Cistern types made of concrete and plastic


The most obvious and first distinguishing feature among cistern species is the material of which it is made. Most widely used for rainwater use are variants of concrete and plastic. Rare and mostly converted from old buildings are masonry cisterns. Apart from the manufacturing material, the types of cisterns differ in their function and task.

concrete cisterns

If you want to buy or build a cistern for rainwater, you have the choice between a concrete cistern and a plastic cistern. Both materials allow a variety of individual design and use options.

While plastic cisterns are installed as finished cast tanks, concrete cisterns can also be finished cast or assembled from separate parts. Concrete tanks are divided into three types:

1. Monolithic cisterns from a ready poured concrete container.
2. Two-piece cisterns with bottom container and attached lid.
3. Chess ring cisterns consisting of several bricked concrete rings and lids.

1. Monolithic concrete cisterns
As finished products, monolithic concrete cisterns are delivered in installable condition and normally inserted directly into the prepared excavation pit upon delivery. The majority of cisterns are round with conical lid. They may be provided with "empty" ports or already have built-in spigots, seals and filter units. The usual capacity is between 4000 and 12,000 liters.

2. Two-piece concrete cisterns
In a two-piece cistern, the bucket-shaped base is separated from the lid to be mounted. Advantage over the monolithic cistern is a more handy alignment of the openings in the lid, as the lid can be moved more easily than the entire cistern.

3. Chess ring cisterns made of concrete
The cheapest cistern type of concrete is the construction of manhole rings, which are placed on top of each other and connected with mortar or well foam. This version is especially in demand by experienced individuals who build their own cistern. Particular attention must be paid here to a thorough and permanent sealing.

All concrete cisterns have a high traffic load common, which allows installation under vehicle-driven areas such as carports, garages, driveways or parking areas.

Plastic cisterns

The finished cast tanks, which are used as plastic cisterns, are usually rectangular shaped with rounded corners and edges. For static stability, the plastic walls are not smooth in most models, but have stabilizing fillings.

1. Conventional plastic cisterns
The usual commercially available production sizes have capacities between 1500 and 8000 liters. The dead weight can be up to 300 kilograms in the largest versions. Like the monolithic concrete cisterns, they can already be fully equipped or, in the case of larger models in particular, installed without equipment.

2. Plastic cisterns in flat construction
Unlike concrete cisterns, plastic cisterns are available in very shallow constructions that have a correspondingly larger surface area. Especially in difficult soil conditions or a high groundwater level, the flat construction is practical. In addition to the underground installation also placements, for example, under roofs are well implemented.

Of course, plastic cisterns are only limited traffic. Normal tread and plant load as in a cistern in the garden does not matter, but the cisterns are not drivable.

The light weight of the plastic cisterns carries the risk of buoyancy or a change in the situation. This potential for damage can be countered by covering with mortar or anchoring.

Other cistern types

From antiquity, for example, from the Roman Empire, the masonry cistern construction is known. Basically nothing speaks against the bricking of cisterns made of bricks, the sealing by means of suitable mortar and Dichtschlämme is particularly important.

Tips & Tricks

In the case of plastic cisterns, make sure that the material is recyclable, since the lifespan is usually limited to ten to twenty years.
Cistern types made of concrete and plastic

FAQ - 💬

❓ Which water tank is best plastic or concrete?

👉 It is this flexibility which makes plastic tanks more resilient than concrete tanks in the longer run. However, one does have to take care of pressure and other environmental factors that overhead tanks may be subjected to.

❓ What is the best material for a cistern?

👉 Cast-in-place reinforced concrete is considered best, especially for underground cisterns. However, cinderblock-walled cisterns with concrete floors are common and are quite satisfactory for below-ground construction; these will usually be somewhat less expensive than the all-concrete version.

❓ What is the best material for a water tank?

👉 While there are plenty of options available, the best material for water tanks is plastic. Being made up of polyethylene, these tanks are non-corrosive and are designed for long life. The best part is that these tanks don't suffer from rust or corrosion, unlike metal and concrete.

❓ What is the difference between a cistern and a water tank?

👉 These cisterns differ from water tanks in the sense that they are not entirely enclosed and sealed with one form, rather they have a lid made of the same material as the cistern, which is removable by the user. To keep a clean water supply, the cistern must be kept clean.

❓ How long does a plastic cistern last?

👉 Contact times, or the amount of time it takes fabrics to begin to change due to weathering or chemicals, usually range from one to seven years.

❓ Are plastic cisterns safe?

👉 Polyethylene water tanks are created for the storage, transportation, and handling of water. Most of our plastic water tanks are potable and made with FDA approved resin, making them food-grade and safe for drinking water.

❓ Are concrete water tanks safe?

👉 Proven to be free from algae, cryptosporidium and Legionnaires disease, concrete water tanks are also ideal for those of you want to keep their water much cooler via a durable, long-lasting solution. An effective fire shield between adjacent spaces, concrete is the perfect material for water tanks.

❓ What are the different types of cistern?

👉 Cisterns are classified into four types based on the type of impact : Vertical Impact Cistern....

  • Vertical Impact Cistern. ...
  • Horizontal Impact Cistern. ...
  • Inclined Impact Cistern. ...
  • Cistern without impact.

❓ How do you seal concrete cisterns?

👉 3:026:50Problems with a Leaking Cistern? How to Seal a Cistern

❓ How long do concrete water tanks last?

👉 Concrete tanks need very minimal maintenance and can last up to 50 years. Alternative tank systems available in the market need to be repaired and have strict maintenance cycles, which means a lot of money is invested for their maintenance.

❓ Are plastic water tanks safe?

👉 Plastic tanks are quite affordable and durable. Unlike steel tanks which can be durable but can be quite costly too. These plastic tanks can withstand the harsh climate and they are made up of high-quality LLDPE material. This material is considered to be safe for storing drinking water.

❓ What is a concrete cistern tank?

👉 A concrete cistern tank is a large tank for collecting rainwater collected from impervious surfaces for domestic use or for consumption. The rainwater collected in a concrete cistern tank can be used for two purposes: domestic use and consumption.

❓ What are the different types of cisterns?

👉 Cisterns come in a range of sizes from small to the largest with capacity to store thousands of cubic litres of water. As a cistern is required to store water, it must be made from very sturdy and waterproof materials. These come in galvanized mild steel, polypropylene or glass reinforced plastics.

❓ Should I choose a concrete or plastic underground cistern?

👉 When in doubt, go with concrete cisterns. Here's a list of advantages and disadvantages of plastic underground cisterns that we've developed from our field experience: *If your site is remote or access is an issue, plastic cisterns are easily transportable and easy to install, even with small equipment

❓ What is a cistern and how does it work?

👉 A cistern; is a receptacle built to store water. Cisterns come in a range of sizes from small to the largest with capacity to store thousands of cubic litres of water. As a cistern is required to store water, it must be made from very sturdy and waterproof materials. These come in galvanized mild steel, polypropylene or glass reinforced plastics.


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