Why 2 tanks in my loft?

[gerbils]

I have a new property which has 2 huge eater tanks in the loft - each approx 8ft wide by 4ft deep. I've never seen 2 big tanks, only 1 big and 1 small.

I'd like to free up some space, is there any reason to have 2? Possibly water pressure related? (we are on a gravity system)

 

[Dan Robinson]

Crap local water supply possibly.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Are you sure they are 8ft x 4ft?

Andy

 

[Madrab]

How large is your house? Is it in a rural area? As Dan mentions, how's the mains water pressure?

 

[oldbuffer]

If the tanks are 8 feet long by 4 feet wide by 2 feet high, then if full the water in each one would weigh 1.8 tonnes, so 3.6 tonnes for two. That's quite a load on the joists.

 

[dilalio]

2 tanks in your loft... are they shooting at each other?

 

[big-all]

communal tanks for flats in a conversion

 

[Nige F]

Is one a Panzer ?

 

[gerbils]

How large is your house? Is it in a rural area? As Dan mentions, how's the mains water pressure?

Water pressure is good, I'm in a town. 4 bed detached.

 

[gerbils]

If the tanks are 8 feet long by 4 feet wide by 2 feet high, then if full the water in each one would weigh 1.8 tonnes, so 3.6 tonnes for two. That's quite a load on the joists.

Just a guess. I'll go up and measure. The load is my concern too...

 

[mickgazz]

Your upstairs cold water out lets will be tank fed

 

[Dan Robinson]

P

Just a guess. I'll go up and measure. The load is my concern too...

Post pictures... With interconnecting pipe work too.

 

[gerbils]

P

Post pictures... With interconnecting pipe work too.

I went up to take a pic - I totally overestimated the size they are 60x60x130cm - so by my calculations hold about 0.5 Tons of water each...

 

[Newboy]

I went up to take a pic - I totally overestimated the size they are 60x60x130cm - so by my calculations hold about 0.5 Tons of water each...

If both tanks were full to the brim then your weight calculations would be correct - they won't be anywhere near full.

They sound like coffin tanks and are not unusual - restricted access to the loft being the usual reason for installation.

It's worth checking that (assuming they are inter-connected) that the connections allow both tanks to circulate their contents properly.

 

[gerbils]

If both tanks were full to the brim then your weight calculations would be correct - they won't be anywhere near full.

They sound like coffin tanks and are not unusual - restricted access to the loft being the usual reason for installation.

It's worth checking that (assuming they are inter-connected) that the connections allow both tanks to circulate their contents properly.

Both tanks are full up to about 6 inches from the top. The tank at the back (you can't see it in this photo) has a water feed going in (assume from the mains) and this has a hole & pipe at the top that fills the next tank. There is also a third smaller tank up there too (assume an overflow tank). All of this is on various planks of wood - adding to the weight.

It's not above any wall either - I have read heavy tanks are usually placed above a supporting wall...

That said - I have been here 2 years and the previous occupants were here 15 so I assume it's legit!