Polytank

Polytank is a leading UK manufacturer of moulded polyethylene (MDPE) tanks, valued for being lightweight, corrosion-proof and impact-resistant compared with fibreglass or steel. Unlike GRP, there are no gel-coat or laminate joints to fail over time, and the single-piece construction means no seams to leak. They're also considerably easier to manoeuvre on site during installation, particularly for one- or two-person delivery drops.

Most Polytank products are designed for above-ground use only, unless specifically listed as an underground or potable below-ground tank with the correct wall thickness and structural rating. Fitting a standard above-ground tank below ground will void the warranty and risks collapse under soil and groundwater loading. Always check the specific product spec sheet, and where burial is needed, use a tank rated for it with appropriate backfill and, where required, a concrete surround.

Sizing depends on catchment area, intended use and how often the tank refills — as a rough guide, domestic rainwater harvesting setups commonly use 1,500–5,000 litre tanks, while livestock or irrigation use on smallholdings often calls for upwards of 10,000 litres. It's worth calculating your realistic daily demand and available roof or borehole yield before choosing, rather than guessing. Our team can talk through catchment calculations if you're unsure which capacity to go for.

Many Polytank potable tanks are manufactured to WRAS standards and use food-grade, UV-stabilised polyethylene suitable for wholesome water storage. Non-potable variants, intended for irrigation, grey water or rainwater harvesting, are not WRAS approved and shouldn't be used for drinking water. Always check the individual product listing to confirm WRAS status before ordering if potable use is required.

Polytank tanks need a flat, level, well-compacted base free of sharp stones — typically a concrete slab or well-compacted MOT type 1 hardcore, sized to extend beyond the tank's footprint. An uneven base is the most common cause of tank stress and premature failure, since a full tank exerts significant weight and any voids underneath can lead to splitting. Larger tanks may need a purpose-designed concrete base — check the manufacturer's foundation guidance for your specific model.

Smaller tanks typically arrive on a standard kerbside delivery, but larger capacity tanks are bulky and may require a crane offload, HIAB, or suitable vehicle access to get close to the installation point, since these tanks can't easily be man-handled once on site. It's worth checking width and turning restrictions on your access route in advance and flagging these at the time of order. Let us know if you've got restricted access so we can advise on the right delivery method for your chosen size.