Australia's Leading
Water Tank Manufacturer

The size of a water tank will depend on its specific purpose. It will also depend on appropriate for the rainfall in your region. You can use Bushman’s water tank size requirement calculator for a size estimate. Alternatively, we have written a blog, ‘What Size Water Tank Do I Need?’ with more information to help you choose the correct size for your situation. To help identify the rainfall in your region, we have put together some useful resources including an interactive Australian Average Rainfall Map here.

Available rainwater tank sizes:

• 0 – 5000 litres
• 5001 – 25,000 litres
• 25,001 – 100,000 litres
• Over 100,000 litres

Our range of poly water tanks are available in slimline styles up to 5,000 litres and round tank styles up to 46,400 litres. For larger storage solutions, our steel liner tanks are available in a range of sizes up to 360,000 litres.

When a rainwater tank runs dry, it’s crucial to manage the situation carefully to maintain the tank’s integrity and prepare for future water needs. An empty tank is lighter and may be more susceptible to movement or damage from strong winds unless properly secured. To avoid this, it’s advisable to always keep some water in the tank for stability. A dry tank often results from prolonged dry spells, higher usage rates than usual, leaks possibly caused by rodents or vegetation, or insufficient initial base preparation.

To efficiently manage water usage and ensure a steady supply, consider the installation of water level gauges. Bushmans offers a variety of options, such as the Yaktek Liquidator 2 Level Tank Gauge and the Rain Harvesting Mechanical Water Tank Sight Gauge. These tools help you monitor water levels, allowing for better planning and usage. If your tanks frequently run dry, it may be beneficial to assess your water storage needs. Adding another tank or implementing water-saving measures can provide a more reliable solution, ensuring you have enough water during dry periods.

Additionally, Bushmans provides an innovative solution with TankSmart, a smart water level monitor. TankSmart sends water level data directly to your smartphone, enabling you to monitor your water reserves effortlessly. This technology can be invaluable in managing your water resources more effectively with threshold notifications and level readings to help you make informed decisions about water use and system upgrades.

Rainwater tanks need regular maintenance to ensure they are clean and undamaged. Clear debris from the roof and gutters. Clean the pre-filtration system, tank strainer, and first flush diverter. Ensure that there are no overhanging tree branches. Clean the bottom of the water tank regularly to prevent sludge.

By including a first flush diverter into your rainwater tank setup, you can help reduce debris getting into your water tank. We recommend every few months cleaning your leaf strainer and checking gutters for debris. If the water tank has not been maintained or cleaned regularly, we recommend securing the assistance of a professional rainwater tank cleaner.

Rainwater tanks are designed to collect and store rainwater for a variety of uses. The process begins when rain falls on hard surfaces, typically roofs, and is channelled into the tank through a system of gutters and downpipes. At the entry point of the tank, a strainer is usually installed to catch leaves and larger debris, preventing them from entering the tank. This simple yet effective setup allows homeowners and businesses to harness natural water resources efficiently.

Once collected, the water may pass through additional filtration systems to remove finer particles and impurities, making it suitable for both potable (drinkable) and non-potable use. For household applications, such as laundry, toilet flushing, or garden irrigation, the water is typically distributed through hoses and pipes. A pump is often involved to ensure adequate water pressure throughout the system. This setup not only provides a sustainable source of water but can also lead to significant savings on water bills.

Rainwater tanks save groundwater and municipal water; essential in drought prone areas. Installing a rainwater tank is a great way to harvest rainwater for use around your home, garden, or farm. You save money, as rainwater is free and you aren’t reliant on municipal systems. Rainwater harvesting is environmentally friendly, and boosts regional and national water conservation efforts.

Another benefit of a rainwater tank is reduced water bills. Depending on the size of the water tank/s installed and the average household water usage, a household could reduce mains water usage up to 100%. However, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average Australian household can reduce their water bill by 30-60% utilising a rainwater tank.

The lifespan of a poly water tank can vary, but generally, you can expect a well-maintained tank to last between 10 to 20 years. Bushmans tanks are designed with longevity in mind, utilising UV-stabilized raw materials to withstand the harsh Australian climate. This material helps the tank resist the degrading effects of sunlight, making it more durable over time. In fact, there are Bushmans tanks that were installed over 25 years ago and are still effectively holding water today.

Several factors influence the longevity of a poly water tank. These include the tank’s exposure to direct sunlight, whether it is positioned in partial shade, and the extremes of local weather conditions such as temperature highs and lows. Proper placement and regular maintenance are crucial in extending the life of your tank, ensuring that it continues to serve your water storage needs efficiently for as long as possible.

