Tanks?

June 15, 2018
When installing a rainwater tank, you will need to consider how to run the piping from your roof to your tank. For this piping, there are two piping systems you can choose between: 1) “Dry System”, or 2) “Wet System”. This article will describe what a “dry system” is and when you would use one with […]
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What is a “Wet System” with Rainwater Tanks?

June 15, 2018
When installing a rainwater tank, you will need to consider how to run the piping from your roof to your tank. For this piping, there are two piping systems you can choose between: 1) “Wet System”, or 2) “Dry System”. This article will describe what a “wet system” is and when you would use one with […]
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Why State Government and Councils Require Water Tank Screening

June 15, 2018
In Australia, states require you to screen all entry points to on your rainwater tank. In Queensland, local councils may fine you several hundred dollars for failing to screen your tank. South Australian government advise when planning for rainwater use, the inlet and overflow of the rainwater tank must be fitted with mosquito proof, non-degradable screens […]
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ZINCALUME® Steel in Rainwater Tanks

June 15, 2018
In our last article, we compared Poly Water Tanks with ZINCALUME® Steel Tanks. In this article we look further into the features of ZINCALUME® steel in rainwater tanks. Introduction Until recent decades, a common material for steel roofs, sheds and rainwater tanks the littered the Australian outback were galvanised iron – steel that has been coated […]