Answers to the Questions We Get Asked Most Often

 

 


How long can I expect to wait before my Duraplas tank is delivered?
AOnce The Tank Factory has confirmed receipt of your paid tax invoice we will endeavour to arrange delivery to your nominated address within a typical time frame of 4-6 weeks*.

Longer lead times may occur for Some less popular colours, special orders or delivery regions outside of the standard delivery area or an area 200km from nearest depot. Dry Weather, Drought and “the lead up to Christmas” can cause upward trends in Rainwater demand also,  thus it is somewhat predictable that these events can also cause extra demand and lead time.

Our advice, expect and plan in advance for additional lead time when:

  • There are forecasts for widespread prevailing dry weather
  • In the lead up to Christmas

To read more about delivery of your water tank, please make a selection below:

Poly tank (and accessories) delivery information
Steel tank delivery information



What are the dimensions of your water tanks?
AAll tank dimensions are listed on our website next to each available tank model. Click here to browse our range of tanks (and see tank dimensions). Dimensions are approximate as the shrinkage rate does vary slightly depending on the conditions when manufactured. As the tanks are roto-moulded using a mould, the dimensions cannot be changed but there are several other options available. Please contact one of our friendly sales consultants for more details.


Q3
What will delivery of my tank cost and what do I need to do to prepare?
A

To read more about delivery of your water tank, please make a selection below:

>> Poly tank (and accessories) delivery information
>> Steel tank delivery information


Q4
Why should I buy a Duraplas poly tank from The Tank Factory over other brands?
AThe ‘New Generation’ design features are what make Duraplas tanks really stand out. The quality really is second to none! Much heavier shot weights and strict quality control measures ensure you are buying the best. Duraplas Tanks have proven the test of time in the harsh Australian environment.

Duraplas Industries is an “Australian, family owned business which has been manufacturing locally since 1984.” That’s right, the same owners since the early eighties. This is unique in the tank industry and ensures you peace of mind that you are dealing with people that really care. Your tank is covered by a warranty you can TRUST!

Read More About How Our Tanks Compare


What tank colours are available?
AThe Tank Factory has a wide range of stylish colours available to suit your property. To view our range of tank colours available, please refer to our tank colour range page by clicking here.

Do I need a pump for my tank?
A In most cases, a pump will be necessary for your rainwater tank setup unless the tank is positioned high enough to allow for “gravity feeding.” To successfully “Gravity Feed” the tank will need many meters of vertical height advantage above where the water needs to be supplied too. This is often impractical in urban settings..


How do I know which pump will best suit my needs?
A

Choosing the right Pressure Pump with Your Rainwater tank Purchase:

  1. If you looking to supply an urban house or dwelling with Rainwater to comply with Building Development Conditions (toilets and laundry for example), then you will require a Pump system with an automatic mains water backup supply, We have 2 pump bundles that will suit:

Pump Bundle with Rain to mains Valve (external pump): Suitable for all slimline and round poly tanks.

Pump Bundle with Rain to mains Valve (Submersible pump): Suitable for underground tanks but can also be used with slimline and round tanks.

  1. Garden Watering, We offer a pump bundle for the primary Purpose of providing Convenient Supply to 1 or 2 garden hoses with handheld nozzles:

Garden pump Bundle.

For properties with Reticulated irrigation systems, we can have additional pump options available.

  1. Rural properties without Mains water supply: We can provide advice on correct sizes for the size and expanse of the household, to ensure reliable pressure.

If have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us

What’s the best way to get my tank installed? Does The Tank Factory offer an installation service?
AOur experienced team will manufacture and deliver your new rainwater tank. The best trades-person to provide installation services in your area, is a qualified plumber (however quite a number of our clients install the tank themselves). Unfortunately we are not directly able to provide installation services at this time, but with numerous plumbers to choose from, installation help isn’t far away. Certainly if you have a plumber you have used before and are happy with, that is the best place to start. We have an installation guide on our website detailing the base requirements for our different types of tanks. It is best practice for any trades-person or self-installer to follow these directions for warranty purposes.


What will my new water tank cost?
AOur tanks are always very competitively priced. Tank pricing is included on our website next to each tank model. Click here to browse our range of tanks (and see tank pricing).  These pages along with the tank specials page will reveal the best possible deals available in the industry.


