The following is a series of frequently questions and answers (FAQs) assembled to help potential customers increase their knowledge and level of comfort with both high quality fiberglass and polyethylene underground water storage tanks.

» Are Darco tanks suitable for potable water ?
» What is the difference between your modular polyethylene OcTanks and smaller comparable fiberglass vessels ?
» Should I be concerned about fiberglass tanks being brittle and prone to cracking or future leaks ?
» Should I be concerned about polyethylene tanks crushing or collapsing when buried ?
» How deep must tanks be buried to avoid freezing?
» Are there special considerations or precautions involved with polyethylene water tanks ?

---

Q. Are Darco water storage tanks suitable for potable water ?

A. Yes, when calling for a quote on our polyethylene or fiberglass underground storage tanks, be sure to indicate that it will be used for drinking water. The basic raw material or resin used to manufacture our fresh water storage tanks is recognized by the FDA and NSF as suitable for potable or culinary applications.

[back to top]

Q. What is the difference between your modular polyethylene OcTanks and smaller comparable fiberglass vessels ?

A. Modular poly water storage tanks are less expensive and easier to install for the average contractor or home builder with small earthmoving equipment. The price per gallon becomes about equal at approximately 10,000 gallons. As a general rule, we promote poly OcTanks to 10K gallons and fiberglass from 15K gallons up.

[back to top]

Q. Should I be concerned about fiberglass tanks being brittle and prone to cracking or future leaks ?

A. Remember that boats are often made of fiberglass and are extremely rugged. If handled properly and installed accordingly, you can expect an unlimited life span on your water storage system.

[back to top]

Q. Should I be concerned about polyethylene tanks crushing or collapsing when buried ?

A. OcTank is the largest and heaviest polyethylene underground tank on the market today. We offer a standard 2 year warranty with an additional 8 years of extended warranty available. Do not compare OcTank to low cost rectangular polyethylene septic tanks of questionable quality. Common sense should tell you that a flat sided, rectangular tank is not an appropriate design shape for any underground product.

[back to top]

Q. How deep must tanks be buried to avoid freezing?

A. Our experience has proven that 36 inches of soil cover plus 2 inches of extruded polystyrene insulation over the top tank surface is sufficient for even the most frigid environments at high elevations and in northern states.

[back to top]

Q. Are there special considerations or precautions involved with these underground water tanks ?

A. Yes, follow our Manufacturer's Installation Instructions without deviation. If you have questions or do not understand a portion of the instructions, call your tank supplier or Darco before proceeding to install the vessel.

[back to top]