Do Poly Tanks Last well in the Sun? A few of the common myths busted

We understand that there are a few misconceptions out there about poly tanks and you might be a bit anxious about buying one. Here are a few questions we come across from time to time:

• Will my plastic tank break down or get brittle in the sun?
• Will my tank warp or bulge in the sun?
• Will my tank fade in the sun?

It’s no secret that the UV levels in Tasmania are some of the highest in the world! And as Tasmania’s leading manufacturer of poly rainwater tanks, we’re here to address your concerns. That’s why we’re taking the time today to answer all the points above and give you some of our top tips on caring for your new rainwater tank.

1. Will My Poly Tank Break Down in the Sun?

No. Now let us explain.

As we all know from those long-ago high school science lessons, some types of plastic can break down because of exposure. Sunlight, heat, chemical exposure, pollution… these are all factors that can affect the longevity of plastic.

But not our type of plastic.

Orion rainwater tanks are manufactured using food grade, fully UV stabilized polyethylene. And to put that in layman’s terms, this simply means that a stabilizer has been added to the resin which can absorb the UV and prevent the plastic from degrading in the sun.

2. Will My Poly Tank Warp or Bulge in the Sun?

No. Our tanks are rotomoulded from a single piece which ensures that they are structurally sound and robust enough to withstand even the hottest summer sun. UV stabilizers in the polymer protect the tank against the harmful UV rays, preventing it from bulging, warping, or going brittle.

3. Will My Poly Tank Fade in the Sun?

Although most surfaces seem to fade when they’re exposed to the sunlight, your poly tank won’t! Yes, over time your tank may lose some of the surface gloss or shine, but this is nothing to worry about - when you choose a colour for your new tank, you can rest easy, knowing that it won’t discolour sun.

All Orion rainwater tanks are manufactured in accordance with strict Australian standards. They’re made by Aussies for Aussies: we understand the harsh conditions our seasons serve up, and our products are tough, durable, and built to last.

Our 3# Top Tips for Tank Installation and Care

As with any investment, proper installation and a regular maintenance schedule for your water tanks is important. So let’s look at how you can ensure you get the best out of your investment from the get-go:

1. Take Time to Prepare the Tank Base Properly

Remember Grandma saying, “a stitch in time saves nine”? Taking the time to prepare a good, solid base for your poly rainwater tank will prevent a lot of headaches and unnecessary repair costs down the track:

• Use a stable base material such as gravel or concrete
• Ensure that the base is well compacted, level, and smooth
• Go the extra mile and build a retaining wall if necessary to prevent the base material from washing out during a downpour

2. Get a Professional to Install Your Tank

Even if you’re an avid DIYer, we still recommend that you get a professional plumber to install your tank. Failure to install your tank properly could lead to all sorts of issues, including voiding your 15-year product warranty.

3. Carry out Regular Maintenance on your Tank

We get it: rainwater tanks tend to be something that’s tucked away behind the shed, ‘out of sight and out of mind’. And if they’re just quietly doing their thing, shouldn’t we just leave them alone?

Maybe not. In fact, regular maintenance of your tanks and plumbing will help to keep your investment in tip-top condition and prevent issues from developing which could end up costing you a pretty penny down the track. Your maintenance schedule should include:

• Cleaning out the leaf strainers, gutters, and downpipes
• Ensuring that the catchment area (your roof) is clean and free of dirt, leaf litter and animal droppings
• Checking that the inflow and outflow pipes are in good working order, and there are no leaks or cracks
• Checking the pumps and taps regularly
• Periodically emptying and cleaning out the tank (this should only need to be done every 2 -3 years)

With proper care, your poly rainwater tanks are an investment which will last decades. Tried, tested, and proven across all regions of Australia, poly rainwater tanks are a popular choice in domestic, rural, and industrial situations.

Want more information about Orion rainwater tanks? Call us today on 1800 752 784 or check out our information page here.