Water tanks and pumps — price, types and what to check
Overhead tanks, sumps, loft tanks and pumps.
Most Indian homes store water twice — an underground sump that fills from the municipal line, and an overhead tank that feeds the taps by gravity.
The basics
- Plastic LLDPE tanks are standard; RCC sumps suit larger storage.
- IS 1172 suggests 135 litres per person per day. Store one to two days' worth.
- Triple and four-layer tanks keep water cooler and block algae.
Water tanks and pumps types and price ranges in India
| Type | Specification | Best used for | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple-layer overhead tank | LLDPE, 500–5,000 L | Terrace storage | ₹6–10 |
| Four-layer insulated tank | UV + thermal layer | Hot climates | ₹8–14 |
| Loft tank | Rectangular | Lofts and bathrooms | ₹8–15 |
| Underground plastic sump | Ribbed | Sump and rainwater | ₹10–18 |
| RCC underground sump | Built on site | Large storage | ₹12–20 |
| Pressure / booster pump | 0.5–1 HP | Pressure for showers and upper floors | ₹6,000–25,000 |
Quality checks before you accept delivery
- The inner layer should be white and food-grade; ask for the BIS certificate.
- Check wall thickness and a lockable lid.
- Pumps should carry a BEE star label.
- Press the tank wall — thin tanks flex.
- Lid threads and ribs should be cleanly moulded.
- Inlet and outlet fittings should be brass or UV-stable plastic.
Pro tips
- Place the overhead tank 1.5–2 m above the highest outlet for usable shower pressure.
- Fit a float valve, overflow pipe and an automatic water-level controller.
- Clean tanks every six months.
- Fit a non-return valve on the pump delivery line.
- Consider a separate flushing line if you plan to reuse rain or grey water.
- Add a sediment filter on the inlet line.
- Fit an overflow alarm or level indicator.
Mistakes to avoid
- Tanks sitting directly on the waterproofed terrace without a platform.
- No ladder or lockable lid.
- Single-layer tanks that grow algae.
- Painting plastic tanks.
- Sump lids without locks where children play.
Where you can save
- One large tank costs less per litre than two small ones.
- Automatic level controllers stop overflow waste.
How much you need
Family of four: 1,000–1,500 L overhead plus 2,000–3,000 L sump.
Brands to know
Sintex, Supreme, Vectus, Penguin, Plasto, Kirloskar, Crompton (pumps)