Typical 200 Litre Water Tank Dimensions

We list typical dimensions for 200 litre water tanks to match common installation spaces and fittings. The figures reflect manufacturer data and industry norms.

Standard Height, Diameter and Width

Measure typical cylindrical 200 litre tanks by height and diameter. Cylindrical tanks commonly measure 820 mm to 940 mm in height and 420 mm to 500 mm in diameter. Rectangular slimline tanks commonly measure 1 000 mm to 1 200 mm in height and 300 mm to 400 mm in width. Capacity tolerance commonly sits at ±2% to ±5% depending on manufacturer and testing standard Harlequin technical datasheet Kingspan product data.

• Headword: Height 200 litre water tank dimensions

• Headword: Diameter 200 litre water tank dimensions

• Headword: Width 200 litre water tank dimensions

Common Shape Variations (Cylindrical Vs Rectangular)

Compare cylindrical and rectangular 200 litre tanks by footprint and installation flexibility. Cylindrical tanks give smaller footprints where diameter fits a tight circle. Rectangular slimline tanks give reduced depth where width fits narrow alcoves. Cylindrical tanks commonly suit exposed outdoor or central locations. Rectangular tanks commonly suit against walls under stairs or in cupboards. Material and ribbing affect external dimensions and mounting points so check manufacturer drawings before ordering BS EN 976-1 for storage tanks.

• Headword: Cylindrical 200 litre water tank dimensions

• Headword: Rectangular 200 litre water tank dimensions

• Headword: Footprint 200 litre water tank dimensions

Dimension Variations By Material

We outline how material affects external sizes weight and installation needs. The following details help match a 200 litre tank to site constraints and fittings.

Plastic (Polyethylene) Tank Sizes

Plastic tanks use rotationally moulded polyethylene so walls vary from 5 mm to 12 mm depending on UV stabilisation and wall ribbing. Manufacturers quote external dimensions that include wall thickness and fittings so internal usable volume can be 1% to 4% less than nominal (WRAS guidance). Typical shapes and external sizes appear below.

• Cylindrical external sizes: height 820 mm to 940 mm; diameter 420 mm to 500 mm.

• Slimline external sizes: height 1,000 mm to 1,200 mm; width 300 mm to 400 mm.

• Weight empty: 6 kg to 12 kg depending on wall thickness.

Plastic tanks resist corrosion and stay lighter for rooftop or loft installs. We check manufacturer specifications for mounting points filler positions and venting to avoid clearance issues.

Sources: WRAS guidance on water fittings compliance (WRAS).

Steel And Galvanised Options

Steel tanks use welded carbon steel or galvanised panels so wall thickness ranges from 0.9 mm to 2.0 mm for light duty units and 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm for heavy duty units. External dimensions differ from plastic by reduced wall thickness and added flange or bracket protrusions. Steel tanks typically include fittings that add 20 mm to 60 mm to one side.

• Cylindrical steel sizes: height 760 mm to 860 mm; diameter 420 mm to 470 mm.

• Rectangular steel sizes: height 900 mm to 1,050 mm; width 320 mm to 380 mm; depth 150 mm to 220 mm.

• Weight empty: 12 kg to 35 kg depending on gauge and fittings.

Steel tanks need grounding and corrosion protection when used for potable water so we confirm WRAS or British Standard compliance and check for internal linings or powder coatings. We allow additional clearance of 20 mm to 60 mm per fitting when planning installations.

Measuring For Installation

We outline the exact steps to measure space and fittings for 200 litre water tank dimensions, and we clarify inlet and outlet placement to prevent delivery or installation issues.

How To Measure Footprint And Clearance

Measure the footprint width and depth at floor level, and record both values to compare with tank external dimensions.

Measure the height from floor to lowest obstruction, and subtract 50 mm for shipping and lifting clearance.

Measure door and gate widths, and record the smallest opening, because tank delivery may require disassembly if the opening is smaller than the tank.

Allow 100 mm clearance around steel tanks, and allow 50 mm clearance around plastic tanks for fittings and servicing.

Allow 300 mm overhead clearance for loft or rooftop installations, because installers need space for tools and connection work.

