WATER TANK INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
ASSEMBLY OPTIONS & CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS for INSTALLING A WATER TANK
Tricel is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of GRP water tanks. We combine technical expertise with years of experience to deliver market-leading water storage solutions.
Our installation guidelines help you choose the right tank assembly method. They also explain clearance requirements for sectional water tanks, making installation easier and safer.
SECTIONAL TANK CLEARANCE
INTERNALLY FLANGED BASE (IFB) TANKS
A minimum headroom clearance of 750mm is needed for hinged access hatches to function properly. However, this can be reduced to 500mm if a lift-off access hatch is installed, following WRAS guidelines. These rules ensure safe and easy access to the tank at all times.
When external ladders or guardrails are installed, a minimum height clearance of 1200mm above the sectional tank is required. This extra space allows for safe movement and proper maintenance.
Clearance Around the Water Tank
For sectional tanks up to 2m high, a minimum internal clearance of 500mm is required.
Tanks between 2.5m and 3m in height need at least 800mm of internal clearance.
For taller tanks, ranging from 3.5m to 4m, the recommended clearance is 1 metre.
These clearances help ensure safe access for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance.
TOTALY INTERNALLY FLANGED (TIF) TANKS
Just like internally flanged base (IFB) sectional tanks, TIF tanks must meet WRAS clearance guidelines. For hinged access hatches to open properly, there must be at least 780mm of space above the tank. However, this can be reduced to 500mm if a lift-off hatch is used instead. This allows maintenance crews to access the tank safely and efficiently.
In cases where hooped external ladders and guardrails are fitted, a minimum of 1200mm clearance above the TIF tank is required. This ensures safe and easy movement during maintenance or inspection.
Where pipework or connections are installed, the clearance on that side must be at least 500mm from the tank’s outer edge. On the remaining three sides, 50mm of clearance is sufficient. This layout allows room for fittings and safe access on all sides.
TIF tanks can be assembled directly on flat surfaces, like plantroom floors. However, the surface must be even. It should not vary more than 2mm in any 1 metre, or more than 6mm across any 6 metres. In addition, the base must fully support the tank’s weight. It also needs to withstand extra loads caused by wind or snow.
An illustration highlighting the available space requirements and 500mm minimum headroom clearance of a standard 2m high sectional tank.
WATER TANK INSTALLATION
With decades of experience in GRP water storage, Tricel Weston delivers reliable solutions across the UK and internationally. We offer flexible tank assembly options to suit different project needs.
For international customers with in-house expertise, we provide a supply-only option. This includes all materials and detailed installation instructions to guide self-assembly.
Alternatively, customers can choose our supply-and-install service. In this case, our expert crews handle the full tank assembly on-site. This ensures a fast, professional installation with minimal disruption.
We’re here to support projects of all sizes—wherever you are in the world.
COMPLETE WATER TANK ASSEMBLY
Our experienced teams assemble water tanks directly on-site. Before installation begins, we provide detailed guidelines, including all base requirements. Once the base meets WRAS regulations, our team can begin the installation without delay.
SUPERVISED TANK ASSEMBLY
Tricel Weston can send a specialist and highly experienced supervisor to liaise with the local crew, instructing them and supervising the water tank installation. This ensures the water tank is correctly installed and complies with full warranty instructions.
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