Water tank Vastu: borewell, sump, overhead and septic tanks

The rule behind both is simple. Water below ground belongs to the light north-east, and a heavy tank above belongs over the heavy south-west. This guide covers the borewell, sump and underground tank, the overhead tank, the septic tank, and what to do in a flat or an existing house where the tanks cannot be moved.

Borewell, sump and underground tank

Water below ground belongs to the north-east water zone, so the borewell, sump and underground tank are traditionally placed there, or in the north or east. The west and north-west are acceptable. The south-west, south-east and south are traditionally avoided for water below ground, as the south-west especially is kept solid and heavy.

On a plot, many consultants suggest placing the borewell in the north-east part but not in the exact corner, leaving a little space from the boundary walls. The sump can sit beside it in the north or east.

Overhead tank on the roof

An overhead tank is heavy when full, so it goes over the heavy side of the home. The table compares the overhead tank with water below ground; the two rules are close to mirror images.

Placing the overhead tank well

The overhead tank is commonly raised on a platform a little above the roof slab rather than placed flat, which also helps with water pressure. Many consultants suggest that it should not sit directly above the kitchen stove or the pooja space. If there are two tanks, the larger one goes towards the south-west.

Leaks and overflows are taken seriously in Vastu. Fix a dripping overflow pipe quickly, keep the tank covered and clean it on a regular schedule.

Septic tank

The septic tank is commonly placed in the north-west of the plot. The north-east and south-west are avoided for it, for the same reason they are avoided for toilets: waste is kept away from the zone of prayer and the zone of stability. Some consultants also accept the west. Keep the septic tank well away from the borewell and sump; your local building rules set the minimum distance.

In a flat or an existing house

In an apartment, the society tanks are outside your control, and Vastu advice for a flat usually focuses on what is inside it. In an existing house, moving a sump or tank is a major job. Most consultants start with the adjustments below and with keeping every water fixture leak-free, then look at the plan as a whole before suggesting anything structural.

Adjustments without rebuilding

• For an overhead tank in the north-east, many consultants suggest keeping it as small and light as possible and adding weight in the south-west of the roof, such as planters
• For a sump in the south-west, keeping the south-west of the home heavy with solid furniture or storage above it is commonly suggested
• A septic tank in an avoided zone is commonly kept sealed, well maintained and with its cover in good repair
• Keeping the north-east of the plot or roof clean and open is commonly suggested whatever the tank positions

These are traditional practices that many families follow. They vary between Vastu schools; for your own home, a consultant can say which matter most.

Related Vastu guides

• Plot Vastu: Plot facing, shape, slope, roads and soil: what Vastu commonly checks before you buy or build.
• Vastu directions: Deity, planet, element and the right rooms for each of the eight directions, and how to find them at home.
• Bathroom and toilet Vastu: The best direction for toilets and bathrooms, the seat facing, drainage and attached bathrooms.
• Vastu remedies without demolition: Room use, colours, light, clutter, mirrors, plants, salt and yantras: traditional fixes, and when to rebuild.
• Garden Vastu: Lawns in the north and east, tall trees in the south and west, water in the north-east, and what to keep away.

Your personal best directions come from your Kua number. Check your whole home with the house Vastu calculator, see whether your house number suits you, and find your lucky number. More tools: all free calculators.