Resources
Things to Consider Before Installing an Underground Water Tank
Each underground tank application is unique. To assist in the process, we’ve listed questions we commonly ask to help customers understand their needs.
Site Conditions and Installation Checklist
Questions to consider when getting a preliminary quote.
To provide an accurate quote, Darco needs key site details that affect tank type, installation method, and any engineering requirements. Use this guide to identify the information needed for your project.
Click the checklist on the right to expand each item and review the required details.
Job location: State & City
Are there any road restrictions that would affect getting our tractor trailer to the jobsite?
Things to consider:
- Seasonal load limits
- Narrow or unpaved access roads
- Low overhead clearance
- Weight restrictions on bridges or driveways
Application
What is the purpose of your tank?
- Fire Cistern or Fire Sprinkler Reservoir
- Potable Water
- Rain Capture/Irrigation
- Sewage and Wastewater Holding
- Stormwater Retention & Detention
- Thermal Energy Storage
- Recycled Water
- Agri-business
- Other
This helps determine the correct sizing, fittings, and any code requirements.
Ground Water
Specify the water table depth in the area and note whether it is constant, seasonal, or located within a floodplain.
This information helps determine installation methods and whether buoyancy protection is needed.
Soil Conditions
Identify the soil type at the installation site such as sand, clay, bedrock, hillside, or marsh.
This helps determine excavation and bedding requirements.
Jurisdictional
What are any specific requirements issued by your local city, fire district, county, state, or other governing entity?
This may include permits, approvals, or standards that affect tank design or installation.
Engineering
Are there any existing design notes, drawings, or specifications available for this project?
Providing these with your RFQ helps us prepare a more accurate quote.
Tank Fitting
Once you determine where your tank will be physically located you can then consider the piping layout required.
How will water get into the tank, such as:
a. From a well
b. From a city main
c. From roof leaders capturing rain off rooftops
d. From local water delivery truck or fire truck
e. Other
If the water level gets too high, is there a safe place for overflow:
a. To a storm sewer drain
b. To daylight where it would be visible to the owner
c. Is there an “automatic feed” system such as from a well? If so, is there an alarm or some type of safety mechanism to alert the owner of a malfunction in the level control system
How will water get out of the tank:
a. Gravity flow from the bottom of the tank to a pump or fire hydrant
b. Pumped out by a submersible pump mounted inside the tank
c. In the case of a fire cistern, will the pumper truck draft the water directly out of the tank
Venting
It is imperative that the tank be vented to atmosphere with a properly sized fitting to allow ample air flow while pumping water out or refilling the tank.
Entry into the tank:
We recommend installing a manway on every tank which allows access for periodic inspection and cleaning if necessary
Tank appurtenances
a. Are specific accessories required such as a level gauge, float valve, or any special purpose fittings? This information will help us accurately price the tank in our preliminary estimate.
b. If you know the pipe material and fitting sizes that will be required for inlet, outlet, gauging, or other accessories please include that material and fitting diameter information.