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Cistern Tank Liner Installation Guide

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Cistern Liner

flat panel cistern liner

Effectively installing cistern liners in an existing cistern tank requires important information and following a step-by-step guide. Below you will find some typical information regarding installation of these liners and flexible fabrics. Please note that these are general guidelines. Adjustments or site-specific installation plans may be required depending your tank and site. Contact our team at 1-863-261-8388 or by email info@oneclarion.com to discuss your requirements.

Ready for pricing for a cistern liner? We can help! Call our sales team at +1-863-261-8388 or request a quote to discuss your project.

Cistern Liners Installation Guide

Prior to any installation, cistern tanks should be measured and inspected for any problematic components (pipes, tight openings, fittings, etc.). Cistern liners are built according to the specifications and dimensions of your tank. Knowing tough components such as protrusions will allow our team to supply you with additional boots to fit around these areas.

Typical installation of cistern liners involves a process of connecting and securing the liner to the tank. In order to protect the integrity of the liner, items such as battening or bands are often placed on top of the liner to help secure the material to the side wall. Installation methods will typically include the following:

Repeat these steps for each section of battening.

  • cistern liner installationMeasure 1" from each edge of the battening section and drill the bolt through the cistern wall, geotextile and the battening. Measure every 12" from those drill holes, and drill remaining holes. Remove the battening.

  • installing a cistern linerRoll out cistern liner and place into the tank. Verify the cistern liner is in the correct position and extends to the top of the tank. Smooth out bottom corners and weigh down with sandbag to keep in place.


  • cistern linersWhile holding the battening against the liner and side of the tank, mark the drill holes on the liner for that section of battening. Remove and set aside the battening, drill through the liner and tank wall at each mark.

  • water tank liner installationFold back liner, and drive the wedge anchors partially into the drilled holes using a hammer, being sure to leave bolt threaded onto the anchor.


  • cistern installation stepsStretch gasket material taut over the wedge anchors and hammer anchors through, securing the gasket to the side of the tank. Leave space for application of Sikaflex between the gasket and tank liner.

  • While wearing gloves, apply small beads of Sikaflex under the gasket, through and around the wedge anchors and around the entire perimeter of the tank.

  • Hammer the battening back over the cistern liner and wedge anchors, applying pressure to secure the Sikaflex.

  • Use the nuts and washers provided to secure the battening into place.

Note: When purchasing a liner for your cistern tank, care and consideration should be given to the roughness and nature of the tank. Tanks constructed out of concrete or cement may be particularly harsh, making your liner susceptible to abrasion. For many tanks, adding in a layer of geotextile padding between the tank and the liner may help protect the integrity and durability of your liner. Geotextiles should be installed on the anchors before the liner.

Questions about cistern tank liners? We can help! Call us at +1-863-261-8388 or request a quote to discuss your project.

Addressing Pipes, Fittings and other Protrusions

Any time you are installing a liner, care and consideration should be given to any item that will potentially pentrate the liner. This can include pipes, fittings, manways, openings and other protrusions. Knowing the size and location of these fittings in advance can help our team supply you with additional liner boots to cover there items.

What is a liner pipe boot?
cistern liner pipe bootA liner pipe boot (shown right) is a preconstructed item designed to add protection and lining to any penetration within your cistern tank. Rather than pushing fittings directly through the liner, pipe boots are designed to allow the fitting to go through the liner without adding holes or inconsistencies to the fabric. Pipe boots can be sized and constructed with the liner so both items arrive to your site ready for installation.

Pipe Boot Installation with Cistern Liners

Typical installation procedure for pipe boots can be found below:

  1. Locate the fitting or pipe. Cut a hole in the liner so that the pipe/fitting can fit through the liner.
  2. Slide the boot over the pipe. Once it is in place, cut the base so that it effectively covers the cut in 4-6" in every direction.
  3. Clean the liner and the boot. This is achieved through water or other mild liquids. Soap should not be used.
  4. Mark around the base edges and top of boot to indicate its location on the liner. Once this is complete, remove the boot.
  5. Apply a 2" wide strip of double sided tape on the liner. The corners should overlap by 14".
  6. Put the boot into place. Press down on the tape to remove any wrinkles.
  7. Secure all edges with 4" single sided tape.

Need more information about using a cistern tank liner in an existing cistern? Learn more about Cistern Liners here.

Questions about cistern liners? We can help! Call our sales team at +1-863-261-8388 or request a quote to discuss your project.