When you need to store potable water, a water tank is the best option, but many water tanks are unsightly regardless of their color or material. Underground water tanks are the ideal solution for storing water out of sight. Like traditional above-ground water tanks, underground water tanks have their benefits and disadvantages. Below we explore the pros and cons of underground water tanks to help determine if they are right for you.

Pros of Underground Water Tanks

Underground water tanks primarily offer space-saving benefits and increase water storage efficiency.

Save Space on Your Property

Underground water tanks are hidden aside from occasional pipes going into the ground to the unit. This helps save space on your property so you can take full advantage of your land. Like septic tanks, underground water tanks can be installed beneath your lawn with access pipes, making them accessible while still concealed.

Avoid Unattractive Aesthetics

Water tanks are often bulky and unattractive. You don’t want a giant metal or plastic water tank disrupting the aesthetics of your beautiful yard and home. An underground water tank is installed close to your home without getting in the way of your property’s appearance.

Wear and tear also affect your water tank’s appearance. Rust and dirt appear over time on metal or plastic tanks, adding to their ugliness.

Protect Your Water Tank

When your water storage tank is installed above ground, the effects of weather, vandalism, and accidental damage can wreak havoc with your potable water storage. In some cases, you may even need to install a fence to protect your tank. With an underground water tank, this is not an issue because you are the only one who can access it.

The water inside an underground water tank is also protected due to stable underground temperatures, so the weather does not affect water temperature. No matter the season, water will remain cool enough for crop irrigation and drinking. The outside of the tank also stays protected from physical damage, which increases its longevity.

Maximize Your Water Storage

If you have limited space on your property and need to install a potable water tank, you are not out of options. Installing an underground water tank is the ideal solution for storing water when you don’t have the space for a huge tank. Using an underground water tank allows you to keep more water than your current above-ground situation allows.

Cons of Underground Water Tanks

The cons of underground water tanks are less evident but can lead to problems if your tank is not maintained regularly.

More Expensive to Install and Maintain

Underground water tanks are more expensive to install due to the labor costs of digging a hole for them and hooking up access pipes. Because they are underground, these tanks will also require an additional water pump to aid in bringing water to you against the force of gravity. Underground tanks also must be given extra protection to withstand a lack of maintenance.

The maintenance of underground water tanks is more costly than above-ground water tanks due to the difficulty in accessing them. Structural issues with your tank can occur without you noticing, causing your water bill to soar.

Difficult to Maintain

Underground water tanks are tough to maintain in general. If your soil is not suited for your tank, it can lead to wear and tear that can contaminate your water supply. Improper soil types also make it challenging to maintain your underground water tank by hiding cracks and chips in the tank material.

More infrequent maintenance caused by accessibility issues can potentially degrade your tank. If not regularly checked and maintained, more problems will arise, and you may need to rehaul your water tank storage system completely. Once problems occur with your water tank’s material, it can be impossible to restore your tank to its original condition.

About the author: Steve has been writing on water tanks related topics for over a decade. This article is written by him for National Storage Tank - leader in above and below ground water storage tanks and systems