Dimensions table for typical 200 litre tanks

Sources: manufacturer specifications and WRAS guidance for potable-water fittings (WRAS).

Access Points, Inlets And Outlets Placement

Locate the inlet height relative to the tank top, and confirm whether the inlet is central or offset because plumbing routes change with position.

Locate the outlet height from tank base, and note whether the outlet is threaded, flanged or push-fit because fitting types determine clearance and adapters.

Locate inspection hatch or manway position, and ensure 200 mm clearance around the hatch because access requires room for a person or tool.

Locate overflow and vent positions, and route overflow to an external drain or safe soakaway because regulations require safe discharge for excess water (WRAS).

Locate mounting points and lifting lugs, and verify that lifting equipment capacity exceeds tank weight plus fittings because safe handling prevents damage.

• Footprint: floor width depth for 200 litre water tank dimensions.

• Clearance: side overhead service space for fittings and maintenance.

• Inlet: inlet height type position relative to tank top.

• Outlet: outlet height type thread flange push-fit.

• Overflow: overflow route to drain soakaway.

Weight And Capacity Considerations

We cover empty and filled mass to ensure correct placement and handling, if supports and access meet manufacturer and regulatory guidance.

Empty Vs Filled Weight Calculations

We list typical empty masses then calculate filled masses for common tank materials.

We use 1 litre of water = 1 kg for direct conversion.

We add empty mass to water mass to get total installed mass.

We check manufacturer tolerance ranges of ±2% to ±5% for capacity when finalising mass calculations. We include fittings mass such as ball valves pumps and brackets as separate items and add their combined mass to the table total when ordering or installing.

Sources: WRAS product guidance and manufacturer datasheets.

Supports, Stands And Foundation Requirements

We specify support types by total installed mass and location. We advise pad or frame supports for rooftop or loft installs, if structural calculations confirm load capacity.

We recommend the following minimum support actions:

• Verify structural capacity for distributed load in floor joists or roof rafters before placement.

• Provide a level base such as concrete pad of 50–100 mm depth for ground sits.

• Use a frame or cradle for cylindrical tanks to prevent point loads on the tank wall.

• Anchor tanks in high wind zones or on raised supports.

We give example loading cases for structural review.

We treat the 200 L plastic tank as a point load of up to 212 kg in loft fixes and as a distributed load of 212 kg over base area for ground pads.

We treat steel tanks using the higher total mass figures in the table.

We follow Building Regulations Approved Document A for structural checks and WRAS guidance for potable water supports. We obtain manufacturer mounting point data before finalising stands or foundations.

Practical Uses And Space Planning

We outline practical layouts and use cases for 200 litre water tanks to aid placement and connection decisions. We give specific examples and space figures to speed planning and installation.

Domestic Rainwater Harvesting

Domestic rainwater harvesting uses 200 litre tanks to collect roof runoff for garden use toilet flushing and laundry. We recommend placing cylindrical tanks 820 mm to 940 mm high and 420 mm to 500 mm in diameter where floor space is limited. We recommend placing slimline rectangular tanks 1 000 mm to 1 200 mm high and 300 mm to 400 mm wide for narrow alcoves or lofts. We size outlet and inlet fittings at 25 mm to 32 mm for typical domestic pumps and include a 50 mm overflow discharge where local regulations require it (Environment Agency 2019). We position tanks with 50 mm clearance around plastic models for inspection and 150 mm clearance for steel models to allow corrosion checks and valve access. We locate pumps within 1.5 m of the tank base to reduce suction lift and recommend anti-siphon and nonreturn valves to protect mains supply where systems are plumbed to toilets (WRAS guidance 2020).

Table of common domestic planning figures

Commercial And Agricultural Applications

Commercial and agricultural applications use arrays of 200 litre tanks for process water stock watering and irrigation. We arrange tanks in banks to reach required volumes where each tank adds 200 litres to usable capacity. We permit stacked or racked installations only where manufacturer load ratings exceed the installed mass of 200 kg per filled tank. We require concrete plinths or steel frames for groups of three or more tanks and specify foundations rated for the cumulative mass for example 1 000 kg for five filled tanks. We place access routes with 600 mm clear width for servicing pumps valves and quick disconnects. We size primary supply and distribution lines at 50 mm to 100 mm for irrigation mains and at 25 mm to 32 mm for point of use fittings. We follow local building control and water quality regulations for potable uses and provide backflow prevention devices where tanks connect to mains systems (UK Building Regulations Approved Document G 2015).