What tanks do have in stock?
AFor poly Tanks,  We offer 23  colours, 22 different Round poly tank sizes, 11 different slimline poly tanks sizes,  making 759 different size and colour combinations,  to enable us to offer this much choice….tanks are make to your specific order.  Similar story for steel tanks,   there are literally thousands of different size ad colour combinations,  All Steel tanks are made to order.   

Q11
What payment methods are accepted?
AWe accept the following payment methods:

1. Completing an EFT Transfer (bank deposit) into our account using your online banking system (or at a Commonwealth Bank Branch). EFT payment details can be provided once a tax invoice has been generated.

2. BPAY Payment is available. BPAY payment details can be provided once a tax invoice has been generated.

3. Visa or Mastercard. Phone us during business hours to have a payment securely processed using your Visa or Mastercard on 1300 TANK FACTORY (1300 826 532). Please note: payments made using either Visa or Mastercard will incur a 1% merchant fee surcharge.


Q12
Does my new tank come with a warranty?
ADuraplas Industries is an “Australian, family owned business which has been manufacturing locally since 1984.” That’s right the same owners since the early eighties. This is unique in the tank industry and ensures you peace of mind that you are dealing with people that really care. Your tank is covered by a warranty you can TRUST.

Duraplas Poly Water Tanks are warranted to perform the function for which they were designed, namely holding potable water at ambient rainwater temperatures for a period of 20 years,  backed by a 20-year guarantee (10 + 10)

What’s more, our tanks lead the industry with New Generation™ Poly Tank Technology, meaning careful computer aided rib design, no vertical join lines, no centre pole, and dome self-supporting roof providing extra tank strength and rigidity. Guaranteed heavy-duty ‘shot weights’ mean thicker walls and more rigidity than other makes, and ensuring your quality tank will serve you faithfully year upon year.

Lattice Poly Underground & Poly Underdeck tanks are warranted for a period of 5 years. Industrial, chemical, molasses tanks, troughing are warranted for a period of 5 years.

Kingspan steel tank range is backed by a 20 year corrosion warranty on the BlueScope Aquaplate® steel material and a 10 year construction/workmanship guarantee.

To read more about your tank warranty, please make a selection below:

>> Poly tank warranty information
>> Steel tank warranty information


Q13
What fittings are included when I purchase a Duraplas Tank?
AWater tanks come standard with one stainless steel mesh Inlet leaf strainer, a Watermark approved brass outlet and ball valve (25mm) and a 90mm overflow Spout/flange complete with a stainless steel mesh cap.

A comprehensive range of rain harvesting fittings and accessories are available and can be viewed on the tank accessories page.

All Duraplas tanks supplied by The Tank Factory have shot weights which exceed industry standards. This ensures that your tank has thicker walls and is more robust. Computer aided production programmes and unique moulding techniques produces thicker wall sections down low – where the strength is required. All shot weights are guaranteed and can be viewed for each tank size under the tank descriptions. Ultra sound testing of the tanks ensures that they all meet the strict guidelines of AS/NZ4766 standard.

Duraplas Tanks are designed for above ground installations but can easily handle partial back filling for either one side or partial all round submersion. Please see our installation guide for more info. If you have any further questions please contact our friendly staff.

water tank fittings and inclusions


Q14
Should I buy a poly tank or a steel tank? What are the main differences?
ABoth poly and steel tanks are great products with a number of key strengths:

Poly Tank Strengths:

  • Very cost effective
  • Robust, durable and easy to handle and install
  • Wide array of colours to match most colorbond colours
  • 20 year manufacturer’s warranty
Steel tank Strengths:

  • Traditional architectural look
  • Massive array of size combinations with made to measure options available on request
  • Meets bushfire water storage standards without the need for a cinder shield
  • Aquaplate tanks carry 10 year manufactures construction warranty, 20 year bluescope corrosion warranty. Rural Panel Tanks carry a 20 year pro-rata manufacturer’s warranty

Certainly Poly Tanks provide the best value-for-money, whereas steel tanks have more options available for those unique situations. When Looking at the warranty for either steel or poly,  the life expectancy is very similar. Our experienced team are happy to discuss the various options and assist with any queries you might have, just use our contact us page.


