Website Specific Questions

• What size tank do I need?
• Here is a handy little chart that can help you to get an idea of the size tank to order.
• USDA "Water Systems Handbook."

• Use	Flow rate (gpm)	Total use (US Gallons)
  Adult or child		50-100/day
  Automatic washer	5	30-50/load
  Dishwasher	2	7-15/load
  Garbage Disposer	3	4-6/day
  Kitchen sink (a)	3	2-4/use
  Shower or tub	5	25-60/use
  Toilet flush	3	4-7/use
  Bathroom lavatory sink	2	1-2/use
  Water softener regeneration	5	50/100/cycle
  Backwash filters	10	100-200/backwashing
  Outside hose faucet	5	5 gpm X minutes used

  (a) water flow restricting valves and shower heads can reduce flow and water use by up to 50%.  
  

• How do I find what I am looking for?
•  Use our Product Search tool. Click on the words "Product Search" at the top of this page.
• Go to http://www.bisontanks.com/search
• If you are unsuccessful finding the product using the search tool or if you are interested in a tank that is not posted on this site, please contact us and request information for the tank of interest. info@bisontanks.com

Company Questions

• How long has the company been in business?
• Bison Tanks is a new E-commerce business owned by Dan Salvatore. Dan, a Northern California licensed plumbing contractor, believes there is a need for tank sales specifically to the residential market so he began Bison Tanks. The name Bison Tanks was selected to impart the tough and durable characteristics of the American Bison on to these tough and durable products.
• Though, Bison Tanks is not limited to one manufacturer, we choose to feature Norwesco tanks, simply because they are the best available. Norwesco was founded in 1939 in St. Paul, Minnesota under the name of Northwest Plastics, Inc. The name was changed in 1973 and at that time Norwesco was ranked as one of the oldest and largest plastic processors in the United States. It backs its products with a 3 year warrantee.
• How do I get support after I purchase a Bison Tank?
• We realize that buying a large plastic tank is a little different than buying a book or music online. For that reason we are committed to following through you purchase from the point of your selection to its arrival at your chosen destination. Terms and Conditions
• How long will it take for my tank to arrive?
• Typically, delivery will be within 3 weeks.
• How can I find out the cost of shipping my tank?
• Shipping will not be added to your invoice until it can be calculated. Due to the many variables involved in shipping tanks, we will need to know which tank you have chosen and the destination to give you an accurate shipping quote. Once your order is received you will receive a confirmation email stating that your order is being processed and the best rate for shipping is being calculated for you.You will be notified on your total, including shipping, within 48 hours . Typically, you can expect delivery of your polyethylene tank in 2 - 3 weeks
• From where will my tank be shipped?
• Typically, your tank will come from the plant nearest your location. See Plant Locations

Product Questions

• What is the waranty on your tanks?

• The premium weight tanks and black or dark green vertical water storage tanks carry a three year warranty from date of manufacture and the heavy duty tanks carry a five year warranty from date of manufacture. Should a defect appear within the warranty period, Norwesco will supply a new, equivalent tank in replacement thereof. Norwesco's liability is limited to the value of the tank itself and specifically excludes the cost of installation and/or removal or consequential damages. 

• How can I tell if my tank is under warranty?

• All Norwesco tanks are embossed with a serial number that is 1/2" in height. You will usually find the serial number by the fill-opening of the tank. To get a general idea of when your tank was manufactured, click on the following link. Understanding Norwesco serial numbers . If you need a specific manufacture date, please contact your Norwesco distributor. 

• How long will my tank last?
• There are many variables that can affect the life of a polyethylene tank. With regard to storage of water, the following will prolong the life of a tank
• Periodic flushing of sediment: Frequency of flushing will depend on the water being stored.
• Flexible piping connections: Piping that will accommodate expansion and contraction of the tank will minimize the possibility of tank failure.
• UV rays: Though vertical tanks are treated with UV inhibitors, having the tank undercover is the most effective protection from UV deterioration.
• Water level, agitation and cycling: A static water level in a stationary tank will have a much smaller possibility of failure over a mobile tank that is frequently cycled.
• How thick is the plastic?
• Rotationally molded tanks vary from top to bottom on a tank. This is called a stratiform wall thickness. The thinnest part of the tank is the very bottom. It is designed that way to flex when the tank is empty or full. The actual weight of the tank or the wall thickness is not the best gauge for determining the quality of a tank. The quality of the resin and the production process will determine tank thickness.
• Will freezing ruin my tank?
• No, polyethylene tanks will not be harmed by freezing temperatures. However, since water expands when frozen, you must make sure there is room in the tank for the water to expand or it may split the tank.
• Can I bury a vertical or above ground tank?
• No. These tanks are not designed to with stand the pressure and weight of the soil at backfill.
• Can I have you install other fittings on my tank?
• YES! We are eager to help you get the product that you want. Just let us know what you need.
• What if my tank is punctured?
• These tanks are incredibly strong. However, punctures can be repaired.

Below Ground Tanks

• Should I use a being material on the bottom of the tank hole?
• YES! You must use a bedding of at least 6" of sand or a sand/gravel mix in a soil terrain or 12" minimum in a rocky terrain. A good sand gravel mix is 50/50 pea-gravel/sand. The bedding provides uniform support for the bottom of the tank and protection from sharp stones or debris.
• Can I use a septic tank for fresh water storage?
• No. The material that septic tanks are made from is not designed or approved to potable water storage
• Can I use a cistern for a septic tank or a waste holding tank?
• Yes.
• Can I use a below ground tank above ground?
• No. These tanks are specifically designed to withstand the weight and pressure of the backfilled soil and could cause deformation of the tank. Bison Tanks offers above ground storage tanks that are specifically designed for that purpose and are less costly.
• How do I get my manhole covers up to ground level when my tank is buried 24 inches under the grounds surface?
• We offer a variety of manhole extension to meet your needs
• What type of sealant can be used to seal the manhole covers?
• Silicone is our sealant of choice for all manhole covers. Silicone is the only sealant that should be used for potable water storage.
• Why must I fill the tank with water as it's being backfilled?
• Filling the tank with water equalizes the pressure between the inside and outside of the tank, which prevents any distortion. The weight of the water in the tank also keeps the tank from shifting or floating during backfill.

Please contact us if you have not found an answer to your question.