Plastic Cistern vs Concrete Cistern for Spring Project

Hello dear forum members,

I hope you are all enjoying the first signs of spring just like we are! With the awakening weather, we have decided to put a long-held plan into action - installing a cistern in our garden. Our goal is to become more independent and save water and money in the long term.

However, we are now facing a decision where we rely on your experiences and advice: Should it be a plastic or concrete cistern?

On the one hand, we often hear that plastic cisterns are easier to handle and install. On the other hand, we have read that concrete cisterns can apparently be more durable. Since we plan to connect the cistern to the house supply (toilet flush, washing machine) in the long term, we are unsure which type is better suited to our needs.

Has anyone of you had experience with both materials? What advantages and disadvantages have you noticed? We would greatly appreciate your opinions, tips, and recommendations to make the right decision for our spring project.

Thank you in advance!
Susann

Hello Susann,

I would like to share my experiences on your topic. I decided on plastic, even though I do recognize some advantages of concrete. However, in the end, the arguments for plastic convinced us.

A significant advantage was the lighter weight of plastic cisterns compared to concrete. This not only made transportation easier but also made our do-it-yourself installation less complicated. As a result, we were able to save considerable costs, both in purchase and installation.

Another decisive factor is the durability of plastic. Modern plastic materials are resistant to corrosion and weather influences, which significantly extends their lifespan. According to the manufacturer, the plastic of our cistern is even food-safe and comes with a 25-year warranty. Although concrete is known to be robust, it can develop cracks over time and potentially be more susceptible to environmental influences.

Good luck to you with the project!

The decision should also depend on the soil, if it is sandy soil then plastic or concrete. If it is clay soil with poor infiltration, then concrete, plastic could float up.

Since we are planning long-term the possibility of connecting the cistern to the house supply (toilet flushing, washing machine),

Regardless of the pros and cons of the materials (both work well, different prices, soil conditions, own work vs. craftsmen, etc.), a note that you must have a separate pipeline supply for the toilet flushing, etc. The water must not come into contact with the water from the public supply under any circumstances. That could still be a point that may cause high costs if nothing is prepared yet.

And finally, I throw the possibility of a well into the room. But it depends on the groundwater level – if possible, the cheaper alternative and after our last summers, during the peak garden watering season, possibly the more sensible variant.

[QUOTE="Nida35a, post: 655535, member: 51599"] The decision should also depend on the soil, If it is sandy soil, then plastic or concrete. If it is clay soil with poor infiltration, then concrete, Plastic could float [QUOTE]

Even concrete cisterns can float in case of groundwater backup. However, due to their high weight, they are less at risk. The problem with plastic cisterns can be balanced by a groundwater valve, which concrete cisterns do not have. This works with groundwater and backup water. Definitely pay attention to this when buying! [QUOTE="Nida35a, post: 655535, member: 51599"] The decision should also depend on the soil, If it is sandy soil, then plastic or concrete. If it is clay soil with poor infiltration, then concrete, Plastic could float [QUOTE]

Hello everyone,

that is not entirely correct. Even concrete cisterns can float during groundwater backup. However, due to their greater weight, they are somewhat less at risk. The problem can be solved with plastic cisterns by using a groundwater valve. This works with groundwater and backup water. Definitely pay attention when buying; a floated cistern means a total loss – the risk is not worth it and can be solved by the groundwater valve.

Concrete cisterns can also float in the event of groundwater flooding. However, they are less at risk due to their high weight. In the case of plastic cisterns, the problem can be offset by a groundwater valve, which concrete cisterns do not have. This works with groundwater and flood water. Be sure to consider this when buying!

Hello everyone,

that is not entirely correct. Concrete cisterns can also float in the event of groundwater flooding. However, they are somewhat less at risk due to their higher weight. The problem can be solved with plastic cisterns by using a groundwater valve. This works with groundwater and flood water. Be sure to consider this when buying, a floated cistern means a total loss – the risk is not worth it and can be solved by the groundwater valve.

I also have the groundwater module or groundwater valve and am very glad about it. I have already seen a tank in the neighborhood that floated slightly. Nothing happened to mine! But I only know one manufacturer that offers this solution.