Installing a water gauge to my metal rainwater tank

[MisterBoy]

I have this metal tank for rain-water collection, it's approx 2m^3 and the only holes are on the top and where the tap comes out.

I was wondering about fitting some sort of gauge to show how full it is but I have no access to it from the inside. Is this feasible without major effort?

 

[Burnerman]

Check out oil tank gauges?
The simplest one is the clear plastic tube on the outside which shows the level ( Atkinson gauge) or you can get a float type which fits to any filling point.
John

 

[Tigercubrider]

You say no access from top?
where is the circular cover?
if it’s on the top, then a simple dip stick/float would work

 

[magicmushroom666]

You could tee a sight glass into that output for sure. Just needs to be a transparent pipe as high as the tank and supported somehow. The top of the pipe would be left open to allow it work.

 

[Tigercubrider]

A sight glass can be fitted on the side with two entries, one at the top and one at the bottom. So long as the air pressure in the sight glass is released back into the tank, obviating evaporation.
but as above, a simple stick with a ball float (ball cock) fitted to a rod poking out of the top would work fine
you just need to ensure that the rod stays vertical, so use a painted rod inside a C shaped rod acting as a guide.
something as simple as a black plastic 2” pipe with a wide slot, and a white 1” tube inside.

 

[just pumps]

Tek Tanks sell senders and gauges, used on many boats for clean and blackwater tanks.

 

[MisterBoy]

A sight glass can be fitted on the side with two entries, one at the top and one at the bottom. So long as the air pressure in the sight glass is released back into the tank, obviating evaporation.

That all makes sense, can you fit them from one side only e.g. no nuts on the inside? Guess this would be neatest if so, but the floating rod idea is neat and avoids holes

Thanks

 

[Lower]

Insert a t piece into the outlet of the tank and run a clear plastic hose up the side of the tank. The water in the hose will be at the same level as the tank.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Apart from a gauge fitted to the existing outlet, or the top, a hole generally needs a large nut on the inside.
so the easiest way is to utilise the existing outlet or use a bobbing dip stick.

 

[MisterBoy]

Insert a t piece into the outlet of the tank and run a clear plastic hose up the side of the tank. The water in the hose will be at the same level as the tank.

Ah yes I see. The outlet directly on the tank is old and seized but we got new pieces to fit the thread so finding a T wouldn't be hard to go in line, assuming I can find clear pipe in a standard size.

 

[Burnerman]

B&Q have all you need.....15mm tee piece from the plumbing dept, and they have a range of clear plastic tubing.
Heating the tubing with a heat gun will enable you to stretch the tubing over a short length of pipe, secured with a jubilee clip.
Secure the top of the tubing with a pipe clip, fixed to the tank with a self tapping screw ( above water level of course!)
John

 

[scbk]

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