Horizontal Water Tanks UAE

A horizontal water tank lies on its side, with the filling opening on top and moulded feet or saddles underneath. It stores the same water as a vertical tank of equal capacity, but in a low, wide shape. In the UAE it is the usual answer when ceiling height, roof structure or access limits what can be installed. This guide explains how horizontal tanks work, how to choose between plastic and GRP, how to size and install one, and what to check before you order.

How a Horizontal Tank Is Built

The body is a cylinder with domed ends, strengthened by moulded ribs along the top and sides. Moulded legs or saddles on the underside spread the weight across the base, so the tank rests securely without a steel frame. A manhole or screw lid on top gives access for filling, inspection and cleaning, and the connections for inlet, outlet, overflow and drain are fitted into the body.

Khazzan supplies two families. PVC (polyethylene) horizontal tanks run from 100 USG to 2,000 USG (about 379 to 7,570 litres), and GRP fiberglass horizontal tanks run from 300 USG to 20,000 USG (about 1,135 to 75,700 litres).

Horizontal or Vertical?

Capacity is the same, so the decision comes down to the space available and how the tank will be installed.

• Choose horizontal when headroom is limited, such as plant rooms, low canopies, under-stair spaces or beneath a roof structure, and when you have floor length to spare.
• Choose vertical when floor area is tight and height is free, such as a narrow side passage or a small roof slab.
• Stability. A horizontal tank has a low centre of gravity and a wide base, which makes it very stable in wind and easy to level.
• Handling. Long, low tanks are often easier to carry through side gates and along service lanes than tall ones.

Compare options on our vertical water tanks page, or read our water tank sizes guide.

PVC or GRP: Which Material?

PVC (polyethylene) tanks are moulded in one piece. They are light, do not rust, and are the practical choice for villas, small buildings, workshops and farms. The range tops out at 2,000 USG.

GRP fiberglass tanks are built up in layers of glass fibre and resin with a food-grade inner surface. They are rigid and are made in much larger sizes, which makes them the choice for commercial buildings, industrial sites and large irrigation systems. For the full comparison, see GRP vs polyethylene water tanks.

Choosing the Right Size

Work out your daily water use, then decide how many days of reserve you want. A small villa with reliable mains supply may only need a short buffer, while a building with frequent interruptions or tanker supply needs several days. A few reference points from the range:

• 500 USG horizontal PVC tank (about 1,893 L) for small households and light commercial use.
• 1,000 USG (about 3,785 L) and 1,250 USG (about 4,731 L) for villas and small buildings.
• 2,000 USG (about 7,571 L), the largest PVC horizontal size.
• GRP horizontal tanks from 300 USG up to 20,000 USG for large storage.

The water tank size calculator helps match a size to your household or building.

Foundation and Weight

Water weighs about one kilogram per litre, so the tank load is large. A 1,250 USG tank carries roughly 4,731 kg of water, and a 5,000 USG GRP tank carries close to 19 tonnes. A horizontal tank spreads that load over its feet, so the base must be flat, level and strong enough:

• Use a level concrete slab slightly larger than the tank footprint, and let it cure fully.
• Check the level in both directions before the tank is placed.
• Keep the surface free of stones and sharp debris.
• On roofs and podiums, have an engineer confirm the structure carries the filled weight.

Installing in UAE Conditions

Put the tank in shade if possible. Direct summer sun heats stored water, which encourages algae and bacteria, and it ages plastic faster. Fit a float valve on the inlet, an overflow that drains safely away, an isolation valve on the outlet, and a drain at the lowest point for cleaning. Use flexible connectors at the tank and support the pipework separately so the tank wall does not carry the weight of the pipes. Leave working space around the tank, ideally at least 60 cm on the access side.

For delivery and handling, read our guide to GRP water tank delivery and installation, which also applies to large horizontal tanks.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Clean and disinfect before first use, then at least once or twice a year.
• Keep the lid closed and sealed against dust, insects and light.
• Inspect fittings, float valve and overflow regularly for leaks.
• Do not pour hot or boiling water into plastic tanks.
• Never drag a tank across the ground.

See our cleaning and maintenance guide, or book professional tank cleaning in Dubai.

Before You Order

• Measure the gate, passage and final position against the tank's length, width and height.
• Prepare the base before delivery.
• Decide on the inlet, outlet and overflow positions.
• Tell us the location so the right vehicle and offloading method are arranged.

Khazzan delivers horizontal tanks to all seven emirates. Delivery charges depend on location, so see the delivery pricing page, then send us a WhatsApp message with your size and location for a price.