Watershell Rainwater Tanks FAQ

What is different about WATERSHELL tanks over other Rectangular type tanks?  - WATERSHELL tanks only come in one standard 500L size for manoeuvrability allowing the tanks to be placed anywhere. The tanks can be linked to the required volume – for example if you need 2000L – you can connect 4 tanks –without the need for heavy lifting equipment or reinforcements. The tanks are designed to use less obtrusive down-pipe diverters and connections in addition to having the capability to clad to your aesthetic requirements. Allowing the tanks to be placed in more prominent areas of your house.

Where can I buy cladding if I don’t buy from WATERSHELL?  - You are free to buy any type of cladding from your local hardware store. You may even decide to use some old pieces of timber for this. These may need to be cut to the required size. The choice is yours. In fact we encourage that you do this and we would love to see your creations --  upload your pictures #FindMyWaterShell on facebook / Instagram.

Are the required no. of cladding fasteners included with my purchase? –  Yes, based on your cladding requirement selections the required no. of cladding fasteners is automatically calculated and added to your price.

Are the required no. of Tank Top connectors, Vents & Inter-tank connectors included with my purchase? –  Yes, the required no. of these is automatically calculated and added to your price based on your selection of tank package and how you intend to link the tanks.

What additional components ‘not’ included in the tank packages will I require to connect my tank to a downpipe? –  To connect your tank you will need a diverter and a diverter linking hose. These are not included as part of the tank packages.

Are the colours sun resistant? - All WATERSHELL tanks are UV resistant.

How warm will the water get? –On days where we have over 40 degrees C the water can get to over 35 degrees C. One advantage of applying cladding to your tank is this will help to keep the water temperature down.

How thick is the tank? - WATERSHELL tanks are designed via finite element analysis and manufactured to the highest standards and capable of holding 500KG of water with minimal wall deflections - in order to do this the walls need to be 8mm thick.

Do I need to drill into the tank? –  No, the only time you will require to use a hole saw is if you are installing a rainwater gauge. This should only be done on top of the tank. Under no circumstances should you drill on to sides or the bottom of the tank doing so will void your warranty.

Can I drink water from the tank? - Generally no - unless you have an approved filtration system fitted by an approved plumber.

Can I buy it as separate components? Yes you can purchase any of the items listed in accessories separately. But for your convenience the tanks are organised into tank packages which will determine all your tank fittings and cladding requirements based on your selection. (Except the down pipe diverters)

What fittings should I use to get the water out? –  Each tank is moulded with two 25mm brass inserts at the bottom. You can use standard fittings from your local hardware store to connect the brass outlets to your garden hose or pump. We strongly recommend that you also purchase a hose open/close valve when connecting to your garden hose or pump – which also can be purchased from your local hardware store.

If I want more than 4 tanks can that be done? - We see 4 tanks (2000 L) as the optimal no. of tanks that most dwellings will want, however if you want more than 4 tanks - please lets us know via 'Contact Us' on this site.

How do I know if I want a Configuration-1 or Configuration-2 Tank Top connector? – Tank top connector allow the water to enter your tank and flow out when full. When the Tank Top connector is in Configuration-1 only a single connection from your down pipe is required for both water entry and overflow. You may decide to use this if you want to minimise the amount of pipework. If the Tank-top connector is in Configuration-2 – this will require separate pipes for water entry and overflow. You may decide to use this if a ‘’ Total Rain’’ collector is used to divert the flow from your down-pipe to the tank and/or you want to be able to divert the tank overflow into your garden.   

Do the tanks come with insect screens? - Yes the Tank top connectors will have insect screens included.

Will light get into the tank and cause fouling of the water? - All the recommended Vents and Tank Top Connectors come with a Cowl - which will stop any direct sunlight entering the tank.

Is there a weight limit on the roof structure that can be placed on top of the tank? - Yes the maximum weight that can be placed on top of the tank cannot exceed 10Kg.

Do I need to secure the tanks to a wall or posts ? Whilst WATERSHELL tanks are designed to be self standing when full - its is highly recommend to fasten the tanks to a wall or posts to prevent the tanks from falling when empty.