Pros and cons of installing a rainwater tank

Imagine this: your garden’s looking more than a little parched on a scorching hot summer’s day. The plants and trees are in desperate need of a drink. You turn on the tap and, instead of worrying about your water bill, you’re confident that your rainwater tank has you covered.  

Rainwater tank installation offers more than a convenient solution in times when water might be scarce or in short supply. It also provides a way for Australian homeowners to be more sustainable in their approach to water consumption.  

These tanks store a bountiful water supply to draw on for watering your garden or using it for household chores, among many other purposes. But like anything, they may come with drawbacks for some homeowners too. If you’ve been thinking of getting one you should weigh up the pros and cons to see if it’s right for your home and lifestyle. 

“Rainwater tanks are highly useful water management systems, serving as reservoirs and tanks for collected rainwater.” - https://plumber-nearme.com.au/ 

Before we look at the benefits and drawbacks of rainwater tank use, let’s first look at the numerous options you can choose from.  

Tanks come in many shapes, sizes and materials to suit different needs and spaces. Whether you have a big backyard or a small urban block, there’s a tank type for you: 

• Plastic (Poly) tanks: These are lightweight, rust-resistant and relatively affordable, making them a popular choice for most homes. 

• Steel tanks: They’re incredibly sturdy and come in numerous sizes. However, they require a special rust-prevention coating. 

• Concrete tanks: Suitable for installing underground, these tanks are strong and sturdy but can be expensive and heavy. 

• Fibreglass tanks: Rust and chemical-resistant. Fibreglass tanks are perhaps less common than the other options above but are great for specific needs. 

• Bladder tanks: Their compact design makes them ideal for tight spaces, but they do offer limited storage capacity.  

With so many options to choose from, the right tank depends largely on your budget, space and water usage needs. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of rainwater tank installation. 

If you want to live sustainably and help conserve one of our most precious and essential resources, installing a rainwater tank is a great way to go about it. 

Collecting rainwater lowers your reliance on mains water which, in turn, takes pressure off local water supplies and the environment. It’s a win-win for you and the planet.  

You can use this collected water for a multitude of purposes, from watering the garden to washing the car and even flushing toilets. Rainwater tanks also reduce stormwater runoff, minimising local flooding, and preventing pollutants from entering rivers and oceans.  

Taking a more sustainable approach to living doesn’t have to be hard. Making this small change to your home can have a bigger impact than you might realise. 

Not only will you help the environment by installing a rainwater tank, but your bank balance will thank you too.  

Using collected rainwater for the everyday tasks we listed above helps lower your reliance on mains water. Over time these savings add up, particularly during times of peak water use or in local council areas with high water rates. Some households even cut their water bills in half after installing a tank.  

Yes, you’ll likely be hit with a significant upfront cost. That being said, you'll also likely enjoy long-term savings that offset the initial purchase and installation costs in a big way.  

Water restrictions and periods of water shortage have not been uncommon in Australia, especially in the 21st century. It is in these times that having a rainwater tank can be a great help to your home. 

When mains water is in short supply, a rainwater tank provides an effective plan-B source for essential household tasks. This is especially helpful in rural areas or during droughts when water becomes a real issue. In bushfire-prone areas, a rainwater tank can save lives by offering an extra water source for property protection.  

Knowing you have an independent water supply to fall back on during emergencies or dry spells is a nice bonus that makes installing a tank worthwhile. 

Rainwater tank installation isn’t free of potential drawbacks. For some homeowners, the initial purchase and installation costs can be big. 

How much you pay for the tank itself depends largely on its size and what it is made of. But it’s worth noting that installation adds a significant cost. You may also need additional components like pumps, filters, and plumbing connections to make the system work, and these can quickly add up. 

In addition, installation may require groundwork or structural adjustments, particularly for larger tanks or underground systems.  

For homeowners possibly stretched for finances, the upfront purchase and installation costs may seem excessive at first glance. 

However, potential government rebates or grants can help to offset partial costs and make the process more budget-friendly.

Make no bones about it; rainwater tanks consume a lot of outdoor space. And this might not be suitable for every home. 

It can be particularly hard to find the right spot to install even a small tank on a small block of land. Larger tanks can dominate your outdoor area and restrict its capacity for other uses. 

Aesthetics are another consideration as a big tank may not complement your home’s design. Though slimline and underground tank options can help, they are often more expensive. 

Planning and creative solutions like screening or landscaping can reduce the visual impact and help your tank blend in with your property. 

Yes, rainwater can be a great resource. However, it’s not always safe for every possible use straight out of the tank.  

In most cases, rainwater requires careful treatment as it likely contains dirt, bird droppings or chemicals washed off your roof. Though it’s safe to use untreated rainwater for outdoor tasks like watering the garden or cleaning, you’ll need specific filtration or purification systems in place to make it suitable for drinking, cooking, or even bathing. 

These systems add to the overall cost and require ongoing maintenance to work effectively. The added effort and costs may not be worthwhile for some homeowners, particularly if mains water is already affordable and available. 

Rainwater tank installation all comes down to weighing up the benefits and drawbacks. 

On the “pros” list you'll save both water AND money while keeping a backup supply during dry spells. On the “cons” side, however, you certainly can’t dismiss the upfront purchase and installation expenses, space requirements, and potential water treatment needs. 

For many households, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial hurdles. If you’re still unsure, talk to a professional and they can help you find the right solution for your needs and give you the satisfaction of being part of a more sustainable future.