Transport And Handling Dimensions

We state typical transport and handling sizes and safe handling practices for 200 litre water tanks. We focus on packed dimensions pallet requirements and lifting guidance to assist delivery and installation planning.

Packing Size For Shipping

We provide typical packed dimensions and gross masses for common 200 litre tank shapes. We quote typical manufacturer datasheets and HSE guidance where relevant.

We allow 20 mm to 50 mm packaging foam per side for plastic tanks. We specify pallet height limits of 1 200 mm for standard HGV tail lifts. We advise checking carrier dimensional limits before booking.

Sources: typical manufacturer datasheets and HSE manual handling guidance https://www.hse.gov.uk

Lifting Points And Handling Tips

We list safe lifting and handling measures based on LOLER requirements and HSE guidance.

• Use certified lifting points on the tank when supplied.

• Use rated slings and spreader bars for full tanks.

• Use two lifting straps for slimline tanks to prevent twisting.

• Use soft slings on plastic to avoid abrasion.

• Use tag lines when moving tanks near structures.

We state lifting capacities in planning and choose lifting gear with a minimum 1.25 safety factor above gross laden mass. We treat a full 200 litre tank as 200 kg plus empty mass when calculating lifts. We inspect lifting eyes and slings before every lift as required by LOLER https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/loler.htm

We recommend arranging delivery so tanks are lifted by crane or forklift to level ground when the route has steps or narrow access. We advise keeping tanks vertical in transit unless manufacturer allows horizontal transport.

Buying Guide And Specification Checklist

We summarise key checks for site fit and supplier claims. We list technical drawing checks and supplier questions to secure correct 200 litre water tank dimensions and installation.

What To Look For In Technical Drawings

• Confirm external dimensions. Measure length width height or diameter and height to ensure the tank fits the intended space.

• Verify capacity tolerance. Check manufacturer tolerance in percentage to confirm true usable volume.

• Identify inlet outlet positions. Note diameters thread types and centreline heights for fittings and pumps.

• Locate lifting and mounting points. Mark certified lifting eyes brackets and fixing holes for safe handling and installation.

• Check wall thickness and material specs. Compare polymer grade or steel gauge to estimate empty mass and durability.

• Review connection detail drawings. Inspect flange types bolt patterns and gasket materials for compatibility with valves and filters.

• Note clearances for servicing. Ensure access space listed for maintenance and replacement of parts.

• Confirm overflow and vent arrangements. Ensure discharge paths and air vents meet local drainage regulations.

• Inspect packed transport dimensions. Use crate pallet or wrapped sizes to plan delivery vehicle and site access.

Sources: WRAS guidance on fittings and connections [1] HSE lifting and handling guidance [2].

Questions To Ask Suppliers

• Provide exact external dimensions. Ask for length width height or diameter and height in millimetres plus tolerance.

• Provide empty mass and filled mass. Ask for empty weight in kilograms and total weight when full in kilograms.

• Provide certified lifting data. Ask for safe working load for lifting points and required sling angles.

• Provide material specification. Ask for polymer grade or steel standard and corrosion treatment if any.

• Provide connection specifications. Ask for inlet outlet sizes thread type and flange drilling to match our fittings.

• Provide warranty terms. Ask for warranty duration coverage details and conditions that void the warranty.

• Provide compliance evidence. Ask for product certification test reports and approvals such as WRAS or relevant standards.

• Provide installation instructions. Ask for foundation or mounting requirements and recommended clearances.

• Provide transport packaging details. Ask for packed dimensions pallet footprint and weight for delivery planning.

• Provide spare parts list. Ask for part numbers lead times and local availability for seals valves and fittings.

1. WRAS Approved Products List. 2. Health and Safety Executive Guidance on Lifting and Handling.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has made choosing and installing a 200 litre water tank clearer and less stressful.

