5 Costly Mistakes When Choosing a Water Storage Tank
5 Costly Mistakes When Choosing a Water Storage Tank
Choosing the wrong water storage tank can lead to compliance failures, costly retrofits, leaks, contamination risks, and failed inspections, often months or years after installation.
Whether you’re a specifier, contractor, or building owner, these are the five most common (and expensive) mistakes we see – and how to make a safer, future-proof choice.
Mistake 1. Choosing a Tank That Doesn’t Meet UK Regulations
One of the most common, and costly, errors is installing a tank that does not meet UK regulatory requirements.
Why this is a problem
- Tanks may fail Reg.4/WRAS approval
- Non-compliant materials can contaminate potable water
- Local authorities or inspectors may reject the installation
What to check instead
- Reg.4/WRAS approval for potable water use
- Compliance with BS EN standards
- Documentation that inspectors can verify easily
Safe choice: A tank designed and certified specifically for UK regulations – not adapted later.
Mistake 2. Focusing on Price Instead of Lifecycle Cost
Cheaper tanks often look attractive upfront but initial cost is rarely the true cost.
Hidden long-term costs
- Shorter lifespan
- Higher maintenance
- Early replacement
- Disruption to buildings or operations
A low-cost tank that fails in 8-10 years can cost far more than a higher-quality tank designed to last decades.
What to consider instead
- Expected lifespan
- Maintenance requirements
- Material durability
- Resistance to corrosion, deformation, and fatigue
Safer approach: Compare total cost of ownership, not just purchase price.
Mistake 3. Choosing the Wrong Tank Material
Not all water tanks are built the same, and material choice has a direct impact on performance and compliance.
Common issues with poor material choices
- Corrosion in steel tanks
- Deformation or cracking in lower-grade GRP
- Hygiene risks in poorly finished interiors
What matters most
- Structural integrity
- Hygiene and water quality
- Resistance to environmental conditions
- Long-term dimensional stability
Best practice: Choose a material specifically engineered for water storage, not adapted from other applications.
Mistake 4. Ignoring Installation & Access Constraints
Many tanks are specified without fully considering how they’ll actually be installed.
Common problems
- Tank sections too large to access plant rooms
- Inadequate space for assembly or maintenance
- No allowance for future inspection or cleaning
These issues often only appear on site, when it’s too late – leading to delays and redesign costs.
What to check early
- Modular or sectional design options
- Access route dimensions
- Maintenance clearance requirements
- Installer guidance and documentation
Smarter choice: A system designed for easy assembly in restricted spaces.
Mistake 5. Overlooking Long-Term Support & Documentation
A water storage tank isn’t just a product — it’s a regulated system that needs ongoing support.
Risks of poor aftercare
- Missing compliance documents during inspections
- Difficulty sourcing replacement components
- Limited technical support if issues arise
What to look for
- Full documentation packs
- Clear maintenance guidance
- UK-based technical support
- Proven track record in similar projects
Lower risk: Work with a supplier who supports the system long after installation.
How to Choose a Water Storage Tank with Confidence
To avoid these costly mistakes, your water storage tank should:
- Meet UK regulatory standards
- Be built from durable, hygienic materials
- Offer long-term value, not just low price
- Be designed for real-world installation
- Come with clear documentation and support
Not Sure Which Tank Is Right for Your Project?
Every project is different and the safest choice depends on:
- Application (potable / non-potable)
- Capacity requirements
- Installation environment
- Compliance risk
Read More...
- Water Tank Installation & Maintenance
- Cold Water Storage Tanks
- Case Studies
Cold Water Tank Sizing: How to Calculate Storage Volume for Multi-Storey Buildings
A technical guide to cold water tank sizing methodology for multi-storey buildings — covering demand estimation, resilience calculations, water age, Legionella risk, and a worked sizing example.
Confined Space Entry in Building Maintenance: Obligations and Safe Systems
A practical guide to confined space entry obligations for building maintenance teams and contractors — covering the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, permit to work, atmospheric testing, standby arrangements, and cold water tank entry.
Backflow Prevention in Building Water Systems: Fluid Categories and Device Selection
A technical guide to backflow prevention under the Water Fittings Regulations — fluid categories 1 to 5, device types for cold water cisterns, the Type AG air gap requirement, and common compliance failures.
Cold Water System Commissioning: Cleaning and Disinfection to BS EN 806-5
A practical guide to cold water system commissioning, cleaning, and disinfection in line with BS EN 806-5. Covers procedure, chlorination residuals, flushing, clearance for service, and handover documentation.