Can you take away my old tank when delivering the new one?
AUnfortunately existing rainwater tank removal is not a service we can provide, often old rainwater tanks are being replaced because of structural problems and thus are too risky to transport on the road. We suggest cutting the tank up into smaller, more manageable sections and disposing of the tank via a recycling service.


Can I safely drink rainwater from the tanks you provide?
ABoth our Steel and Poly Tanks are made from food grade materials, safe for potable grade drinking water.


Will your tanks give drinking water an unpleasant ‘plastic’ taste?
ANeither our Poly or Steel tanks will give drinking water an unpleasant ‘plastic’ taste.

We would suggest that all our clients ensure that all pipework (downpipes and supply lines) be checked to ensure they are made from food grade material. The great water from a food grade tank can be tainted by cheap non-food grade pipework.


Where are your tanks manufactured?
AOur Poly Tanks are manufactured on the North Coast of NSW, centrally located to service areas as far south as Canberra ACT and as far north as Rockhampton QLD (and even areas beyond that upon request).

Kingspan (formally Tankworks, our Steel Tank supplier) have manufacturing facilities in Victoria, NSW and QLD. providing a massive delivery scope up and down the eastern states.


What do I need to do before the tank arrives?
A A few key points to think about or check before your new tank arrives:

  • Check your invoice to ensure the tank you will receive is correct including dimension, colour and fitting layout.
  • Check for overhead clearance, depending on the size of the tank(s) on the truck, our trucks can sometimes be up to 4.8 meters tall
  • Check for access obstructions to the ‘tank site’ or ‘pad’
  • We suggest for the smoothest possible placement of the tank that the ‘tank site’ or ‘pad’ be prepared (to our recommendations as per our website) prior to the delivery date. For steel tanks it is a must that the tank site is already prepared prior to the arrival of the delivery truck


Do I need State or Local Government approval to install a rainwater tank?
AState Government approval is not needed, however depending on your land zone and Local Government laws some Local Government approval may be needed.

In most cases tanks of a volume less than 10,000 litres may not need approval, however the best way to clarify this is with a quick phone call to your local council. While you are on the phone with them, ask whether they have rebates available for rainwater tanks.  There are still quite a number of councils and water companies providing rebates in local areas.


Do you sell used or second grade tanks?
AWe offer excellent A1 quality 1st grade tanks at excellent prices. We do not offer second grade products for sale.

2nd grade tanks are less than 1% of total production for Duraplas Poly tanks,  maybe some other companies have a higher rate of producing these, but Realistically no company aims to produce 2nd grade products. Most Companies do whatever they can to avoid their production.

Keeping the production of 2nd grade tanks low helps us offer great prices on A1 Quality tanks Duraplas are known for.


Can you conduct a site visit to my property?
AUnfortunately we are not in a position to be able to assist with requests for onsite consultation. The Tank Factory is a web based business operating from Alstonville on the NSW far North Coast, as such we do not have field representatives to consult with, nor quote on site. Whilst we are certainly happy to arrange for the sale and delivery of rainwater tanks, if a site visit is required we recommend you engage the services of a licensed plumber local to your area, who will be able to offer guidance on the best place to install your new tank.


Do you offer a trade discount?
A

Our website displays not only our range of tanks (both poly and steel), but also our heavily discounted prices, tank dimensions, colours available etc.

Our prices are as currently advertised for all of our customers. As our pricing is already heavily discounted, we do not offer separate wholesale pricing to other businesses for the purpose of resale to their customers. We are a web business and offer excellent prices direct to the public, whether they be private individuals or trading companies.


Can I cut the top off a round design poly tank and convert it to be used as a swimming / plunge pool?
AQuite a few people make this request of us so it’s not that unusual an idea. The major problem you will encounter in cutting down a poly tank is that once the lid has been cut off, the tanks lose their structure (support) and even when filled with water the tank will continue to collapse in on itself rendering the idea of using as a plunge pool worthless.

We do however offer specially designed plunge pools with a rolled top edge to provide strength. These plunge pools can be viewed here.


How do I know what tank size is best for my needs? How much rainwater can my home roof / shed roof / hard surface capture?
A

There are 3 main factors to consider when choosing a rainwater tank/s:

1. Space available

2. Supply available (i.e. roof space X average rainfall)

3. Demand for water

Space available:

This is simply the amount of room there is for a tank within the chosen area. We rate this as the most important factor for urban situations.

