Water tank death trap alert

By Bridget Cook
HOME owners in the Dandenongs are being warned of a potential death trap in their back yards.
Experts have raised concerns that old water tanks on rotten wooden stilts could easily collapse under the weight of water collected in recent rains.
Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects, has named the Dandenongs, which is dotted water tanks on old timber stands, as an area of concern.
David Hallett, general manager of Archicentre, said people often don’t realise the sheer weight involved in storing rainwater which weighs a tonne for every thousand litres.
“It is not unusual to see a 2500 litre water tank on an old timber tank stand in the Dandenongs,” Mr Hallett said.
“With the tank quickly filling with heavy rainfall then weighing two and half tonnes on a timber frame in softened earth is a recipe for disaster.
“A falling two tonne tank of water could severely injure or kill a person.”
Judy Brett had a small water tank in her backyard, built on an old timber stand, which recently collapsed.
“My grandchildren used to play under it because, of course, it was a great hiding spot,” Ms Brett said.
“We were just very lucky it happened when we weren’t using it and the grandchildren were old enough to realise.”
Ms Brett said the older tanks could potentially be dangerous if people don’t keep an eye on their condition.
“People really need check them thoroughly to ensure they aren’t rotten, especially if they are in a damp area,” she said.
Ms Brett now has four larger water tanks that were fitted by plumber and were built on concrete stands.
Mr Hallett said home buyers should be mindful of poor water tank installation practices and be on the lookout for dodgy workmanship.
“Water tanks must be installed by a licensed plumber,” he said.
“Home made tanks or tank stands can be accidents waiting to happen.”
For more information on this contact your local plumber or Archicentre on 1300 134 513.