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How to Install a Poly Slimline Tank

How to Install a Poly Slimline Tank

Slimline rainwater tanks are a very attractive option for modern homes since they can be easily tucked away or situated alongside the external wall of your house. This article will explore the slimline tanks that Team Poly manufacture and provide advice for slimline tank installation.

Slimline Tank Models Available

Team Poly provide a diverse slimline tank range to choose from in many different capacities:

  • Aqua Spring models, a slim (500 to 1,050mm) design with a rounded smooth finish available in capacities from 650 to 5,000 litres.
  • Modular models, a slim (500 to 600mm) design available corrugated or flat surface finish, that can be placed on stands.
  • Razor slim tanks, a very slim (290 to 560mm) design that is square with a smooth finish. Razor slimline tank models in particular are designed to be bracketed to a wall, and as such, consume a very minimal amount of space.

All Team Poly slimline tanks can be linked together to increase water storage capacity and water quality.

Slimline Tank Sitting

When deciding the best location for your tank, you should walk around your house and note the locations of downpipes from your roof. The closer your tank is to the downpipe that leads down the side of your home, the simpler it will be to run pipes to it.

Once you have selected an appropriate location, you can begin to prepare for sitting your water tank.

  1. Check the relevant regulations relating to rainwater tank installation with your local council.
  2. When moving your rainwater tank into position, handle with care avoiding rough and sharp surfaces and objects.
  3. Tank foundations must be a firm level base that extends beyond the diameter of the tank and cannot be eroded. Suitable bases include brick, concrete, compacted gravel or solid dolomite surface. This is best to do before your tank is delivered.
  4. If your tank is designed to be placed against a wall (for example, a Razor tank model), install the brackets provided according to installation guide.

Slimline Tank Plumbing

If your water tank needs plumbing into your home, then your tank should be connected by a qualified plumber in accordance with local council regulations. Otherwise it is possible to do the following:

1. Install downpipe into inlet pro-fitted with leaf strainer

  1. Draw a plan for how you will connect the downpipe to your tank, calculating how much pipe, elbows and connectors you need.
  2. Once parts are purchased, measure, cut and click pipes together. Once you are sure you have the parts needed, lay them out into sections.
  3. Smooth edges of pipes with sandpaper after cutting.
  4. Select pieces for one section, add glue to joins and connect them.
  5. Add glue to joins and connect pipes together quickly (starting with first section as necessary).
  6. Prepare holding bracket mount location on wall, attach section of piping and affix mounting bracket.
  7. Continue to glue together and attach remaining sections.

2. Install overflow pipework

Overflow pipework should be planned and connected like the downpipe that leads into your tank. Correct installation is important to ensure your tank warranty remains valid. Some important things to keep in mind:

  • All pipework needs to be properly supported and not place stress upon tank.
  • Flexible piping should first be used to connect your tank to pipework which absorbs any movement, preventing stress upon the tank and fittings.
  • It is often best to run overflow pipes down the wall of a tank rather than horizontally out to avoid stress upon tank and fittings.
  • A 90mm overflow screen and elbow is provided with Team Poly’s slimline tanks to protect against insects and vermin getting into your tank.

You have several options for managing the water overflow from your tank:

  • Overflow piped to ground – piped away from base of tank so that foundation isn’t undermined. You might place gravel or rocks where water is lead to prevent erosion. NOTE: You will need to first check with your local council before utilising this method.
  • Overflow piped to stormwater – you can find your stormwater pipes by digging carefully at the bottom of your original downpipe.
  • Overflow piped to another tank – underground tanks for stormwater detention is a popular option to complement your rainwater tank.
  • Overflow piped a swimming pool – great for keeping your pool water topped up although in down pours your pool can quickly fill.

3. Install a tap (if required)

A tap is often supplied that can be connected on the side of your tank. To ensure a good seal, apply some thread tape before carefully screwing it onto your tank outlet.

Additional Tank Accessories to Consider

Other tank accessories we highly recommend installing and can be purchased either through us or from hardware stores include:

  • Rain Head – installed at the top of your downpipe below your gutter, a rain head has a screened opening that allows water to pass through while deflecting leaves and debris.
  • “First Flush” Water Diverter, ensures cleaner water by stopping the initial run-off rainwater from entering your rainwater tank, helping to prevent dirty water entering your tank.
  • Pump and Cover – a pump will be required to pressurise water into your house and around your property where it is needed.
  • Rainwater to Mains Water Switch – with a rainwater to mains water switch (also known as a mains water backup system) you don’t have to worry about rainwater running out in your tank. When your tank is running low on rainwater or empty, a mains water backup system can automatically switch to your mains water supply.
  • Gutter Screening – special mesh screens that cover the top of your roof guttering to keep out leaves, insects and the like.