Water Tank Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Tank in India

A good water storage system is an absolute necessity for every home. Since, in many areas of India, there is no continuous supply of municipal water, a water container becomes a vital household product. Buying a good water storage tank ensures that your family always has access to clean water for drinking, cooking, washing, and other daily activities.
However, selecting the best water tank in India could be a very confusing task due to the presence of a multitude of brands, sizes, materials, etc. A suitable water tank needs to be durable, safe for storing drinking water, and adequate for meeting your family's average water consumption. This buying guide will help you figure out which water tank is the most suitable for your home, how to determine the correct capacity, what features should be kept in mind whilst making a purchase, and a lot more.

Why Choosing the Right Water Tank Matters

A water tank is more than just a storage unit for water. It plays a major role in a home's water hygiene, pressure, and availability. Unauthorized tanks may be a source of algae growth and contamination of water or even have water leakages. Nowadays, water tanks have been manufactured mainly from high-quality polyethylene plastic. 
Polyethylene tanks are not only rust-proof but also very strong and safe for storing drinking water. It is advisable to select tanks that have a UV shielding feature and are composed of food-grade materials that will deter bacteria from multiplying, as well as keep the water safe. When purchasing a water tank for your residence, you should factor in considerations such as the material, size capacity, number of layers, and the location of the tank installation.

Types of Water Tanks for Home

Before choosing the best water tank, it is important to understand the different types available in India.

1. Plastic Water Tanks
   Plastic or polyethylene tanks have become the main choice for homeowners when it comes to water storage. One of the main advantages of these tanks is that they are very light, and they don't cost much either.
   They are also covered against rust and corrosion, which is another plus. Plastic water tanks are often fixed on roofs. Also, there is a wide range of capacities available, from small ones 200 liters that can go all the way up to massive ones of 10,000 liters.
2. Loft Water Tanks
   Loft tanks are very small tanks that can fit in indoor areas like a bathroom or a kitchen.
   In fact, they are perfect for flats, as there is usually very little space available for storing water on the roof.
3. Underground Water Tanks
   These tanks are placed under the ground and are very typical in large houses or buildings where a large water storage capacity is required.
4. Overhead Water Tanks
   Overhead tanks are placed on the roofs, and water flow in the house is gravity-driven.

Which Water Tank Is Best for Households?

The ideal water tank in India for home use normally possesses the following points:

• The material is food-grade virgin plastic
• Water is protected from sunlight as the plastic is UV-stabilized 
• Tanks are constructed of several layers 
• A leak-proof design 
• A durable and long-lasting product

A multi-layer polyethylene water tank is a top choice because it is very clean, resistant to corrosion, and fully appropriate for drinking purposes. Big players in the Indian market typically produce tanks with protective layers to maintain the quality of water and to increase the durability of the tanks.

Water Tank Capacity for Home

One of the most important factors when selecting a tank is its capacity. The water tank capacity for a home depends mainly on the number of people living in the house and their daily water usage.

A simple formula used in plumbing is:
Number of people × 135 litres per day

For example, if a family has four members, their daily requirement is roughly 540 litres of water.

Here is a general guideline:

For most Indian households, a 500–1000 liter tank is considered ideal for daily water needs

3-Layer vs 4-Layer Water Tank: Which Is Better?

Many homeowners often wonder whether to choose a 3-layer or 4-layer water tank.

3-Layer Water Tank

A 3-layer tank typically includes:

• Outer protective layer
• Structural layer
• Inner food-grade layer

These tanks are affordable and suitable for regular household use.

4-Layer Water Tank

A 4-layer tank includes an additional layer that provides better insulation and UV protection. This extra layer improves durability and keeps water cooler in extreme weather conditions.

Conclusion:

• 3-layer tanks are budget-friendly and suitable for moderate climates.
• 4-layer tanks offer better protection, insulation, and durability

Tips for Choosing the Best Water Tank in India

Here are some things you should keep in mind when buying a water tank

1. Material Quality
   Choose water tanks that are made from either virgin plastic or HDPE since they are much more durable and safe.
2. UV Protection
   Having a UV-stabilized water tank would not only help prevent the growth of algae but also keep your water safe from sunlight exposure. 
3. Multi-Layer Construction
   If you want thicker insulation, a stronger tank, and a hygienic water supply, you should go for multi-layer tanks.
4. Capacity
   Never settle on a water tank if its capacity is exactly the same as your daily water needs. It should be a little bigger.
5. Brand Reliability
   Purchasing from well-known brands would be a safer bet, as they would not only guarantee you a better quality of the product but also give you a warranty and good after-sales service.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What Size Water Tank Is Needed for a Family of Four?
For a family of four, experts recommend a 1000–1500 liter water tank. This capacity provides enough water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning while also offering some backup storage.
However, the final tank size should also depend on:

• Water supply frequency in your area
• Number of bathrooms in the house
• Gardening or washing needs

If the water supply is irregular, choosing a slightly larger tank can be helpful.

2. How Long Will a 500-Liter Water Tank Last?
A 500-liter water tank is a handy size for the daily water consumption of a small family, or it can be used as a standby water supply. Such tanks are small, budget-friendly, and simple to set up, which makes them well-suited for city homes and flats. Durable tanks manufactured using UV-stabilized plastic offer a long service life when they are correctly taken care of and periodically cleaned.

3. What Is the Standard Height of a Water Tank?
The height of a water tank changes based on its size and how it is made. For the most part, residential overhead tanks are cylindrical and mainly located on top of the houses. Generally, water tanks are made so that their height can provide enough water pressure for water to be distributed all around the house. Water tanks on a higher level use gravity to keep the water flow the same in the plumbing system of the house.