Why does New York have wooden water tanks?

Wood acts as a natural insulator, preventing the water from freezing in the winter. No sealants or chemicals are used so not to taint the water supply. Since the tanks are on the rooftops, they take a beating from the elements, hence why they look like antiques, but they actually have a 30 to 35-year lifespan.

How long do wooden water tanks last?

A wooden tank that can hold 10,000 gallons of water costs roughly $30,000. A steel tank of the same size can cost up to $120,000. And water stored in the wood will not freeze in the winter and stays cool during the hot summer months. Eventually, the wood will rot and will need to be replaced after 30-35 years.

Do water towers freeze?

It’s rare for a water tower to freeze over, even during the coldest winter months. There are methods to prevent such a hardship, as well as other ways to guard against any hazardous winter weather.

How do wooden water towers work?

The wooden walls of the water tower are held together with steel cables or straps, but water leaks through the gaps when first filled. As the water saturates the wood, it swells, the gaps close and become impermeable.

What type of wood is used for water tanks?

Redwood, Cypress, and Douglas-fir are the most common wood species used in construction of vinegar storage tanks. Heartwood grade for wood staves is typically specified due to their rot and decay resistance.

Are water towers actually full of water?

Water towers hold 50 times the amount of water a backyard swimming pool will hold, that is a lot of water! The towers are built to hold at least one days’ worth of water. The largest man-made water tower can hold 1.2 million gallons of water!

How do cities keep water towers from freezing?

The water level in the tower typically falls during the peak usage hours of the day, and then a pump fills it back up during the night. This process also keeps the water from freezing in cold weather, since the tower is constantly being drained and refilled.

Why do high rise buildings have water tanks?

The tank serves two purposes: providing water for washing and drinking, and providing water for fire suppression to standpipe outlets in stairwells and or sprinkler heads.” Rosenwach adds that as pumping stations became better built, the majority of buildings 12 stories or less do not require a gravity tank.

Why do we need water tanks in New York City?

(Source: Rosenwach Tanks) Like many of the fixtures within New York City’s infrastructure, many of us see water tanks dotting rooftops, but have little idea of their specific uses and upkeep. Although they often look defunct, water tanks are still an essential part of the city’s day-to-day needs.

What are the benefits of a wooden tank?

That means water does not freeze in the winter and stays relatively cool in the summer thanks to the temperature moderation powers of wood. A wooden tank lasts up to 30 years and requires minimal maintenance.

How long do NYC water towers last?

No sealants or chemicals are used so not to taint the water supply. Since the tanks are on the rooftops, they take a beating from the elements, hence why they look like antiques, but they actually have a 30 to 35-year lifespan. +++Come and discover the many water towers the next time you visit NYC.

How many tanks are built each year in NYC?

Only three companies build the ones you see on the NYC rooftops, and to get an idea of how much in use they are, Rosenwach Tank Company (which has been in business for over 100 years) builds approximately 300 new tanks a year.