Supply available:

For every 1 square meter of roof space, for every 1mm of rainfall, 1 litre of catchment into the tank is produced. (Roof space (m2) X rainfall (mm) = catchment in litres)

So by that we can estimate the average monthly supply.

For example the average rainfall per month for Coffs Harbour is about 95mm. (less in winter and much more during the summer months)

So for example, the roof catchment space is 250 square meters

<Roof Size> 250 x <Average Rainfall> 95 = 23,750 litres of catchment per month.

Demand for water:

Now if the tank was supplying water for all your needs (which is unlikely in an urban situation), the average adult uses about 220 litres per day.

If there were say for example 3 adult people living in the home, the average DAILY usage would be 660 litres. Worked out monthly that would equate to about 19,800 litres of average usage.

However if the water was just being used for watering the gardens, the average 1/2″ garden tap delivers water at a rate of approximately 12-15 litres per minute. For example, watering for 30 mins a day from one garden tap would use approximately 405 litres. Do that every day for a month and you would use 12,150 litres.

So really it’s a balancing act between supply, demand and available space.

We have a Great Catchment and Usage Calculator on our website to help you see how this would apply to your project.


Why are slimline tanks more expensive than rounds tanks?
ARound tanks have a naturally strong shape and are more efficient to manufacture. The oblong upright shape of slimline tanks requires more material and structural support when compared with round tanks. The extra material and the extra care required to produce a slimline tank add to the costs of the tank itself (i.e. r Round 5,000 litre poly tank needs 125 kg of material whereas a slimline tank of the same volume requires 250kg). With steel slimline and modline tanks, the same need for extra support is required Steel slimline tanks have stainless steel support rods to provide extra strength, this adds to the material and constructions costs of a steel slimline or modline tank.


Some of your underdeck and underground tanks look very similar, is there a difference? And why the difference in price?
AThere is a very important difference between underground tanks and underdeck tanks. Underdeck tanks are tanks that will not be buried and as such do not need to be as heavy duty as underground tanks. While some models of our underdeck tank range may look similar to our underground tanks, the thickness of the tank wall is much greater for the underground variants. It is crucially important that the correct model tank is ordered for the specific purpose. If the tank is going to be backfilled with soil-fill or buried, then an underground tank will be needed. As underground tanks are heavier and require more materials to manufacture, they are more expensive to produce than their underdeck counterparts.


What tank outlet/overflow location should I choose? How should I figure this out? Is there a common recommended setup?
A Depending on the type of tank, there are a number of fitting position options we provide to assist with installation. Having the outlet or overflow pointing in the right direct off the tank can really make the plumbing look very neat and professional.

Each tank installation is different, and as such, there is no ‘recommended’ or ‘standard’ tank layout. We would recommend (in consultation with a plumber, if required) sketching out the potential layout. Consider the available options for each tank type and the plumbing connections; filling the tank from the roof, overflowing to the stormwater service and the outlet to the pump.

Please refer to the tank outlet and overflow locations diagram which is included along with each tank listing, which will help you identify the best setup, or feel free to contact our friendly staff if you need assistance with this.


Have another question?
APlease contact our friendly staff today, who will be happy to assist with your enquiry.

Contact Our Friendly Staff

Contact Us Online

1300 826 532

Our experienced team look forward to
assisting with your enquiry

Read Our FAQs
Watch Our Video
How our Tanks Compare
Fun Facts About The Tank Factory
Browse Our Tank Range

We Accept:

 

 

  • "Today I experienced the best customer service I could imagine."

    T Marker
    Hi the tank factory, Today I experienced the best customer service I could imagine . - I needed to arrange people to help with the delivery / installation . - Delivery was made 5 minutes within ETA - The driver assured me, there was no reason to be concerned about what was going to happen . - I had 3 people with me to assist the exercise . - The driver explained how things would happen with safety being paramount . - It happened as he said it would . The 3 people I had to help were a 23 y/0 labour  //  45 y/o fireman // 50 y/o sales rep . We all agreed that the driver was somebody that  " the tank factory ' should be very proud of as an employee . Congratulations  --  he is the face of your business to the client like me . My invoice number was 4574 . Regards,
  • "I congratulate you and The tank Factory staff not only on the presentation of the tank but the communication and assistance thoughtout"

    Ray and Lorraine
    Good Morning Russell, Lorraine and I would like to pass on our thanks and congratulate you and The tank Factory staff not only on the presentation of the tank but the communication and assistance thought out, the colour is brilliant and matches the roof exactly. It was a pleasure to deal with such a firm please pass on our thanks to all concerned including Rod who delivered the tank he is an asset to the company. Although he would have looked better with his NSW cap on I am also from NSW and my mate Peter could not say much as we were 2 against 1 him all in good fun. All this would not have been possible had it not been for you many thanks and all the best for the future. Regards, Ray and Lorraine
  • "Our tank looks amazing. Great product and excellent service... thank you!"

