TOP 10 Most Googled Water Tank Questions

Buying a water tank is one of those decisions people rarely make lightly, and nor should they. Whether you’re a homeowner wanting to reduce water bills, a farmer preparing for dry seasons, or a business planning infrastructure upgrades, the same water tank questions appear again and again.

What size tank do I need?
How much does it cost?
Where does it go?
Do I need council approval?

These are the real, practical questions buyers type into Google — and they’re exactly what we’re answering here. This guide compiles the most common water tank questions in Australia, providing quick answers and links to further help so you can make a confident, informed purchasing decision.

This is the most searched question — and for good reason.
The correct tank size depends on three main factors:

• How much water you use
• How much rain you can collect
• How long you want the water to last

Your roof catchment area and local rainfall directly influence how much water you can harvest, while household size, gardens, livestock or business use determine how quickly you’ll use it. Understanding usage and collection is essential to selecting the correct capacity.

As a general rule:

• Small households → 2,000–5,000 L
• Average homes → 5,000–10,000 L
• Rural / commercial → 20,000 L+

Usage determines everything — size, accessories, plumbing and budget.
Most buyers fall into three categories:
Outdoor Use Only
Gardens
Car washing
Pool top-ups
Household Connection
Toilets
Laundry
Hot water
Property / Business Use
Livestock
Irrigation
Wash-down
Emergency supply

Using rainwater indoors can significantly reduce mains consumption, but it usually requires a licensed plumber for connection. Read the following blog post to determine how to plumb for your chosen water tank use:

Material choice is a major decision point.
Poly Tanks

• Lightweight
• Affordable
• UV-stable
• Rust resistant

Steel Tanks

• Large capacity
• Strong
• Popular for rural properties

Concrete Tanks

• Extremely durable
• Fire resistant
• Often underground

Polyethylene tanks remain the most common choice due to strength, affordability and ease of installation. But the “best” tank depends on your property, space and budget. Here is some more information to help you make your decision:

Buyers rarely ask only about the tank price; They want the total project cost, and that’s fair enough.
Typical expenses include:

• Tank purchase
• Delivery
• Base preparation
• Pump
• Plumbing
• Accessories

Costs vary widely depending on size and complexity; therefore, getting a complete quote early is important. The biggest mistake buyers make is budgeting only for the tank. So you don’t make this mistake, give our friendly team a call on 1300 826 532 and they will be happy to honestly help you determine what you need and what you don’t.

• Installation cost
• Pump efficiency
• Visual impact
• Maintenance access

Common locations include:

• Side of the house (slimline tanks)
• Under decks and balconies
• Underground
• Shed catchment areas
• Paddock placement for livestock

Space, plumbing runs and catchment access should all be considered when choosing a tank location. Here is a helpful blog post that dives deeper into water tank positioning and plumbing:

This is one of the highest-intent search questions, and for very good reason. Rules vary by state and council, but generally:

• Smaller tanks may be exempt
• Height and placement rules apply
• Plumbing connections require compliance
• New builds often require tanks for BASIX or energy ratings

For example, some tanks up to certain sizes may not need approval but must still meet development conditions and installation rules. Always check local council requirements before purchasing.

Need some more information? Here you go:

Water quality is a major concern for buyers. Most systems rely on:

• Leaf strainers
• First flush diverters
• Sealed inlets
• Filters
• Regular gutter cleaning

If drinking water is intended, materials must be safe and installation steps must ensure clean storage conditions. Water tank maintenance is simple but maintaining a regular cleaning and checking routine is important to sustain healthy, safe drinking water for you and your family.

Here are some specific blog posts on keeping your water tank clean and healthy:
The Hidden Enemy Inside Your Water Tank

Accessories turn your water tank into a complete, usable, safe and efficient water harvesting system. Common add-ons include:

• Pumps
• Filters
• Tank level indicators
• First flush diverters
• Pressure controllers
• Irrigation connections

The right accessories improve water quality, usability and efficiency — especially for household, commercial, or farm use. If you’re looking to set up your system right AND save money, here are some helpful blog posts:

Because tanks are long-term investments, their lifespan matters. Longevity depends on:

• Material quality
• UV protection
• Wall thickness
• Installation base
• Maintenance

Quality Australian-made tanks often carry long warranties and are designed for decades of use. This is why manufacturing standards and shot weight are important buying considerations. Check out more information on that here:

If the government offers financial support, it’s worth asking and finding out. Programs may include:

• Council rebates
• Drought infrastructure grants
• BASIX incentives
• Plumbing connection rebates
• Rural water security programs

Eligibility often depends on tank size and whether it connects to household fixtures. Checking rebates before purchasing can significantly reduce upfront costs. Here is a recent blog post to check out for further information:

Buying a water tank isn’t just about storage capacity — it’s about how the tank fits your lifestyle, property and long-term water goals. By asking the right water tank questions early — size, usage, placement, compliance and maintenance — you avoid costly mistakes and choose a water catchment system that works for years.

The Water Tank Factory helps homeowners, farmers and businesses navigate these decisions every day — from small slimline tanks to large commercial storage solutions. If you’re planning a water tank purchase, speak with our friendly team or explore the range online to find the right fit for your property. We are here to help you make the right decision for your water storage security.