If your old fiberglass tank is showing its age, you might be wondering what to replace it with. Sticking with fiberglass is one option, but more and more property owners, contractors, and engineers across British Columbia and beyond are making the switch to custom-manufactured plastic tanks. The good news? It's a decision that pays off in more ways than you might expect, especially when you choose a tank built specifically for your site.
That's where BARR Plastics comes in. Based in Abbotsford, BC, BARR Plastics specializes in designing and fabricating custom plastic tanks that solve problems standard tanks simply can't. Here's why making the switch from fiberglass to a BARR custom tank could be one of the best decisions you make for your property or project.
Built to Fit Your Space, Not the Other Way Around
One of the biggest limitations of fiberglass tanks is that they typically come in standard shapes and sizes. If your installation space is unusual, such as an underground parkade, a mechanical room, a rooftop, or a tight basement, you're often forced to compromise on capacity or installation approach.
BARR Plastics solves this with custom-manufactured tanks built from a proprietary 50mm-thick polypropylene copolymer structural panel system. These panels have an internal 50 x 50 mm grid pattern that delivers far greater structural strength than solid sheet material at a much lower weight per square foot. The result is tanks that can be designed to virtually any shape or size, up to roughly 12 feet wide by 40 feet long by 8.5 feet high, with a static liquid depth of up to 72 inches.
This flexibility is a game-changer for replacement projects. Instead of redesigning your space to fit a new tank, BARR builds the tank to fit your space.
Proven in Real-World Projects
A great example of this approach in action is the work BARR Plastics completed for Matacan Construction in Vancouver, BC. Matacan needed a stormwater detention system for a building with an underground parkade, and the constraints were significant. Two tanks were required, one with a capacity of 6,059 US gallons and another with 2,625 US gallons, and both had to fit precisely into the parkade's tight dimensions while meeting regulatory requirements.
BARR Plastics designed, fabricated, and delivered custom tanks built from their structural panels. The tanks featured strategically placed connections to integrate with existing infrastructure, and the entire project was completed in about ten weeks, with just a two-day turnaround for pricing and planning. This is the kind of tailored, responsive service that simply isn't possible with off-the-shelf fiberglass tanks.
Engineered for Durability and Easy Maintenance
BARR's custom tanks come standard with features that make them reliable and easy to live with for decades. Each tank can include up to four 8-inch flange fitting connections, along with an internal plumbing system that manages overflow, inlet, and outlet flow seamlessly. A square bolted hatch on top allows easy access for maintenance and cleaning, and two full cross baffles inside provide structural stability while keeping the tank serviceable.
Because the tanks are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, or other thermoplastics, they don't corrode, rust, or break down chemically the way fiberglass and metal tanks can. They're also UV-stable, which means they handle outdoor installations well, though BARR recommends protecting them from prolonged sunlight to maximize service life.
A Lighter, More Flexible Alternative to Fiberglass and Concrete
Traditional fiberglass tanks can be heavy and rigid, and poured-in-place concrete tanks are often the only alternative in difficult installation locations. BARR's structural panel tanks offer a third path: lightweight, durable, and modular. They're easier to transport, easier to maneuver into tight spaces, and far less disruptive to install than concrete alternatives.
For high-rise developments, urban infill projects, and retrofits where access is limited, this matters enormously. It also means lower installation costs, since you don't need the same heavy equipment or extended labor that fiberglass or concrete replacements typically require.
Versatile Applications Beyond Stormwater
While stormwater detention is one of the most common uses for BARR's custom tanks, the applications go far beyond that. The company designs tanks for rainwater harvesting, potable water storage, greywater and sewage containment, pump chambers and lift stations, chemical and industrial liquid handling, agricultural use, and emergency water reserves. Potable water tanks are built to meet NSF/ANSI 61 standards, ensuring safe drinking water storage for residential, commercial, agricultural, and municipal applications.
Whatever your old fiberglass tank was used for, chances are BARR can build a better replacement.
A Simple Process From Concept to Completion
BARR Plastics has streamlined the custom tank process into three straightforward steps. First, you share your specs, location, and tank purpose. Second, their team designs and fabricates the tank to your exact requirements. Third, it's either shipped to your site or ready for pickup at their Abbotsford facility. Most custom projects take 2 to 6 weeks from signed drawings, depending on complexity and current production schedules.
You'll also get clear installation guidance, CAD drawings, and direct support from product specialists who can consult with your installer if needed. While BARR doesn't install tanks on site, their team makes sure your contractor has everything they need to do the job right.
A Confident Step Forward
Replacing an aging fiberglass tank can feel like a hassle, but it's also an opportunity to upgrade to something genuinely better. BARR Plastics' custom-manufactured tanks represent decades of engineering refinement, and they solve many of the problems that plague older fiberglass installations. You're not just replacing what failed, you're investing in a tailored solution that fits your site, your application, and your operational needs.
If you've been putting off your tank replacement, consider this your gentle nudge. Reach out to BARR Plastics for a quote and a conversation with a product specialist. You'll likely find that a custom plastic tank is more affordable, more practical, and more reassuring than you expected.
Your old tank served you well, but it's time to let modern engineering take over. A custom tank from BARR Plastics could be the long-lasting, purpose-built solution that gives you peace of mind for decades to come.
Ready to start your project? Contact BARR Plastics at 1-800-665-4499, email info@barrplastics.com, or visit barrplastics.com to request a quote.