If you double check dimensions fittings and loadings before you buy you'll avoid costly delays and site changes.

Use our checklist and supplier questions to get precise data and ask for drawings where possible.

When in doubt contact a structural or plumbing professional to confirm suitability and compliance.

With the right planning the tank you pick will fit the space work reliably and give years of trouble free service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical external dimensions of a 200 litre cylindrical water tank?

Cylindrical 200 litre tanks usually measure about 820–940 mm in height and 420–500 mm in diameter. Exact sizes vary by manufacturer, so always check the supplier’s external dimensions and any added clearance for fittings.

What are the typical dimensions of a 200 litre slimline (rectangular) tank?

Slimline 200 litre tanks commonly measure 1,000–1,200 mm in height and 300–400 mm in width, with depth varying by design. Capacity tolerances typically range from ±2% to ±5%.

How much does a 200 litre water tank weigh empty and full?

One litre of water ≈ 1 kg, so filled mass is about 200 kg plus tank empty weight. Empty polyethylene tanks weigh ~6–12 kg; galvanised or stainless steel tanks are heavier (often 15–40+ kg). Total installed mass must account for fittings and base.

Which tank shape is best for limited floor space?

Cylindrical tanks have smaller footprints and suit exposed outdoor or central locations. Slimline rectangular tanks are ideal for narrow alcoves, cupboards or loft edges where width is constrained.

How does tank material affect size and installation?

Material influences empty weight, external fittings and corrosion protection. Polyethylene is lightweight and corrosion-resistant (good for roofs/lofts). Steel or galvanised tanks are heavier and may need grounding, anti-corrosion treatment and stronger supports.

What clearances are needed around a 200 litre tank for installation and servicing?

Allow clearance for inlet/outlet access, maintenance and ventilation: typically 50–200 mm around plastic tanks and greater for metal tanks to service fittings. Check manufacturer guidance for specific clearance and servicing access.

How should I measure a space for a new 200 litre tank?

Measure floor footprint, height clearance, door/route widths, and any obstructions. Note inlet/outlet positions, required clearances for fittings and lifting access. Verify load-bearing capacity of the support or floor.

Where should inlet and outlet fittings be located?

Locate inlets at the top or near-top for rainwater feed and outlets near the bottom for pumps or taps. Confirm exact positions on supplier drawings to ensure compatibility with plumbing and overflow routing.

What foundation or support is needed for a filled 200 litre tank?

Supports depend on location and total installed mass: flat, level, rigid bases (concrete pads, tank stands or reinforced timber) are common. For heavy metal tanks or elevated installs, consult a structural check and follow building regulations.

How are 200 litre tanks transported and handled safely?

Packed dimensions often fit on a standard pallet. Use a forklift or crane with certified lifting points and rated slings. Follow LOLER/HSE guidance: inspect lifting gear, use even lifting, and ensure level ground for delivery.

Can I install a 200 litre tank in a loft or on a roof?

Yes—if the structure can safely carry the filled mass and the tank is suitable for location (lightweight polyethylene preferred). Have a structural assessment, use appropriate fixings and comply with building regulations.

What should I ask suppliers before buying a 200 litre tank?

Ask for exact external dimensions, empty weight, inlet/outlet positions and thread sizes, capacity tolerance, material spec, UV/resistance data, lifting points, and compliance/certification evidence. Request technical drawings.

Do I need corrosion protection or grounding for metal tanks?

Yes. Galvanised or steel tanks used for potable water often need corrosion protection and may require earthing. Follow supplier guidance and local regulations for safe installation and maintenance.

How do I plan multiple 200 litre tanks for irrigation or commercial use?

Arrange tanks with suitable access for piping, pumps and servicing. Provide stable foundations, align inlet/outlet heights for interconnection, and ensure safe access routes for delivery and maintenance. Consider redundancy and expansion.

What maintenance should I plan for a 200 litre water tank?

Regularly inspect for leaks, clean interiors annually or as needed, check fittings and floats, and ensure overflow discharge is clear. For metal tanks, monitor corrosion and recoat if required.