Help & Support

FAQs - Tuff Tank Range

What is a Tuff Tank?

Tuff Tanks are flat, low profile plastic tanks made to store liquids - typically water, waste and sewage - in off-grid applications - e.g. a toilet block on a construction site, a shower block at an outdoor event, a glamping pod in a field, when you cannot connect them to the main sewage grid.

How are Tuff Tanks made?

Tuff Tanks are made in the UK by a process called rotational moulding, using a heated, hollow mould filled with plastic polymer, guaranteeing consistent quality and dimensions. The plastic polymer has specific properties - including UV-filters (i.e. sunscreen) - for a long lifespan in the field.

Are Tuff Tanks available in different sizes?

Tuff Tanks come in 160, 500, 750 and 1000 gallon capacities. Our first Tuff Tank (2010) was the 500 gallon Tuff Tank. In 2016 we added the diminutive 160 gallon (725 litre) Mini Tuff Tank and in 2019 the range was further extended to include 750 and 1,000 gallon capacities. With the immense demand for 500 gallon tanks created during the Covid (think of all the pop-up testing centres and Nightingale Hospitals that needed waste tank receivers) we added a further, separate 500 gallon tool.

Are Tuff Tanks portable?

Yes, very much so, for the most popular 500 gallon tanks (140 Kgs) although when moving manually we'd advise four people for Health and Safety reasons. But you'll need a bit of (machinery) help with the larger 750 and 1000 gallon tanks (180 and 220 Kgs). All Tuff Tanks are equipped with four integrated lifting handles and strap guides. And we've also built in forklift slots for powered handling. Once loaded onto a vehicle or when positioned on the ground Tuff Tanks can be easily pushed and shuffled, which helps when they are being connected to a toilet block / canteen /shower / glamping pod etc. on site.

Are Tuff Tanks durable?

Absolutely. That's why we named them Tuff (i.e. "tough) Tanks. They will not corrode over time as steel tanks do. They are made from an impact-resistant, UV-protected, medium-density polyethylene - and if treated and handled correctly will have a much longer lifespan than steel tanks. Guaranteed for plastic process and material defects for two years, they are likely to have and extended life if not abused. Just like steel tanks, Tuff Tanks can be damaged if dropped from height or "holed" by a fork-lift. However, damage is readily reparable.

Can Tuff Tanks be stacked?

Yes, but only when empty. Tuff Tanks can be stacked (empty) for transport and storage. To do otherwise will exceed the product's design parameters and your product warranty will become invalid. Why? When full, the most popular 500 gallon Tuff Tank will top the scales at 2,413 Kgs. Hence, to stack several tanks on top of each other would exert overwhelming pressure on the lower tank(s).

What if you need more capacity?

We have "designed in" the functionality to allow you to link together tanks (of the same original capacity) meaning that you can increase capacity to suit your needs / application. The result is, you will not need to stock different sizes of tanks to meet the requirements of different customers / applications. One "Linking Kit" works for all tank sizes. There are four inbuilt 2" brass inserts in each tank which are the starting point for linking process.

Please note however, tanks are only linked horizontally: you cannot stack tanks vertically to collect waste and try to link them. If you need more capacity or have a restricted footprint, we also supply cylindrical Above Ground Storage Tanks

Are Tuff Tanks available in different colours?

Well, yes and no. We manufactured Tuff Tanks predominately in slate grey until 2020 but a glossy black polymer has been our standard colour since the Covid pandemic disrupted worldwide supply chains and it became a Henry Ford moment from the material suppliers of "Any colour you like as long as it's black." Since returning to relative supply chain normality post Covid, customer feedback has been favorable and we've retained black as our standard colour.

Can Tuff Tanks be moved when full?

The short answer is that these are static tanks only and they are not designed or warrantied for movement when full. When full (of liquid) they will top the scales at 2143 Kgs (500 gallon tank), 3590 Kgs (750 gallon tank) and 4766 Kgs (1000 gallon tank)

Can Tuff Tanks be buried?

Tuff Tanks are not designed for burial. Underground Tanks tend to be made as cylinders with external ribs to strengthen the tank and counteract the weight of soil. If you've ever covered yourself in sand on the beach, for fun, you'll remember just how heavy an inch or two of wet sand can be. Imagine replacing that sand with several feet of heavy, waterlogged soil and you'll appreciate the forces involved... and those forces are best handled with the correct, cylindrical design.

What liquids can you put in Tuff Tanks?

The plastic polymer we use for the manufacture of Tuff Tanks is suitable for water and toilet waste. If you have an alternative application / liquid and would like to use the Tuff Tank format, please consult us beforehand so that we can check for material compatibility.

What accessories are available for Tuff Tanks?

There are many ways to fine-tune Tuff Tanks for your application : connect to an existing toilet block with our WC-Tank Connector; add a tank breather valve which doubles as an odour control device; link tanks together; and monitor high liquid levels with our handy Level alarm.

How to recognise your Tuff Tank Capacity

From 2019 we embossed the tank capacity into the plastic on the vertical planes of the tanks' short edges. Alternatively, we have a handy guide to recognise your tank type.

How do I work out the age of my Tuff Tank

Use the handy guide.

Why are there holes through the top of the tank?

These aren't really holes: they are actually strengthening columns, which serve to retain tank shape and rigidity. Without them, large plastic flat surfaces would tend to sink over time.

What are the red caps for on the side of the tanks?

These are simply covers for the four x 2" brass inserts moulded into the tank (used when linking tanks together). They serve no function other tan to keep the brass inserts' threads clean.

What is the small black cap on the tank's top surface used for?

This is generally the point into which you will affix a high level alarm. There will be a sticker highlighting this fact.

Why is the bottom of the tank dimpled

Simply to lower friction when positioning the tank underneath site accommodation. They are essentially rubbing strips which reduce the surface area in contact with the ground.

Where do I find spares?

The spares are all available to view on our website. Despite the various model changes over the years, the spare parts have largely remained the same and are cross-compatible. You can place spares orders online or call us to place an order.

How do I connect the Tuff Tank to site accommodation?

Each 500, 750 and 1000 gallon Tuff Tank comes pre-configured with two x 5" and 2 x 12" removable lids positioned in the four top corners. Removing the 5" lid will allow inbound waste access from your 4" waste pipe: use our WC-Connector Kit to create a sealed entry.

How do I empty Tuff Tanks?

The two x 12" removable lids on the tank's top surface are the points from which waste is extracted, typically by vacuum tanker . The vacuum tanker will generally need to get fairly close to the tank in order to extract the waste. Your local waste haulage company will be able to advise you on how close they will need to be. Some people may opt to use a submersible electric pump to empty tanks.

Tuff Tank Fun Fact

The Tuff Tank was our first ever product and the reason Plastic Solutions (Aldridge) Ltd came into being. We'd been using waste tanks made from steel in another business and thought, "There must be a better way of handling liquid waste on site." And so, from recognising a problem (with rusting and extremely heavy steel tanks) both a product idea and a company were born.