Product Information

Water Tower Specialists

Although there are multiple style variations, generally there are four types of elevated water storage tanks encountered throughout the country, the pedisphere, fluted  column, standpipe and multi-leg water tower as shown below.

Each water tower has its unique features, but there are some commonalities between each type. Similarly, many installation products appear to be alike, but manufacturers have varying designs to allow for ease of installation and to ensure that the mounting system provides years of trouble free service.

Water tanks are prime locations for wireless systems and oftentimes have multiple tenants on one site. Tank owners at first were hesitant to accommodate carriers on their structure, but the revenue couldn’t be  ignored and in some high traffic corridors it proved to be downright intoxicating.

However, many maintenance problems surfaced following  unsupervised  installations by unqualified contractors. A few poorly designed mounting products also contributed to the  troubling installs.

Today, design engineers and water tank accessory manufacturers are aware of previous problems and are providing product designs that will not damage the interior or exterior structure when installed correctly. Although there are occasional maintenance concerns over rust streaking, the majority of problems occur with the installation (see Installation Information ).

Wireless management service companies or tank owners can assist by overseeing the project and  assisting in the installation design. Special care requirements are necessary to ensure the integrity of the structure. If a new tank is being considered, provisions for multiple antenna co-locations should be included in the design stage.

There are organizations that can provide additional information pertaining to water tower antenna installations such as the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE). Structural engineers  whose disciplines cover water tank analysis and design are also excellent resources.

Pod mount assemblies are often selected for pedisphere towers where the installation footprint is limited. They are also stackable and some can accommodate mini monopoles for co-locating requirements.

Where there is an area available for a rooftop installation there are numerous tripod mounts, sector frames and three-sector assemblies available. Hand rail antenna mounts are also offered by manufacturers. Some will also provide special design applications.

Accessories obtainable include mid span mounts, water tower leg brackets, access tube stiffener rings, expansion brackets and coax stand-off brackets. A colocation installation may also require a waveguide bridge and the associated cable mounting brackets and hardware.                                                           

We recommend that you contact our valued water tower mount and accessory manufacturers and distributors for your site-specific requirements.

The following pricing for mounting pods, frames and brackets are industry averages from multiple manufacturers and distributors. They do not include installation. Add taxes and freight. Contact your vendor for specialty items such as coax penetration pipes.

Whenever you receive a quotation from a contractor that appears to be too low, identify if they have the proper insurance, safety training and the expertise to complete the job. Oftentimes they don’t! If a supplier’s or service provider’s pricing is also extremely low, ensure that the materials and/or design meet the specifications or that they’re competent in providing their service offerings. Check references at least twice and you’ll only have to cut the purchase order once! To add information to this industry topic or to ensure its accuracy, please contact us at info@wirelessestimator.com.

WARNING: This generic, non-exhaustive overview is intended to serve as a useful starting point for research and analysis of the topics addressed. Proper training, professional knowledge and oftentimes licensing are required prior to anyone providing product design, selection, installation, and construction/development-related activities. This information is neither presented to instruct nor teach anyone in the proper or safe methods of any aspect of wireless design or construction. To ensure minimum exposure and to determine compliance for a safe working environment, you must obtain the advice and guidance of an industry professional.

Failure to meet these minimum requirements and appropriate compliance responsibilities can result in serious injury or death to you or your fellow workers. All aspects of wireless construction are hazardous by nature. You have the sole responsibility to act safely and with caution prior to performing any construction-related task.