Can I install a connected sensor
on an old cistern?

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

Buried cisterns (rainwater) present an additional challenge: access is limited and the signal must pass through the earth. With the LoRa technology, tankio meets this challenge without difficulty: the signal passes through the earth, the concrete and the walls of the tank to send the data back to the gateway located in the house, even several hundred meters away. Discover our connected level sensor for all types of installations.

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

10,000 liter concrete tank buried in the garden. The inspection hole is the only access. The LoRa signal passes through the ground and walls of the house to reach the gateway located upstairs. The application allows you to monitor the level and detect an overflow leak which was causing hundreds of liters to be lost each week. Also discover our dedicated page connected rainwater gauge.

25-year-old plastic tank in the countryside

2,500 liter HDPE water tank installed outdoors. The sensor was attached to the filling flange using the adapter provided. Despite the distance of 80 meters between the tank and the internet router, the LoRa signal passes without problem. The owner can now monitor its level remotely, without traveling to the tank.

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.