Can I install a connected sensor
on an old cistern?
Do you have a rainwater tank that is 20 or 30 years old? Good news: modern connected sensors can be installed without modification and without replacing your existing installation.
“My cistern is 30 years old, can I really install a connected sensor in it? » This is the question we hear most often. The answer is yes, in the vast majority of cases. Whether your tank is metal, plastic, underground or above ground, modern sensors are designed to adapt to all types of tanks without building work or modifications.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to have a new or “connectable” tank to benefit from the advantages of a connected gauge. In this article, we explain how tankio adapts to all tanks, even older ones, and why it's a great idea to modernize your existing installation rather than replacing it.
Table of contents
checklist 1. Compatibility with all types of tanks
The tankio sensor was designed to be universal. It works with all common tank materials in Belgium.
Metal tanks
Steel tanks are common for water supplies. Whether your tank is old (with or without interior lining), the tankio sensor is fixed without drilling via the inspection hatch or the filling flange. Pressure measurement technology requires no contact with metal, eliminating any risk of corrosion or leakage at the attachment point.
Plastic tanks (HDPE)
Polyethylene rainwater tanks are perfectly compatible. The sensor mounts on the dome of the cistern or on an existing drain valve, without weakening the structure.
Buried tanks
For a buried tank or a tank in a cellar, check NB-IoT reception at the device location. Soil, concrete and metal covers can weaken the signal. Coverage depends on the mobile network available on site.
build 2. Installation without modification of the tank
One of the main obstacles to installing a connected sensor is the fear of having to drill, weld or modify the tank. With tankio, these operations are completely unnecessary.
The tankio sensor is installed in less than 15 minutes without specialized tools. It uses the existing openings in your tank: inspection port, filling port, purge, or drain valve. No drilling, no welding, no permanent modification. If you move or change tanks, you can simply remove the sensor and reinstall it elsewhere.
This “non-invasive” approach is particularly important for old cisterns whose structural integrity could be compromised by modification. With tankio, you take no risks.
swap_horiz 3. Tankio universal adapters
Each tank is unique: opening diameters, flange types and configurations vary from one installation to another. To guarantee compatibility with the greatest number of tanks, tankio provides a range of adapters included in the kit.
- Inspection port adapter : slips under the existing lid, ideal for metal and plastic tanks.
- Adapter for filling flange : screws onto the filling port (1" to 2"), compatible with most tanks.
- Drain valve adapter : connects to the tank drain, perfect for tanks without an inspection hatch.
- Support for tank without opening : magnetic or adhesive fixing for tanks where no opening is available.
If your tank has a particular configuration, contact us and we will help you find the right adaptation solution. We have already equipped hundreds of tanks of all types and ages in Belgium.
“I have a cistern from 1985, placed in the basement. The tankio sensor was installed in 10 minutes on the inspection hole. I can now see my level on my phone, it’s incredible! » — Pierre, Namur.
recycling 4. No need to replace your tank
A common misconception is that an old tank must be replaced to be compatible with modern technologies. It's totally false. A tank in good condition, even several decades old, can continue to do its job perfectly well with a connected sensor.
Replacing a large underground tank can cost several thousand euros. Installing a Tankio connected sensor for less than €300 allows you to add all the modern features without this colossal budget.
Of course, if your tank shows signs of weakness (cracks, rust perforation, deformation), it is imperative to replace it for safety reasons. But if it is healthy, a connected sensor is the most economical and ecological way to modernize it.
format_quote 5. Real examples: 30-year-old tanks equipped
Here are some concrete examples of tankio installations on older tanks to show you that it is possible.
35-year-old metal tank in Liège
3,000 liter above-ground steel tank installed in 1989. The owner thought he would have to change everything to have a connected gauge. The tankio sensor was installed on the existing manhole in 12 minutes. Result: real-time level, alerts before the tank is empty, and savings on water bills.
20-year-old buried rainwater tank in Brussels
For a 10,000-litre concrete tank buried in the garden, check NB-IoT reception at the chosen location. Install and switch on the device, enter the capacity and required dimensions in the app, then check the first reading.
25-year-old plastic tank in the countryside
For a 2,500-litre outdoor tank, the distance to the home router does not determine the sensor connection. The device uses the NB-IoT network available on site; configure the tank in the app.
security 6. Safety benefits for aging tanks
Older tanks present an increased risk of leaking with time. Rust (metal tanks), microcracks (plastic tanks) or sagging seals are potential sources of leaks. A connected sensor provides crucial additional security.
Thanks to the continuous monitoring, tankio detects abnormal drops in level, even small ones. If your tank loses 2 liters per day due to a microcrack, the application alerts you within a few days, whereas it would take weeks to notice it visually. An undetected leak can cause considerable water loss and damage to your property.
Furthermore, the level history allows you to follow your tank’s watertightness over time. A progressive decline in tank integrity will be visible on the consumption graphs, even without an active leak. To learn more about securing your installation, see our FAQs.