Concrete Rainwater Tank installed too low underground

[lanchoi]

Hi :),

We recently commissioned a builder to build our house. He was also commissioned to oversees the installation of a concrete rainwater tank - 22,000 litre. To our horror, the tank was installed about 700mm below ground level so the overflow pipe was disfunctional. We like to know whose fault it is, is that the builder who give the OK, or the tank installer or the guy who dug the hole. Now the tank is sitting in a big hole on the ground. The builder then advised us to build another overflow pipe on top of the tank to divert the water when the tank is full. However, this is not working as the water seep through the tank lid, and possibly through the original overflow pipe seal (which was now sealed). Whever we have a heavy downpour, the whole crater is flooded with water - like a big pond on the ground-this makes landscaping a nightmare. Any advice as to how we can correct this problem and whose fault it is will be greatly appreciated.

:-Lanchoi

[Bloss]

Hi :),

We recently commissioned a builder to build our house. He was also commissioned to oversees the installation of a concrete rainwater tank - 22,000 litre. To our horror, the tank was installed about 700mm below ground level so the overflow pipe was disfunctional. We like to know whose fault it is, is that the builder who give the OK, or the tank installer or the guy who dug the hole. Now the tank is sitting in a big hole on the ground. The builder then advised us to build another overflow pipe on top of the tank to divert the water when the tank is full. However, this is not working as the water seep through the tank lid, and possibly through the original overflow pipe seal (which was now sealed). Whever we have a heavy downpour, the whole crater is flooded with water - like a big pond on the ground-this makes landscaping a nightmare. Any advice as to how we can correct this problem and whose fault it is will be greatly appreciated.

:-Lanchoi

If your contract was with the builder and he arranged the tank installation he has to get it fixed. Not simple though by the description of it. My guess would be that they'll need to excavate to below the drain outlet level somehow then attached suitable pipe and redirect. But not your issue - except of course you'll have to fight to get it fixed!