    Sue and Steve
    Hi there, We ordered a 22,700 litre water tank via The Tank Factory and our tank was delivered today by Murray. We would just like to say thank you for the fantastic service we received from Russell at the Tank Factory and from Murray. Murray arrived when he said he would, placed the tank expertly on the pad and all this was done with a wonderful attitude.Our tank looks amazing. Great product and excellent service... thank you! Kind regards, Sue and Steve
  • "I would have no hesitation in recommending The Tank Factory to my friends and associates based on this experience"

    Bob
    Jay/Russell, The tanks arrived today and I just wanted to say that the driver who delivered the tanks (Rod) was very good in keeping us informed on delivery time and displayed great customer service with the delivery and discussions about the tanks with both myself and plumber. He certainly is a credit to your company and I would have no hesitation in recommending The Tank Factory to my friends and associates based on this experience. Please forward this email to the Head of your Customer service section. Thanks Bob
  • "It has been a pleasure doing business with you and I would have no hesitation in recommending you to friends. "

    Derek
    Good morning, We got our tank yesterday morning as promised. Many thanks to Nathan for his guidance and help in getting the tank into the right spot. His attitude and friendliness are a credit to both himself and your company. It has been a pleasure doing business with you and I would have no hesitation in recommending you to friends. Regards, Derek
  • "We are very happy to see our tanks on site and delivered safely"

    Mary Klazema
    Hi Russell, As discussed on the phone, I just wanted to commend the delivery team who delivered and installed our tanks. Jim and the boys were very professional and are a credit to the Tankworks team (who deliver the steel range of tanks for The Tank Factory). Our property has a steep driveway and Jim manoeuvred the truck so skilfully, his driving skills are outstanding which allowed the tanks to be unloaded with minimal fuss. They worked cooperatively and professionally.  Thank you to all, We are very happy to see our tanks on site and delivered safely, From, Mary Klazema  
  • "Your professionalism and service were outstanding throughout the purchase"

    Matt Meury
    Luke, apologies for not sending this sooner. I would like to THANK yourself and the whole team for all your help organising and delivering my new water tank. Your professionalism and service were outstanding throughout the purchase. I was always kept up to date and nothing was too hard. Well done Luke and the team. I cant speak more highly of Duraplas. Please forward this to John. Regards, Matt Meury
  • "It is always a pleasure to interface with men of this calibre. Thank you"

    Rowley & Clare from Dorrigo, NSW
    On 1-Oct, two 5,000 gallon tanks were delivered to our rural property outside Dorrigo. I merely write to compliment you on your delivery team of Bert & Mick who are a credit to your company. Firstly, they kept us informed of their expected arrival time. Secondly, we found them to be top “can do” blokes who skilfully off-loaded both tanks precisely where we wanted them. It is always a pleasure to interface with men of this calibre. Thank you Rowley & Clare, Dorrigo, NSW
  • Tate
    Hello, Out tanks were delivered this week as planned.. Just wanted to let you know the delivery guy was exceptionally nice and helpful.. Thats on top of the whole ordering process being easy. Please keep doing what you are doing 🙂 Look forward to ordering from you in the future. Regards Tate
  • "Considering the quality of your product, I believe I received the best available product for a good price"

    Alex from Stokers Siding
    I recently purchased a tank online (Inv 6692) that was delivered by Tweed Tanks last week. This is the 4th Duraplas tank I have purchased. I wish to commend the delivery driver on his prompt & professional service. The experience was positive & exceeded any expectation I had. I would also like to commend you on delivering a quality product. The price was not the cheapest but was extrememly competative & I chose to support a local company. Considering the quality of your product, I believe I received the best available product for a good price. I will continue to recommend & use your products. Regards, Alex from Stokers Siding

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