Cisterns are dedicated storage units serving both commercial and residential purposes. They can be used to store water, petroleum, hazardous waste, chemicals, and many other materials, liquids, and substances that are required to be stored at a factory or a home for long durations.
However, different types of cisterns serve different purposes. And the purpose of the cistern is dependent on what material the cistern is made out of.
So, what material serves which purpose? When are stainless steel cisterns used? What’s the benefit of galvanized cisterns? These questions and more will be discussed below including:
- The most common tanks
- What material is best used for different purposes
- What material was used to manufacture cisterns back in the days
What materials are cisterns made out of?
- Underground fibreglass cisterns – As the name suggests, these cisterns are made of fibreglass. As it is both resistant to corrosion and very versatile, fibreglass is used by many commercial industries.
- Carbon welded steel cisterns – These are storage cisterns used to store water made of carbon welded steel; both very strong and durable while also remaining unaffected from Lyme leaching.
- Above-ground storage cisterns – These cisterns are usually made of either concrete or fibreglass. They are commonly used to store caustic water, which includes waste, potable, and rainwater storage.
- Polyethene cisterns – These cisterns are made of plastic and are a good budget option. The most common use of polyethene cistern is for rainwater collection.
- Stainless steel cisterns for water storage – These cisterns are made of stainless steel, and are arguable one of the most versatile cisterns available in the market today.
Which material is best used for water cisterns?
While there are plenty of materials available that can get the job done, plastic is often considered the best material for water cisterns. This is due to the fact that plastic is non-corrosive and lasts for a long time. Cisterns made out of plastic are also lightweight and easy to handle. No heavy equipment is necessary to install or relocate the cistern.
Another exciting part about poly cisterns is that they can be recycled at the end of their life cycle.
Is there a “best” material for cisterns?
No, not really.
What material you should use depends on a plethora of factors including how the cistern will be used, what materials will be stored within it, and the conditions it will be stored in. Just as plastic is often the preferred material when it comes to water cisterns, stainless steel cisterns are used just the same.
What are old cisterns made of?
Back in the 70s and 80s, the most common type was the galvanized cistern – steel with a zinc coating that protects the steel from corrosion. The biggest disadvantage of these cisterns is that they are susceptible to corrosion without regular refurbishment.
Need to repair an existing steel cistern or build a new one?
Bygging-Uddemann has been a leading supplier of steel cistern equipment for many years, contact us when you need help constructing steel cisterns, move or repair existing cisterns.