Choosing a reliable apartment storage tank is essential for uninterrupted water supply in Indian homes. From busy high-rises to compact flats, selecting the right material, capacity, and installation location can make a big difference in reliability and maintenance. In this helpful guide, we’ll explain how to make smart decisions for water tank selection India, complete with clear headings, step‑by‑step tips, real‑life examples, and trusted local brand mentions.
1. Know How Much Water You Need
Before you pick your tank, understand your household’s daily needs.
- Calculate usage: Each person uses about 135–150 litres/day (including drinking, cooking, bathing).
- Example: A family of four needs ~600 l/day. Over a three-day municipal water gap, that means a ≥1,800 litre tank.
- Extra needs: Add water for flushing, cleaning, plant watering, or emergencies—round the capacity up.
Tip: Use 1,000–1,500 litre tanks for smaller families; 2,000–3,000 litres for larger households.
2. Choose the Right Tank Material
The material affects durability, cost, maintenance, and health safety.
a) Plastic (Polyethylene)
- Pros: Lightweight, rust-free, affordable, UV-stabilised, available in various colours and shapes.
- Cons: Less durable than metal or concrete, may crack under direct sun heat .
- Best use: Rooftop installations with regular cleaning.
b) Stainless Steel
- Pros: Non-corrosive, hygienic, long-lasting, adds modern look.
- Cons: Higher cost; small capacities are feasible, but larger ones get expensive.
- Best use: Loft tanks in apartments where purity and aesthetics matter.
c) Concrete (RCC)
- Pros: Exceptional strength, heat insulation, ideal for underground or large capacities.
- Cons: High installation effort, potential cracks, heavier maintenance.
- Best use: Plinth-level sumps or underground storage.
d) Fiberglass/FRP
- Pros: Corrosion-resistant, light, strong .
- Cons: Higher cost, may degrade under UV if outer coat absent.
- Best use: As overhead or underground tanks in corrosive environments.
3. Plan Placement: Overhead, Loft, or Underground?
Where you install matters for pressure, maintenance, and practicality.
- Overhead Tanks: Installed on rooftops; gravity-fed, range from 500 litres to 5,000+ litres.
- Loft Tanks: Smaller tanks (100–500 litres) under the slab for kitchen or bathroom supply.
- Underground/Sump: RCC, plastic, or fiberglass tanks used as basement storage; keep water cool and save space.
Tip: Many apartments use a combo: a large underground tank for bulk storage and smaller loft tanks for immediate use.
4. Check Tank Features & Quality
Quality features are essential for hygiene and longevity.
- Food-grade material: Ensure plastic tanks are ISI-certified and labeled potable.
- UV-stabilised walls: Prefer dark green or black tanks for sun protection.
- Layered walls: 3–4 layers in plastic tanks offer thermal insulation and algae resistance .
- Manholes & inspection lids: For easy cleaning (e.g., Sintex Ace has side manholes).
- Strong base: Steel or reinforced platforms for elevated plastic tanks.
- Accessories: Include ladders, inlet filters, vents, and secure lids to avoid contamination.
5. Compare Top Brands in India
| Brand | Material | Notable Features |
| Sintex | Plastic (LLDPE), fiberglass | UV-stable, multi-layer, side manholes |
| Plasto | Plastic | UV-resistant, varied shapes |
| Supreme/Vectus | Plastic Multi-layer | Algae-resistant, ISI-certified |
| Apollo Pipes | Plastic 3-5 layer | Customizable, insulated |
| Stainless Steel | SS (various grades) | Hygiene-focused, durable; check for panel tanks |
| Fiberglass/FRP | FRP liner over plastic | Corrosion-resistant; lighter than concrete |
6. Installation & Maintenance Tips
- Surface prep: Slightly slope rooftops to aid drainage and cleaning.
- Level base: Use concrete or steel platforms with strap clamps and anchors.
- Plumbing care: Ensure firm connections, inlet filters, and overflow pipes.
- Cleaning schedule: Clean tanks every 3–6 months; scrub walls and rinse.
- Inspect seals: Check for hairline cracks in plastic or seal deterioration in RCC tanks.
7. Real-Life Example—Mumbai Apartment
Mumbai high-rise apartments often face water shortages and solar exposure. One family installed a 2,000 litre Plasto UV-stabilised plastic tank on their terrace and a 300 litre stainless steel loft tank in the kitchen.
- The rooftop tank collects water at night; the loft tank ensures ready supply during mornings.
- Side manhole access allows semi-annual cleaning.
- Shadow walls protect the loft tank from sunlight, extending its life.
8. FAQ Section
Q: Can plastic tanks be underground?
A: Only shallow (<1 m) and UV-stable tanks are recommended. For deep underground, use RCC or fiberglass.
Q: Is black/green always better?
A: Yes—these colours block UV light, protect water quality, and reduce algae growth.
Q: How long does each tank type last?
- Plastic: 10–20 years
- Stainless steel: 20+ years
- RCC: 30+ years (if no cracks)
- Fiberglass: 15–25 years
9. Final Takeaway
Choosing the right water tank selection India for apartments is about balancing capacity, material, location, and brand quality. For most urban homes:
- Plastic rooftop tank (multi-layer, ISI) handles daily supply.
- Stainless steel or plastic loft tank provides immediate water for drinking and cooking.
- Optional underground sump stores emergency or harvested rainwater.
By planning carefully and choosing wisely, you’ll have a reliable water supply that’s safe, easy to maintain, and long-lasting.
Source : fulinspace.com