The Cost of Owning a Vertical Liquid Storage Tank
Regardless of the application that applies to you, there are a handful of considerations you’ll want to review prior to making your purchase. All of which factor into the cost of purchasing and maintaining your vertical liquid storage tank. In this blog we will cover the purchase costs, installation costs, maintenance routine, maintenance cost, and expected lifespan of your tank.
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The most significant variable when determining the purchase price of your tank will be the tank size. As sizes range from 10 USG to 15,000 USG, it’s challenging to set a general expectation for this. That being said, our most popular vertical tanks are 1,500 USG or 3,000 USG, which would put your tank between $1,700 and $5,000, depending on the specs.
It’s also important to consider which customized fittings or accessories you may require. All of our vertical tanks include a removable lid on the top, and a bulkhead fitting on the bottom. Some additional options are:
Shipping Costs: For larger tanks, shipping can be a significant portion of the initial investment. We have a small fleet of trucks that allow us to keep freight costs low in Southern Ontario, and trusted third party freight options to help us deliver throughout Canada.
Fittings: Inlet/outlet fittings, valves, and other plumbing connections. We are fully stocked with Polyethylene Fittings and stainless steel Camlock Fittings so that you can create the outlet configuration for your project.
Specific Gravity Rating: Tanks designed for higher specific gravity liquids (denser liquids) may be more expensive due to increased material requirements. Our standard tanks have a specific gravity of 1.7, while our vertical tanks ranging from 20-625 gallons are standard with a specific gravity of 2.0. We also have heavy duty alternatives available.
UV Protection: The UV stabilizers in our tanks reduce the harmful effects of ultraviolet light exposure and are intended to extend the life of a tank over similar materials that are not compounded with stabilizers. Our UV rating is “15” on most product materials, which generally means that after 15,000 hours of exposure to the sun, there will be 50% of UV protection remaining. This rating also needs to consider location and prolonged exposure to the sun. Consult the factor for the specific UV rating of the product you are using.
There are many factors that will influence the installation costs for your tank. For example, a small tank being used to hold water may simply sit on the ground and require absolutely no cost beyond the fittings and delivery, while a large vertical tank being used for chemical storage in a factory may require plumbing, electrical, and labour. Some common installation costs and their estimates can be found below.
Labour: If you hire professionals for the installation (plumbers, electricians, general contractors), labor costs will be a significant factor. This could range from $1,000 to $5,000+ CAD depending on the complexity and the number of trades involved.
Foundation: A level and stable foundation is crucial. For a large tank, a concrete pad is often recommended. The cost of a concrete pad can range from $1,000 to $5,000+ CAD depending on size, thickness, and site preparation required. Alternatively, a level surface with tampered stone would be suitable for outdoor installations.
Plumbing: Connecting the tank to your existing plumbing system will involve costs for pipes, valves, fittings, and labour. This can range from $500 to $3,000+ CAD depending on the distance, complexity, and materials used. We offer all of the pumps and plumbing you will need for any installation.
Electrical (if needed): If you need to install pumps, level sensors, or other electrical components, this will add to the cost. Budget anywhere from $300 to $2,000+ CAD depending on the scope of the electrical work.
Permits: Depending on your local regulations and the intended use of the tank, you might need permits for installation. Permit fees can vary widely, from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. Always check with your local municipality prior to installation.
Polyethylene tanks generally require low maintenance. With small tasks a few times annually you can keep your tank at its best with minimal financial cost. Our recommended maintenance includes:
Cleaning: Periodic cleaning might be necessary depending on the stored liquid. The cost would depend on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional service. Recommended cleaning generally consists of a bleach/water rinse to eliminate bacteria and algae growth. However, this is not always the safest option depending on what you are storing in the tank.
DIY Cost: Relatively low if you have the manpower and equipment (e.g., pressure washer, appropriate cleaning solutions, safety gear). Costs would mainly be for cleaning supplies, which might range from $50 to $200+ CAD depending on the type and quantity needed. You also need to factor in the time and effort involved, as cleaning a large tank can be a significant task.
Inspections: Regular visual inspections are recommended to check for any signs of damage, leaks, or deterioration of fittings. More thorough inspections might be required depending on regulations and the stored substance. This would especially be true for factories or farmers storing chemicals.
DIY Cost: Minimal. Primarily the time spent performing the inspection (allow approximately 1-2 hours per inspection for a large tank). You might need basic tools like a flashlight.
Repairs: Minor repairs to fittings might be needed occasionally. Significant damage to the tank might necessitate replacement. Remember that polyethylene vertical tanks are reasonably easy to puncture, especially if you’re using heavy equipment near them.
DIY Cost: The cost of replacement parts (valves, fittings, gaskets) can vary greatly depending on the material and size. A simple valve might cost $20 to $100+ CAD, while more specialized fittings could be more expensive.
High-quality polyethylene tanks with UV protection are expected to last for 10 to 20 years. This can be extended with proper maintenance, and will also depend on factors like direct sunlight exposure, and the chemicals stored. Our vertical liquid storage tanks come with a 24 month manufacturer warranty, and are inspected by our team prior to delivery. We hope that this detailed breakdown of the anticipated purchase and maintenance costs has helped you feel confident with your purchase decision. You can also call or email our team for customized advice and pricing.
