Whenever we are planning to store water, we have mainly two options as concrete water tank and plastic water tank. Both water tanks having some advantages and disadvantages with various aspects. One can easily read this post and understand which-one is best and why.

 

Concrete Water Tank Vs Plastic Water Tank- Which is Best and Why?

Water tanks are an essential component of any household or commercial setup. They are used to store water for domestic or industrial use and the tanks are available in different shapes, sizes with different materials too. In this article, we will compare two types of water tanks as concrete and plastic - and discuss which one is better and why in detail.

Concrete Water Tanks

Concrete water tanks are made from reinforced concrete which is durable and strong. These tanks are usually built onsite and can be customized to fit specific requirements. They are ideal for large-scale water storage needs and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Concrete tanks are also known for their longevity and can last up to 50 years or more.

But, there are a few drawbacks to concrete water tanks. They are relatively expensive to build and require regular maintenance to prevent cracks and leaks. Concrete tanks are also not very portable and once installed, they cannot be easily relocated.

Plastic Water Tanks

Plastic water tanks are made from high-quality polyethylene, which is a lightweight, durable and non-toxic material. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be easily transported and installed. Plastic tanks are also cheaper than concrete tanks, making them an ideal choice for small-scale water storage needs.

One of the main advantages of plastic water tanks is their resistance to corrosion and rust. They are also easy to clean and maintain, and their smooth surfaces prevent the growth of algae and other microorganisms. Plastic tanks are also available with UV protection, which prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and prolongs their lifespan.

Concrete Water Tank Vs Plastic Water Tank

Both concrete and plastic water tanks have their advantages and disadvantages. Concrete tanks are ideal for large-scale water storage needs and can last for decades with proper maintenance. But they are expensive to build, require regular maintenance and cannot be easily relocated.

So, plastic water tanks are affordable, easy to install and require minimal maintenance. They are ideal for small-scale water storage needs and can be easily relocated if necessary. Plastic tanks are also resistant to corrosion and rust, making them a more durable and long-lasting option.

Therefore, the choice between concrete water tank and plastic water tank depends on your specific requirements, budget and preference. If you have a large-scale water storage need and can afford the cost, a concrete water tank may be the right choice. If you have a small-scale water storage need and want an affordable and low-maintenance option, a plastic water tank may be the better choice for you.

Table: Concrete Water Tank Vs Plastic Water Tank

Feature	Concrete Water Tank	Plastic Water Tank
Material	Reinforced concrete	High-quality polyethylene
Durability	Very durable, can last 50+ years with proper maintenance	Durable, with a lifespan of 10-15 years
Cost	Expensive to build	Affordable
Maintenance	Requires regular maintenance to prevent cracks and leaks	Minimal maintenance required
Portability	Not portable	Portable
Installation	Must be built onsite	Easy to install
Capacity	Ideal for large-scale water storage needs	Ideal for small-scale water storage needs
Resistance to rust and corrosion	Moderate, requires protection	Highly resistant
Resistance to algae and other microorganisms	Vulnerable, requires regular cleaning	Resistant, smooth surfaces prevent growth
UV Protection	Not available	Available to prevent harmful bacterial growth

Human Health: Concrete Water Tank Vs Plastic Water Tank

In terms of human health, plastic tanks are generally more recommended than concrete tanks. 

Here's why:

Chemical Leaching: Concrete tanks can leach certain chemicals into the water they contain, especially if the water is acidic or has a low pH level. These chemicals can include calcium, lime and other minerals from the concrete, as well as any chemicals that were used during the construction process. In contrast, plastic tanks are made from materials that are inert and do not leach chemicals into the water.

Bacterial Growth: Concrete tanks can be more susceptible to bacterial growth than plastic tanks. This is because concrete is porous and can develop cracks and crevices where bacteria can thrive. Plastic tanks are non-porous and do not have the same type of surface that bacteria can adhere to.

Maintenance: Plastic tanks require less maintenance than concrete tanks, which can be beneficial to human health. With less maintenance required, there is less of a chance of bacteria or other contaminants accumulating in the tank.

Water Quality: Because plastic tanks do not leach chemicals or support bacterial growth, the water they contain is generally of higher quality than water stored in concrete tanks.

That being said, it's important to note that the type of plastic used in the tank can also impact human health. Some plastics, such as PVC can release harmful chemicals into the water if they are exposed to high temperatures or UV radiation. When choosing a plastic tank, it's important to select a tank made from a food-grade plastic that is safe for drinking water. Also, it's important to follow proper cleaning and maintenance procedures for any type of tank to ensure water quality and human health.

Advantages of Concrete Water Tank:

1. Durable and strong, can withstand extreme weather conditions
2. Customizable to fit specific requirements
3. Ideal for large-scale water storage needs
4. Can last up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance
5. Resistant to fire and vandalism

Disadvantages of Concrete Water Tank:

1. Expensive to build
2. Requires regular maintenance to prevent cracks and leaks
3. Not very portable, cannot be easily relocated
4. Prone to rust and corrosion if not treated or coated
5. Limited options for customization and design

Advantages of Plastic Water Tank:

1. Lightweight and easy to transport and install
2. Affordable, ideal for small-scale water storage needs
3. Durable, with a lifespan of 10-15 years
4. Resistant to corrosion and rust
5. Minimal maintenance required
6. Available in a variety of sizes and shapes
7. It can be relocated if necessary

Disadvantages of Plastic Water Tank:

1. Vulnerable to UV rays, may require UV protection
2. Not ideal for large-scale water storage needs
3. May develop cracks or leaks if exposed to extreme temperatures or physical damage
4. Not as fire-resistant as concrete tanks
5. May require additional support structures or anchoring for stability

Read: How Many Bricks are Required for 10x10 Feet Wall.

👉FAQs

What are the Benefits of a Concrete Water Tank?

A concrete water tank is durable and strong, can withstand extreme weather conditions and can last up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Concrete Water Tank?

Building a concrete water tank can be expensive, as it requires specialized construction techniques and materials. The cost varies depending on the size and complexity of the tank as well as the location and accessibility of the construction site.

What are the Benefits of a Plastic Water Tank?

A plastic water tank is lightweight, easy to transport and install and affordable. It is also resistant to corrosion and rust and requires minimal maintenance.

How Long Does a Plastic Water Tank Last?

A plastic water tank has a lifespan of 10-15 years, depending on the quality of the material and the level of maintenance.

Can a Plastic Water Tank be Used For Large-Scale Water Storage Needs?

Plastic water tanks are best suited for small-scale water storage needs, as they have limited capacity and may not be as durable as concrete tanks.

What Kind of Maintenance is Required For a Concrete Water Tank?

A concrete water tank requires regular maintenance to prevent cracks and leaks. This includes inspecting the tank for damage, repairing any cracks or leaks, and applying a protective coating or sealant to prevent rust and corrosion.

Can a Concrete Water Tank be Relocated?

A concrete water tank is not portable and cannot be easily relocated once installed. It is also hard to dismantle it. If the concrete water tank is precast- water tank, then it may be relocated.

Is a Plastic Water Tank Vulnerable to UV Rays?

Plastic water tanks may be vulnerable to UV rays, which can cause the material to degrade and weaken over time. UV protection can be added to prevent this.

How Can I Choose Between a Concrete and Plastic Water Tank?

The choice between a concrete and plastic water tank depends on specific needs and preferences, such as the size of the storage requirement, budget, location and maintenance requirements. It is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option before making a decision.