Using a rainwater tank without a pump is possible but typically results in lower water pressure, as it depends solely on gravity. This setup may be adequate for simple tasks like filling up a watering can or filling up a bucket with water. However, for garden hose, irrigation or household applications, such as running appliances, flushing toilets, or showering. A pump is crucial to ensure that the water pressure from the rainwater tank matches that of the mains water system. A pump enables seamless integration of the rainwater into your home’s plumbing, providing consistent and adequate pressure throughout.

For larger tanks or more demanding applications, selecting the right pump is essential. Bushmans offers a range of pumps, including sophisticated systems with autochangover devices, which automatically switches between rainwater and mains water, ensuring that you always have access to water. If you run out of water in your tank, the autochangover will automatically switch to mains water. We have written a blog about how to select the best water tank and pump combination. If you would like to learn more, we have more information on our basic pump packages.

If you need guidance on choosing the best pump for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact us at 1800 008 888 or fill out a contact form. Our team is ready to assist you in optimising your rainwater harvesting system.

Yes, all Bushmans rainwater tanks undergo rigorous quality testing to ensure they meet and exceed industry standards. Our manufacturing facilities are accredited to produce tanks according to the AS4766 quality standard, which mandates thorough and regular testing. These tests include ultrasounds to verify the thickness of the tank walls, ensuring each tank is robust and durable enough to meet Australian Standards. Ultrasound testing is crucial for assessing the uniformity and integrity of the tank material, providing assurance that each tank will perform reliably under normal conditions.

Additionally, we conduct drop tests which involve subjecting a sample of the tank material, to extreme temperatures by freezing it, and then dropping a heavy weight on it to simulate a high-impact scenario. This test helps to ensure that the material can withstand severe impacts without cracking or breaking, mimicking the harsh conditions it might encounter in various environments. These quality tests are vital as they showcase our commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, and dependable rainwater storage solutions.

If you notice an unpleasant odour coming from your rainwater, it could be due to a lack of proper maintenance or cleaning within the system. Over time, debris such as leaves and dirt can accumulate in gutters, first flush diverters, and strainers, which can contribute to the smell. Additionally, sludge can build up at the bottom of the tank if not regularly cleaned out. It’s essential to inspect these components frequently and clear out any materials that could decompose and cause odours.

To prevent odour and maintain the quality of your rainwater, Bushmans recommends the installation of a first flush diverter and regular gutter cleaning. These measures ensure that the larger particles and potential contaminants are removed before they enter your rainwater tank. If your water is intended for drinking, using a water filter is also highly advisable to ensure it remains clean and safe. Regular cleaning of your water tank to remove sludge is also crucial. This not only prevents odours but also extends the lifespan of your rainwater harvesting system.

Yes. Rainwater tanks are made from plastic approved for drinking water and Bushmans water tanks are BPA free. However, you should also install approved filtration systems and ensure the water goes through a proper treatment process before you drink it.

It is recommended that you filter the water using dual or reverse osmosis filters have been proven to filter out debris, contaminants and PFAS chemicals. A Filter will also improve the taste of water and can remove odour. Water filters provide a great solution for drinking water as they remove excess chemicals, microplastics and can also neutralise viruses and germs in drinking water.

Bushmans Tanks provides a large selection of high-quality water tanks, designed to cater to a variety of needs and spaces. Our range includes both polyethylene (poly) and steel tanks, each tailored for specific applications and settings. For residential rainwater harvesting, our poly tanks come in several styles including round and slimline designs. The small round poly tanks and slimline tanks are ideal for residential settings where space is limited. Small round and slimline tanks are compact and versatile, perfect for fitting into narrow spaces or alongside buildings, making them an excellent choice for collecting rainwater for garden use, household chores, or as a supplementary water supply.

For larger scale water storage needs, Bushmans offers large round poly water tanks which are ideal for more extensive residential properties, agricultural and rural applications. The large storage capacity means they hold substantial amounts of water, supporting irrigation systems, home water supplies, and uses in agriculture and livestock applications. Additionally, Bushmans manufactures Aqualine steel tanks, which range in capacity from 20,000L to 360,000L. Constructed onsite by our team of professional installers, these steel tanks are robust and durable, making them perfect for rural environments where large volumes of water storage are essential. Whether you’re looking to manage household water use or support agricultural operations, Bushmans has a water tank solution to meet your needs.

At Bushman Tanks, we pride ourselves on our full-service approach to the delivery and fitting installation of your water tank. Since 1989, we have been committed to providing seamless, stress-free experiences for our customers, from manufacturing to the final fittings installed. Our process begins with our skilled customer care delivery drivers who expertly and safely transport your water tank to your property. Upon arrival, the tank is carefully unloaded and, with assistance, rolled to the prepared pad or base. With assistance the tank is carefully tipped and slid into its final position, ensuring it is perfectly aligned and secure.

