[Greenbuilding] cistern questions

[Corwyn]

On 8/2/2012 10:48 AM, Sacie Lambertson wrote:

> 1.  Cisterns in this area are built by the same people who do septic
> tanks, ie of concrete.  Could I use such a tank to support a room above?

Maybe.  Cisterns are a bit different from septic tanks, in that they are 
sometimes empty.  I know that this can be a concern with plastic tanks. 
  Check with the manufacturer.

> 2.  Our house is on a gentle slope;the end of this addition will be
> about 3-4 feet above grade. If we put the overflow drain lower than the
> top, do I need to worry about insulating the walls of a cistern? ie
> there would be room for expansion.  Freezing is normal in our NE Kansas
> winters.

I would.  In fact, I would make sure the tank was completely covered 
even if insulated.  You are going to need lots of thermal mass to keep 
things from freezing, even with insulation.

-- 
Topher Belknap
Green Fret Consulting
Kermit didn't know the half of it...
http://www.greenfret.com/
topher at greenfret.com
(207) 882-7652