Why plastic trumps steel in the water tank stakes

Steel can seem like a logical material if you're looking for a strong, durable and long-lasting product. However, there are some applications in which other materials such as plastic are more suitable – and one of these is rainwater tanks.

Polyethylene water tanks offer superior performance to those made of steel due to a number of reasons. Among the most important of these has to do with the actual content stored in the tank – water – and its reaction with steel. A common issue that crops up with steel water tanks is the rusting and corrosion that inevitably occurs over time, affecting the taste, safety and quality of the water.

Manufacturers have started lining steel tanks with other materials to prevent this problem, however this can often be expensive – with the lining eventually degrading over time anyway.

Steel tanks can also be heavy and awkward to transport and install, and prone to denting during delivery. If there are welds or joints present from the manufacturing process, these can act as structural weak points – prime areas for rust and corrosion to proliferate.

With this in mind, it makes complete sense to invest in a poly water tank. These tanks are lightweight yet strong, and can be built into numerous styles and shapes. As a non-corrosive material, polyethylene won't affect the quality of your water.

The rotomoulding process used in making these tanks – where one piece of plastic is moulded into shape – ensures there are no seams that can compromise the structural strength of your tank. Additionally, choosing one made from locally manufactured Alkatuff polyethylene will give you years of use even in Australia's harsh sun.

There is likely to be a quality poly water tank supplier near you, wherever you live in Australia, so get in touch with your closest store today. National Poly Industries, for example, is one of the country's leading brands and has offices in both NSW and Queensland.

By David Francis