In Kenya, a consistent and reliable water supply is not always a guarantee. Whether you’re dealing with intermittent municipal supply, supplementing a boThe Complete Guide to Home Water Tanks in Kenya: Sizing, Installation, and Maintenance
In Kenya, a consistent and reliable water supply is not always a guarantee. Whether you’re dealing with intermittent municipal supply, supplementing a borehole, or simply aiming for greater water security, Home Water Tanks in Kenya are an indispensable asset for nearly every household. They provide peace of mind, ensure continuity during dry spells, and can even help manage fluctuating water pressure.
At Winstar Hardware, we understand the critical role these tanks play in daily life. Choosing, installing, and maintaining the right Home Water Tanks in Kenya can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from selecting the perfect size and type to crucial water tank maintenance tips that ensure longevity and water purity.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions that guarantee a consistent and reliable water supply for your home, protecting your family from water worries.
Choosing Your Home Water Tank: Size and Type
The first step to a reliable water supply is selecting the right tank. This involves considering your household’s water needs, the available space, and your budget.
The Stakes: Why This Matters
- Under-sizing: A tank that’s too small will leave you frequently without water, defeating its purpose.
- Over-sizing: A tank that’s too large can be an unnecessary expense and take up valuable space, especially in urban environments.
- Material & Placement: The material and location (rooftop vs. ground) affect durability, water quality, and structural requirements.
What You Need to Do: Sizing Your Water Tank
Estimating your daily water consumption is key. Here’s a general guideline for sizing a water tank in Kenya:
- Estimate Daily Usage:
- Per Person: A common estimate is 50-100 liters per person per day for basic household needs (drinking, cooking, bathing, toilet flushing). For example, a family of 4 might use 200-400 liters daily.
- Additional Needs: Consider if you need water for gardening, car washing, or specific appliances.
- Determine Storage Days: How many days of reserve water do you want or need? This depends on the reliability of your primary water source.
- Intermittent Supply: If municipal water comes 2-3 times a week, you’ll need at least 2-3 days’ supply.
- Borehole Backup: If it’s a backup for a borehole, perhaps 1-2 days’ supply for emergencies.
- Rule of Thumb for Kenyan Homes: Many households aim for 1,000-2,000 liters (1-2 cubic meters) as a minimum for a small family to cover a few days. Larger families or those with significant external use might need 3,000-5,000+ liters.
Formula: (Number of people x Daily consumption per person x Desired storage days) + Additional usage = Total Liters
Example: 4 people x 75 L/day x 3 days = 900 liters. Round up for safety, perhaps a 1,000 or 1,500-liter tank.
Choosing a Water Tank: Types and Materials
When it comes to choosing a water tank, especially for Home Water Tanks in Kenya, you’ll primarily consider these options:
Plastic Tanks (Polyethylene):
- Pros: Most common, affordable, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, readily available in various sizes and colors (black/green/blue to inhibit algae).
- Cons: Can degrade over time with prolonged UV exposure (especially cheaper, thin-walled tanks), susceptible to physical damage if hit.
- Best For: Most residential applications, rooftop vs ground water tank setups.
Steel Tanks (Galvanized or Stainless Steel):
- Pros: Very durable, long lifespan, fire-resistant, can handle high temperatures. Stainless steel is excellent for water quality.
- Cons: More expensive, heavier, galvanized can corrode over time, stainless steel is premium-priced.
- Best For: Large-capacity ground tanks, commercial use, where durability and longevity are paramount.
Concrete Tanks:
- Pros: Extremely durable, long lifespan (can last 50+ years), excellent insulation, often buried, saving space.
- Cons: Very expensive and complex to install, requires professional construction, not easily moved.
- Best For: Large, permanent, often underground installations.
Rooftop vs. Ground Water Tank Placement
The decision of Rooftop vs Ground Water Tank heavily influences your water pressure and installation complexity.
Rooftop Tanks:
- Pros: Utilize gravity for natural water pressure to your taps, reducing reliance on booster pumps for internal house supply. Space-saving on the ground.
- Cons: Requires strong structural support (a full 1,000L tank weighs over 1 tonne!), harder to clean, susceptible to UV and heat if not properly shaded/insulated. Access for maintenance can be challenging.
Ground-Level Tanks:
- Pros: Easier to install and maintain, no structural reinforcement needed for the house, less exposed to direct sun.
- Cons: Requires a booster pump to supply water to the house (an additional cost and power consumption), takes up ground space.
Water Tank Installation: Key Considerations for Success
Proper water tank installation in Kenya is paramount to its functionality, safety, and longevity. Cutting corners here can lead to leaks, damage, and contamination.
The Stakes: Why This Matters
- Structural Integrity: An improperly supported tank can collapse, causing severe damage to your property and potential injury.
- Water Quality: Incorrect plumbing connections or inadequate sealing can lead to contamination of your stored water.
- Pump Efficiency: Proper pipe sizing and pump placement (if applicable) ensure efficient water transfer and prevent pump damage.
Your Step-by-Step Installation Basics
While professional installation is highly recommended for safety and compliance, understanding the basics helps you oversee the process.
Foundation/Stand:
- Ground Tanks: Require a flat, level, concrete slab or compacted gravel base that is larger than the tank’s footprint. This prevents the tank from settling unevenly and cracking.