Once the water tank is properly positioned, our customer care team member will install essential components such as the overflow and ball valve according to your specifications, ensuring that everything is set up for optimal performance. It’s important to note that while our team ensures the tank is correctly installed on the pad and ready for use, we do not provide plumbing services to connect your tank to your home’s water system. However, we have a large network of trusted resellers who are qualified plumbers and irrigation specialists. We are happy to facilitate connections with these professionals who can meet any additional plumbing requirements you may have, ensuring that your tank is fully integrated into your property’s water system.

Bushman Tanks is committed to delivering high-quality products, which is why all our tanks undergo rigorous quality testing, including ultrasound assessments and drop/impact testing, before leaving our facilities. We stand firmly behind the quality and durability of our products, offering comprehensive warranties that provide our customers with peace of mind.

For our poly rainwater tanks (above ground), we offer an industry-leading ten-year guarantee. This guarantee covers any manufacturing faults during the ten-year period, ensuring that if an issue arises due to manufacturing defects, we will either fix or replace the tank at no additional cost to the customer. This is a full guarantee, not a pro-rata warranty, which means there are no hidden fees or diminishing coverage over time.

In addition to the warranty on our poly tanks, our Aqualine steel tanks come with a ten-year warranty, which customers must register through the Bushmans steel tank warranty portal to activate. For our agricultural and industrial tanks, which often store corrosive liquids and are subjected to demanding conditions, we provide a five-year guarantee. This reflects our commitment to quality even in tough industrial environments. By offering these robust guarantees, Bushmans aims to ensure that every customer feels confident and secure in their investment, knowing that their tank is built to last and supported by a responsive and reliable warranty policy.

Bushman Tanks demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability through various initiatives and product designs. Our rainwater tanks are manufactured from fully recyclable, BPA-free polyethylene, ensuring that they not only meet high safety standards but also contribute to circular economy principles. Once a tank reaches the end of its useful life, it can be repurposed. The material is capable of being cut up, ground down, and recycled to manufacture new tanks or other poly products, significantly reducing waste and promoting reuse of materials.

Furthermore, using a Bushman rainwater tank contributes directly to environmental conservation by reducing dependency on mains water supplies and mitigating the impact on local water infrastructure. This reduction in mains water use not only conserves precious freshwater resources but also diminishes the load on municipal systems. Additionally, rainwater harvesting helps manage stormwater runoff, alleviating pressure on drainage systems and lessening the risk of erosion and water pollution. It’s also worth noting that while poly and microplastics in the environment are a concern, our tanks, designed for long-term use (with an average lifespan of 15-20 years), are a sustainable choice compared to single-use plastics, which may only be used for moments but persist in the environment for years. To further our commitment to reducing plastic waste, Bushmans has partnered with Operation Clean Sweep, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping plastic manufacturers minimise waste. This partnership underscores our proactive approach to sustainable practices and our dedication to environmental stewardship.

Yes, Bushman Tanks are incredibly versatile and can be effectively utilised in both residential and industrial settings. For residential use, our standard rainwater tanks are ideal for rainwater harvesting, which can help homeowners reduce their water bills by supplying water for gardening, laundry, and toilet flushing. These tanks are designed to be durable, easy to maintain, and efficient in capturing and storing rainwater.

On the industrial front, Bushman industrial tanks go beyond typical applications to offer specialised liquid storage solutions. Recognising that industrial needs often involve the storage of various chemicals, gases or corrosive liquids, our tanks can be customised with different specific gravity (SG) ratings or different wall thickness requirements based on the contents they will store. Each tank can also be equipped with custom fittings such as flanges and outlets tailored to the specific needs of a project. Our team of industrial tank specialists is always ready to provide expert advice and tailor solutions to fit the unique requirements of any project, ensuring safe, reliable, and effective liquid storage. For expert advice or to discuss your specific industrial tank needs, view our industrial liquid storage tank range here or contact our industrial team at 1300 373 392.

For garden watering and washing the car, choose a slimline water tank if space is tight and go larger to reduce refills. A larger water tank gives longer run time between top ups. Slimline water tanks and small round water tanks both work well.

Most homes start between 2,000 and 10,000 litres to run toilets, a washing machine and an outside tap. The right size depends on roof area and water use. Ask your installer to confirm local requirements and the pump you need.

Plan for larger capacity such as 22,500 litres or more. Many properties use multiple poly water tanks or an Aqualine steel water tank. Include filtration if the water is for drinking, and size the system to your rainfall, roof area, and household demand.