Fire Water Tanks
Underground fibreglass (FRP) fire water storage tanks from 5,000L to 150,000L, for sprinkler systems and dry-hydrant connections on commercial, industrial and remote sites.
Underground fire water storage tanks
A fire water tank holds a reserve of water for a building's fire sprinkler system or for the fire brigade to draw from. Most fire tanks sold in Australia are above-ground poly or steel tanks. Mullaly makes the underground option: ribbed fibreglass tanks that go below the yard, car park or landscaping, so the fire water storage takes up no space on the surface.
Single tanks run from 5,000L up to 150,000L for some applications, in diameters up to 3.28m, with single or double walls. Where the fire designer calls for more water than one tank holds, several tanks are connected with PVC or fibreglass pipework. Select designs can also be installed above ground.
Mullaly fire tanks are made in Australia at our factory in Tomago, NSW, from the same fibreglass as our underground water tanks and industrial water tanks.
When a site needs a fire water tank
Fire hydrant and sprinkler systems are designed to deliver a set flow of water for a set time. Where the town main can't supply that flow, or where there is no main at all, the water has to be stored on site. Common cases are:
- Rural and remote sites, such as mine accommodation villages and farm sheds, with no reticulated water
- Industrial estates and warehouses where the main is too small or the pressure too low for the system
- Sites where the fire authority needs a static supply that its appliances can draw from through a dry-hydrant connection
The volume is not something we set. The fire services engineer or hydraulic consultant works it out to the standards that apply to the system, such as AS 2419.1 for fire hydrant installations and AS 2118.1 for automatic sprinklers, and to the fire authority's requirements. We build the tank, or set of tanks, to hold that volume with the connections the design needs.
Fire tank sizes and options
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Single tank capacity | 5,000L to 150,000L (the largest sizes for some applications) |
| Larger fire reserves | Several tanks connected with PVC or fibreglass pipework |
| Diameter | Up to 3.28m |
| Wall | Single wall or double wall |
| Installation | Underground, and select above-ground installations |
| Structure | Integral, high-profile fibreglass ribs, designed for the soil and surface loads on each site. Not limited by the water table |
| Material | Fibreglass (FRP) made with resin that contains no fillers. No protective lining or coating needed |
| Fittings | Access risers, manways, inspection ports, FRP inspection ladders, baffles, and inlet, outlet, overflow and vent points to suit the system |
Full details are in the water storage tank technical data sheet (TD_TDS_003). Send us the fire reserve volume and connection details from the fire design and we will recommend tank sizes.
Why use an underground fibreglass fire tank
Frees up the surface
The tank sits below ground, so the space above stays free for buildings, yards, car parks and landscaping.
No rust in the tank
Fibreglass is rust and corrosion proof against both the stored water and the surrounding soil, with no lining or coating to wear through.
Watertight
Designed to be 100% watertight, so the fire reserve stays in the tank and groundwater stays out.
Not limited by the water table
Integral fibreglass ribs give the tank its strength, and they are designed for the soil and surface loads on each site.
No ongoing tank maintenance
The tank structure needs no ongoing maintenance or inspections. The fire system itself is still serviced routinely under AS 1851 by your fire services contractor.
Easy to get to site
A large-capacity tank ships on one truck bed and suits remote sites and tight footprints.
How to order a fire water tank
- 1
Get the fire reserve volume
Your fire services engineer or hydraulic consultant sets the volume and the outlet, suction and refill connections the system needs.
- 2
Tell us about the site
Send the groundwater level, soil conditions, any surface loads over the tank, and the available footprint and depth.
- 3
We recommend the tanks
We size a single tank or a set of connected tanks to hold the volume, with the fittings in the right places.
- 4
Install to the manual
Your contractor excavates, sets and backfills the tank following the Mullaly water storage tank installation manual (TD_IM_030).
Fire water for remote sites
Remote projects often have no reticulated water and a long haul for every delivery. A fibreglass tank is light for its size, so a large-capacity tank goes on one truck bed and is easy to install in remote places and tight footprints. The same tanks are used for general water storage at remote sites and accommodation villages, so fire water and other storage can come from one supplier.
Many sites that need fire water also store rainwater or hold stormwater. See our underground rainwater tanks, and our large water tanks page for the 20,000L to 150,000L sizes. If you are weighing up a precast tank, see fibreglass vs concrete water tanks.
Water storage tank photos
Fire water tank questions
What is a fire water tank?
A tank that holds a dedicated reserve of water for a fire sprinkler system or for fire brigade use through a hydrant or suction connection. It is needed where the town main can't supply the flow and duration the fire system is designed for.
What size fire water tank do I need?
The fire services engineer or hydraulic consultant sets the volume to the standards that apply to the hydrant or sprinkler system and to the fire authority's requirements. Send us that volume and we will recommend a single tank or a set of connected tanks.
How big can a Mullaly fire tank be?
Single tanks run from 5,000L to 150,000L for some applications, in diameters up to 3.28m. Larger fire reserves are made up of several tanks connected with PVC or fibreglass pipework.
Can a fire tank go underground?
Yes. Mullaly fibreglass tanks are made for underground installation, and select designs can go above ground. They are not limited by the water table, and their ribs are designed for the soil and surface loads on each site.
Will the tank rust or need relining?
No. Fibreglass is rust and corrosion proof against the stored water and the surrounding soil, and the tank needs no protective lining or coating.
What connections can be fitted?
Tanks are fitted with inlet, outlet, overflow and vent points, access risers, manways and inspection ports to suit the system. Send us the connection details from the fire design with your enquiry.
Downloads
- FRP water storage tank technical data sheet (PDF)
- Single-wall water storage tank installation manual (PDF)
More documents are in the resource centre.
Download the water storage tank brochure
Enter your email and the brochure opens straight away. We will also email you the link.
Request a quote for a fire water tank
Send us the fire reserve volume, the connection details from the fire design and the site conditions. We reply to every enquiry within 2 business days.
Or call 02 4964 8270 or email sales@mullaly.com.au