Installation
Delivery & Installation of Your Tank
It is the purchasers responsibility to ensure
Please note that the tanks have not been designed to support any externally applied live load to the roof of the tank. NO WALKING OR WEIGHT ON ROOF. This includes using the roof of the tank for access or a surface for stacked materials and/or equipment. Non compliance with either of these requirements will void product warranty.
Before You Buy: The Essentials
Understanding the logistics of delivery and installation is crucial. PTQ is a supplier only; we do not provide plumbing or installation services. * Professional Installation: We highly recommend hiring a qualified tradesperson or licensed plumber. Warranty Protection: Proper installation and maintenance aren't just good ideas—they are requirements to keep your warranty valid. Provide this guide to your installer before work begins.
📏 Measuring & Selecting Your Site
Don't just eye-ball it! A little prep work goes a long way.
- Local Regulations: Check with your local council regarding placement and setback rules.
- The Footprint: Whether your new tank is a slimline or round your tank pad must be larger than the tank itself. Ensure there is enough room for the base and plumbing.
- Elevation: The tank inlet must be lower than your gutters/downpipes to allow for gravity-fed water capture.
- Air Flow & Expansion: * Leave at least 50mm of space between the tank and any walls to prevent condensation.
- Allow 100mm of clearance from trees or other structures to account for the tank naturally expanding when full.
- Aesthetics: Consider window placement and sun exposure (shade helps longevity).
🚚 Delivery Logistics
Our delivery vehicles are sometimes very large and require specific site conditions.
- Vehicle Size: Delivery is typically via a truck and trailer combination which can exceed 19 metres in length with a 20-metre turning circle.
- Drop-off Point: Tanks are unloaded at the closest, safest location beside the vehicle.
- Access: It is the owner's responsibility to ensure the path is clear of obstructions. The clearance must accommodate your specific tank dimensions.
⚠️ Safety & Structural Integrity
- No Roof Loads: The roof is not designed to support weight. Do not walk, stand, or store materials on top of the tank. Doing so voids the warranty immediately.
- Do Not Enter: Never enter the tank, confined spaces must be properly managed for safety.
- No Burying: PTQ tanks are not designed to be buried. Burying a tank will void your warranty.
- Empty Tank Risk: Empty tanks can move or tip in high winds. Secure your tank immediately upon delivery or add some water to weight it down.
🛠️ Base Construction
A tank is only as good as what it sits on. The ground must be level, stable, and have uniform compaction.
Base Type | Requirements |
Compacted Dust | 75–100mm of crusher dust. Must be retained by a solid structure (sleepers/poles) and be 300mm wider than the tank diameter. Note: Bare ground or sand are unsuitable and will lead to tank failure. |
Concrete Slab | Reinforced concrete (25mpa), 75–100mm thick with F72 mesh. Must be level and larger than the tank base. |
Tank Stands | Must be engineer-certified to carry the weight of the tank when at maximum capacity. |
🚰 Plumbing & Fittings
We factory-fit your strainer, overflow, and brass outlet based on our "Clock Face" system.
- Inlet Strainer: Must remain in place to keep mosquitoes and vermin out.
Overflow Management: Overflow water must be piped away from the tank base (ideally to storm water or a rubble pit). If water is allowed to erode the base, the warranty is void.
- If connecting to home internals, it must be done by a plumber per Plumbing Code AS3500.
🚰 Plumbing & Fittings (More)
Flexibility is Key: Use a 30cm flexible hose section after the gate valve. This allows the tank to flex and move without snapping the fittings.
- Charged Lines: If using "wet" or charged downpipes, ensure they are at least 150mm away from the tank wall.
💧 Using Tank Water for Drinking
If your tank is your primary water source:
- Flush First: The food-grade polyethylene may leave a slight (harmless) taste initially. Flush the tank with a hose and drain before the first real fill.
- Clean the "Swarf": Plastic shavings (swarf) from drilling may be inside. Clean these out or capture them at the outlet screen during the first fill.
- Pump Protection: If using a pump, install a Y Strainer to prevent debris from damaging the internal components.
🧹 Ongoing Maintenance
To keep your water clean and your warranty active, the owner must:
- Clear Gutters: Keep gutters free of leaves to ensure maximum yield and water quality.
- Clean Screens: Regularly check and clear the inlet and overflow mesh.
- Regular Use: Water quality is best when the tank is used and replenished frequently.