- Rooftop Tanks: Absolutely must sit on a purpose-built, reinforced concrete or steel stand designed by a structural engineer. This stand must be capable of supporting the full weight of the tank when filled with water. Do NOT underestimate this; a collapse is catastrophic.
Plumbing Connections:
- Inlet: Water from your primary source (municipal, borehole, rainwater) enters here. A float valve is essential to stop water flow once the tank is full, preventing overflow.
- Outlet: This is where water exits the tank to your house or pump. It should typically be raised slightly from the bottom to avoid drawing sediment.
- Overflow: A pipe that safely diverts excess water away from the tank (and your house/foundation) in case the float valve fails.
- Drain Valve: Located at the very bottom, for draining and cleaning the tank.
- Vent: A small, screened opening (often on the lid) to allow air to enter and exit as the tank fills and empties, preventing a vacuum or over-pressurization.
Booster Pumps (for ground tanks):
- If using a ground tank to supply your home, you’ll need a booster pump. The pump should be properly sized for your home’s water pressure needs.
- Install a check valve on the pump’s discharge side to prevent backflow.
- Ensure the pump is protected from weather and has proper electrical connections
Time to Call the Experts
- Structural Engineering: For any rooftop tank, consulting a structural engineer is non-negotiable.
- Complex Plumbing: If you’re connecting to multiple sources, installing a booster pump, or integrating with existing complex plumbing, calling a plumber for professional water tank installation in Kenya is highly recommended. They ensure correct pipe sizing, leak-free connections, and adherence to local regulations.
Find all the necessary pipes, fittings, and valves at Winstar Hardware’s plumbing supplies section.
Water Tank Maintenance: Keeping Your Water Clean and Your System Reliable
Installing a water tank is only half the battle. Regular water tank maintenance tips are crucial to ensuring the water stored is clean and safe, and that your system remains a reliable water supply. Neglecting maintenance can lead to contaminated water, reduced tank lifespan, and costly repairs.
Why This Check is Essential
- Water Quality and Health: Sediment, algae, and bacterial growth can occur in tanks, especially if exposed to light or if not cleaned regularly. This affects water taste, smell, and can pose health risks.
- System Efficiency: Sediment buildup can clog pipes, strain pumps, and reduce the effective storage capacity of your tank.
- Longevity: Regular checks can identify minor issues like small leaks or corrosion before they become major problems.
Actionable DIY Steps for Regular Maintenance
Follow these water tank maintenance tips at least once a year, or more frequently if your water source is prone to sediment or if you notice changes in water quality.
Visual Inspection (Monthly/Quarterly):
- Exterior: Look for cracks, bulges, or signs of leakage on the tank’s body and at pipe connections. Check for rust on metal stands.
- Lid: Ensure the lid is securely closed and sealed to prevent debris, insects, and small animals from entering.
- Overflow Pipe: Check that the overflow pipe is clear and not blocked by nests or debris.
- Float Valve: If accessible, ensure the float valve is operating smoothly.
Tank Cleaning (Annually/Bi-Annually):
- Drain the Tank: Turn off the inlet water supply. Open the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and let it empty completely.
- Remove Sediment: Once empty, remove any accumulated sludge or sediment at the bottom. For larger tanks, you may need to enter (ensure it’s safe and well-ventilated!).
- Scrub Walls: Using a stiff brush and a mild, non-toxic disinfectant (e.g., a dilute bleach solution – ensure proper ventilation and follow safety instructions), scrub the interior walls and bottom of the tank.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the tank multiple times with clean water, ensuring all disinfectant residue is removed. Drain completely after each rinse.
- Refill: Close the drain valve and allow the tank to refill.
Check Filters (If Applicable): If you have pre-filters on your tank inlet or before your house, clean or replace them as per manufacturer instructions.
Inspect Booster Pump (if applicable): Refer to our guide on “Water Pump Not Working? Essential Troubleshooting“ for annual pump checks.
If Something Looks Wrong: Your Next Steps
- Persistent Algae: If algae growth is a recurring problem, consider painting the tank (if it’s a light-colored plastic tank) with a dark, non-toxic, UV-resistant paint to block sunlight.
- Leaks: Small leaks at connections might be fixed by tightening or replacing gaskets (available at Winstar Hardware). Larger cracks or leaks in the tank body itself may require professional repair or tank replacement.
- Foul Smell/Taste: If water still has an unusual smell or taste after cleaning, it’s advisable to get your water tested by a certified lab. This may indicate a problem with your water source or persistent contamination.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines on safe water storage at home to ensure health.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Home with a Reliable Water Supply
Home Water Tanks in Kenya are more than just containers; they are vital components of a secure and comfortable home. By thoughtfully approaching the sizing and type selection, ensuring correct water tank installation in Kenya, and diligently following these water tank maintenance tips, you are making a significant investment in your family’s well-being and the longevity of your property.
At Winstar Hardware, we are committed to providing you with the best quality water tanks, pumps, fittings, and tools to support your journey towards a consistent and reliable water supply. Don’t let water scarcity or quality issues be a source of stress. Equip yourself with the knowledge and the right products, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your water needs are covered.
