Best Locations for Tank Placement

How to choose the right spot on your property so your water tank performs at its best

If you’ve decided to invest in a rainwater or storage tank for your home, farm or business, the location you choose matters just as much as the tank itself. At TazTanks, we’ve installed tons of tanks across Tasmania and have seen good results, and avoidable problems based largely on placement. Here, we’ll walk you through how to pick the best location for your tank so you get long-term value with little (or no) hassle.

Why location matters

When you place your tank thoughtfully, you’ll benefit from:

  • Optimal roof-catchment and efficient rainwater collection (less wasted potential)

  • Simpler plumbing and minimised pipe runs (which means fewer weak points, less cost)

  • Better stability, base/prep and structural integrity (a full tank is heavy!)

  • Easier access for maintenance and cleaning

  • Better compliance with local building standards and regulations

On the flip side, a poor location can lead to blocked gutters, awkward pipe runs, hard maintenance access, excess cost, or even structural problems over time.

Key factors to consider

Before you pick the spot, here are some things to keep in mind:

1.      Roof catchment & downpipe access

The ideal tank placement is as close as possible to where you can connect the tank to your roof’s downpipe system. The greater the distance from the roof gutters/downpipes, the more pipe length, bends and potential losses you introduce. For a tank to perform well, you want the path from the roof to the tank to be as direct and unobstructed as possible.

2.      Base and ground preparation

A full tank can weigh tonnes. The base has to be level, firm (no soft soil), well-drained, preferably compacted sand/gravel or concrete. In the case of lighter poly tanks, you might get away with simpler bases, but for larger or steel tanks (especially in rural or uneven ground) you must get it right.

3.      Proximity to use point & servicing

Where will the water be used? If it’s for household toilet flushing, laundry, irrigation, fire-reserve, or farm use, put the tank somewhere that means short pump/pipe runs. Also, make sure the tap/outlet is accessible for maintenance. If it’s tucked away behind shrubs in a hard-to-reach corner, you’ll regret it later.

4.      Overflow & stormwater management

When your tank overflows, you must make sure the overflow pipe doesn’t cause erosion, damage your property or your neighbour’s, or cause pooling. You also need the overflow away from building footings.

5.      Compliance & local regulations

Even though location is often about physical logistics, you must still check what your local council requires: setbacks from boundaries, maximum height, colour or appearance requirements, tank size thresholds for permits, etc. In Tasmania especially, and across Australia, each council has its own approach so, make sure to refer to their rules and regulations.

Recommended “good spots” on your property

Here are some location-ideas that often work well (and some to avoid):

Good spots

  • Next to a downpipe from the main house roof, on the low side of the roof slope if possible (steel/plastic tank sited where it naturally receives roof runoff).

  • On the lower end of the property, where your water will gravitate or pump best into the house or irrigation system.

  • A cleared area with stable ground, good access for delivery and maintenance.

  • Near the main use point: e.g., if for irrigation, near the garden; if for fire reserve, near the house/structure to be protected.

  • Location where you won’t block future building works or landscaping: plan ahead.

Spots to avoid

  • Directly under large trees with overhanging limbs, heavy leaf drop or risk of branches falling.

  • On sloped ground without proper retaining or pad prep (risk of base failure).

  • Crowded behind sheds/trash collection areas, where access will be difficult.

  • Too far from the downpipe or too many bends in the piping (reduces effectiveness).

  • Close to building footings, if overflow might cause erosion or water pooling under floors.

Special considerations for Tasmania

Since TazTanks works across Tasmania (from Launceston to Hobart to rural properties) there are a few local considerations worth noting:

  • In cooler parts of Tasmania, you may want to consider insulation or placement partially shaded so water temperature remains moderate (especially if used for domestic purposes).

  • In bushfire-prone zones (rural Tas), the tank may need to serve as a fire reserve; in that case, you’ll want a location that provides access for fire brigades or fire pumping and appropriate outlets.

  • Delivery access matters. Some Tasmanian properties are remote, steep or bush-surrounded. Choose a placement where the tank delivery vehicle can reach without excessive risk or damage.

  • With varying rainfall around Tasmania, ensure your roof catchment and tank location maximise the collection potential, the closer to the roof/downpipe, the less “wasted” run-off.

What TazTanks does to help

At TazTanks, we don’t just drop a tank and walk away. We make sure the placement, base and plumbing are all optimised for your site. That means:

  • A free site visit to inspect the roof area, downpipe location, ground conditions, sunlight/shade, and access.

  • Advice on the best placement, including any site preparation, base, clearing vegetation and ensuring access.

  • Guidance on material choice depending on your placement (poly vs steel), usage and local conditions.

  • Full installation including tank, fittings, plumbing (to your point of use) and ongoing support for maintenance. (We’re based at 160 Paradise Road, Sheffield and cover all of Tasmania.)

Final checklist before you sign off on placement

Here’s a quick checklist you can run through before finalising where your tank will go:

  • Is the tank within a short, direct path of your roof’s downpipe(s)?

  • Is the base firm, level and properly prepared (sand/ gravel/concrete)?

  • Will maintenance (cleaning gutters, tank access) be simple from that spot?

  • Is the overflow routed safely away from footings, neighbours and drainage problems?

  • Are you complying with council regulations (setbacks, permits, colours, height)?

  • Is the tank close enough to the point of use to minimise pump/pipe cost and energy?

  • Are you clear of large trees, debris fall zones or hard-to-reach areas?

  • Have you considered future use (fire-reserve, expansion) and access by vehicles/equipment?

Your tank’s performance and longevity depend not just on its make and size, but where you place it. Investing time up-front to pick the right location will pay dividends in fewer issues, better efficiency and fewer surprise costs down the line. At TazTanks, we help you navigate all these placement decisions so you’re not left guessing.

If you’re ready to discuss your water tank, get a quote or book a free site inspection, we’d love to help. Reach us at sales@taztanks.com.au or (03) 6491 1630.