Best Locations for Tank Placement
Where you position your water tank on your property affects performance, longevity and maintenance effort. Get placement right, and your tank will deliver maximum benefit with minimal hassle. Get it wrong, and you could have problems with water pressure, overflow, access or even safety.
What to Consider When Choosing a Tank Location
Proximity to downpipes/catchment area - Put your tank as close as possible to existing downpipes to minimise plumbing work and keep installation costs down. Shorter pipe runs also reduce friction loss and help maintain better water pressure.
Elevation and gravity flow - If you place the tank on a slight elevation (or slope) higher than your taps, you gain the benefit of gravity-fed water pressure, ideal for gardens, hoses or external taps, even without a pump.
Site access for installation and maintenance - Trucks may be needed during installation. Later on, you’ll need access for overflow outlets, cleaning, inspection or potential maintenance. Choose a spot that remains accessible even after landscaping or new structures are added.
Ease of plumbing and connection to house or external taps - Minimising distance to plumbing lines saves on installation cost, reduces heat loss (if any), and makes maintenance simpler.
Avoiding hazards (bushfire zones, falling debris, stormwater paths) - In regions prone to bushfires, avoid placing tanks where falling branches or radiant heat could pose a risk. Don’t position overflow or discharge areas near footpaths or neighbours. Also, avoid low-lying spots that collect runoff or floodwater.
Foundation stability and drainage - Ground must be level or properly prepared (compacted gravel, slab, or concrete base). Ensure the area drains well, and water won’t pool around the base of the tank, which could undermine the foundation over time.
Suggested Ideal Spots (Depending on Property Type)
Suburban block with garden: Close to downpipes on the house, beside the garage or behind the shed, with a gravel base and easy access.
Rural property: Slightly elevated ground, convenient to both house and garden/livestock areas, with easy driveway or access for fill‑ups and maintenance.
Bushfire‑prone zones: As far from flammable vegetation as possible, ideally cleared radius around tank, and positioned so overflow doesn’t discharge near vegetation.
Narrow or tight‑access blocks: Near driveway or access lane, yet as far from street visibility as allowed by council, helps with delivery and keeps tank discreet.
How Taztanks Helps Choose the Best Location
During our free site visit, we walk your property with you. We:
Assess roof catchment and downpipe entry points
Look at the natural slope and elevation for potential gravity-fed pressure
Check access routes for delivery/installation/trucks
Evaluate catchment from trees, overhangs or potential hazards (bushfire, falling debris, erosion)
Discuss future landscaping, expansions, or usage to ensure tank placement remains sensible for decades
Common Mistakes in Tank Placement
Installing a tank too far from downpipes leads to long pipe runs, increased cost, and reduced water pressure.
Placing a tank in a low-lying area that floods or collects runoff, over time, the tank base may erode or shift.
Overlooking maintenance access, like tanks hidden behind sheds, landscaping, or fences, can become a headache when cleaning or repairs are needed.
Ignoring council or neighbour visibility / aesthetic rules, especially in suburban areas.
What to Do If You Don’t Have an Ideal Spot
Not all properties come with a perfect tank spot. If that’s the case:
Consider raising or levelling ground via a compacted gravel base or slab, provided drainage is good.
Use steel tanks if space is limited; slimline or colour-matched designs often help tanks fit better without sticking out.
Plan overflow and drainage carefully, including soakaways or drainage lines that divert overflow safely.
Be ready to compromise, the “perfect” spot is one that balances catchment, access, maintenance and safety.
Good placement equals less fuss and better performance. A water tank is a long-term investment; placing it thoughtfully from the start saves headaches and expenses down the road. If you’d like help mapping out tank placement on your block, we’re happy to visit, discuss and plan with you
