Many jobs in wastewater treatment, water storage and plumbing industries require you to learn about custom and precast concrete tanks. Some agricultural jobs will also require you to know about specific kinds of concrete tanks, like concrete livestock water tanks and underground concrete water tanks. Other industries sometimes use concrete tanks to store liquids or as part of their water system.

Depending on what type of job you're seeking, you may need to know just concrete tank basics, or specific procedures and safety information, along with installation and repair training. If you're thinking about getting concrete tanks education and training, consider the following:

1. Take classes on wastewater treatment or water storage to understand the role concrete tanks play in each industry.
2. Go to concrete tank industry events to learn about emerging technologies and new products.
3. Learn more about concrete tanks online.
   

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Enroll in classes to learn about how concrete tanks are used in your industry

Most water treatment and septic system classes cover the construction and installation of concrete tanks, and detail how they are used in the industry. Taking a class specializing in wastewater treatment will usually teach you how to install, maintain and repair concrete septic tanks, while classes focusing on water conservation and care will teach you about concrete water storage tanks.

I recommend: Take a class covering the use of concrete tanks in water treatment or wastewater pump industries from the Green Mountain Water Environment Association, or check out the University of West Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association Training Center.

Continue your concrete tank education by attending industry events

Concrete tank suppliers, manufacturers and installers all get together to attend industry events like trade shows, conferences and workshops. This allows you to learn more about products and technological advances while scoping out new products by each concrete tank manufacturer. Often, you can find educational information and training events on concrete tanks at shows hosted by the wastewater industry and water storage industries.

I recommend: Check out information from DYK at one of their events, or attend The Precast Show, the industry's largest precast concrete tank show.

Learn more about concrete water tanks with online resources

You can find out more information on custom concrete tanks and learn how to build them using online resources. If you're looking for information on specific types of concrete tanks, or looking to use a concrete tank for an unusual purpose, the Internet can help educate you on construction techniques and customizable features. You can also find information that might not have been covered in concrete tank classes or workshops online.

I recommend: Learn how to construct a concrete tank by reading this guide from the University of Missouri Extension, or check out this free e-book called Ferrocement Tank Construction.

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• •  You can also learn about concrete tanks by taking on an apprenticeship with a plumber. This method of training works best if you apprentice in an area with a lot of septic tank, water conservation or well use, allowing you hands-on experience with concrete septic tanks and water tanks.

Concrete tanks serve as one of the most stable and reliable ways to store both liquid and solid materials. From concrete septic tanks to concrete water storage tanks, you can find exactly what you're looking for from a concrete tank manufacturer. Concrete tank suppliers can provide you with precast concrete tanks, prestressed concrete tanks, underground concrete water tanks and above-ground concrete water tanks.

Not only can you find ready-made concrete tanks, you can also find concrete tank manufacturers who build to your specifications. Whether you're building a concrete tank for municipal water storage or sewage, or building a concrete tank for grain storage, you are sure to find a contractor who can work within your budget.

Concrete tanks reinforced with metal rods and rebar are common. Design features you should look for include:

1. Tanks that don’t leak under normal conditions.

2. Storage tanks that have quality construction components and ingredients.

3. Storage tanks designed with proper spacing and correctly detailed construction joints.

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Look for concrete tanks for agricultural applications

Concrete silos are a common sight on the Great Plains. These giant tanks hold many thousands of bushels of grain. You can also have concrete storage tanks built in smaller sizes to store grain on your farm. Many farmers also use concrete storage tanks to store animal waste products. Concrete tanks are environmentally friendly and prevent waste products from spilling accidentally.

I recommend: Hoffmann, Inc. has the credentials to build a concrete tank for your farm or business. Sollenberger Silos, LLC build concrete tanks and waste pits for agriculture and municipalities.

Find concrete tanks for water storage

Concrete tanks come in all sizes and shapes for water storage. From precast to custom designed, you are bound to find exactly the concrete tank you need.

I recommend: JE Hill Precast offers a wide range of concrete livestock water tanks. They even offer a concrete elevated tank to make it easier for horses to drink. Preload Inc. builds water storage tanks for cities.

Install concrete tanks in the ground to collect wastewater

Many rural homes use septic tanks to process household wastewater. Whether you choose a round or square septic tank design, you can shop around to compare concrete septic tank prices and find the best deal.

I recommend: Franklin Precast and Reading Precast offer concrete septic tanks in a number of styles and sizes.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Precast concrete tanks are generally maintenance-free for the first 50 years. When you consider that a typical steel storage tank of similar dimensions needs refurbishing every 12 years, precast concrete tanks greatly reduce maintenance expenses. Because it does not rust, a concrete tank remains aesthetically pleasing during its lifetime.

Concrete tanks are one of the most reliable ways to store materials — liquid or solid. Concrete tanks are gaining popularity in various industries, such as agriculture, plumbing and chemicals, due to their durability and ease of cleaning. Whether you want to use concrete tanks for commercial or domestic applications, you will need to be conversant with certain key terms that you will hear from the suppliers. This guide explains some of the common terms associated with concrete tanks, such as prestressed concrete, poured on site and pre-molded concrete tanks, septic tanks and stock tanks.

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'Poured on site' concrete tanks

Concrete tanks are often 'poured on site' using a steel mold. This mold is later removed to reveal the entire tank.

I recommend: For information regarding "poured on site" tanks, you can refer to Rainwater Tanks Direct. Additionally, you can refer to Adelaide Hills Concrete Tanks.

Pre-molded concrete tanks

Pre-molded concrete tanks are delivered to the site in a complete form. Depending on the size of the tank, these tanks can be in two to three parts. These parts are later assembled on site and sealed from inside using a sealant.

I recommend: Rain Harvesting offers information about pre-molded concrete tanks.

Concrete septic tanks

Septic tanks are tanks through which sewage or wastewater flows slowly. This enables the sewage solids to settle to the bottom of the tank where they are processed anaerobically. This reduces the volume of the solids. The tank is cleaned at regular intervals, usually once every one to five years.

I recommend: Online Concrete Restoration offers an explanation of concrete septic tanks.

Concrete stock tank

A concrete stock tank provides drinking water for livestock.

I recommend: Visit the Concrete Works for more information on concrete stock tanks.

Pre-stressed concrete

As the name indicates, pre-stressed concrete has heavily loaded wires or bars to counteract the load on concrete.

I recommend: Portland Cement Association has technical information about pre-stressed concrete.

Pre-cast concrete

Pre-cast concrete is a type of concrete that is cast in a reusable mold and then processed or cured in a controlled environment. It is then transported to the construction site and placed in position. Pre-cast concrete tanks are extremely durable and efficient.

I recommend: Visit the Singapore Environment Council for a definition of precast concrete. You can also refer to NEPCA for more information about precast concrete.