Although the Earth appears rich in water, only about three percent of it is freshwater. Of this small percentage, merely 1.2 percent is suitable for drinking, with the rest being locked in glaciers, ice caps, permafrost, or deep underground.
Water is essential for sustaining human civilization. In the United States alone, daily consumption of surface water amounts to 327 billion gallons. Just consider the total global water usage!
Have you ever wondered how vast quantities of clean freshwater are stored? Water storage tanks play a pivotal role in this process. Maintaining a leak-free and operational storage tank is crucial for any water storage facility. Therefore, conducting regular inspections to ensure the tank’s integrity, particularly examining the tank bottom, is vital.
What’s the Point of Water Tank Inspections and Maintenance?
Establishing a consistent inspection schedule for tanks, similar to that for other assets, can significantly reduce maintenance and replacement costs in the long run. Without proper maintenance, most traditional tank materials will deteriorate over time due to corrosion, cracking, and rusting.
As per the American Water Works Association (AWWA), potable water storage towers should undergo inspection every three to five years. Furthermore, many tank manufacturers require regular inspections as a condition for warranty coverage. Apart from the tanks themselves, regular inspections of potable water storage facilities are essential to ensure the provision of clean water supplies.
Although sediment may gradually accumulate at the bottom of tanks, its presence in small amounts typically does not impact water quality or compromise the stability of the storage tank.
The Key Benefits of Conducting Proper Tank Bottom Inspections
Ensuring thorough tank bottom inspections is essential for identifying any potential issues. In addition to this, here are the key benefits of conducting proper tank bottom inspections:
Quick Detection of Leaks
Regular inspections are vital for promptly detecting bottom leaks in water tanks, enabling swift correction before they escalate and compromise the water supply with contamination.
Preservation of structural integrity
Inspections are essential to verify that the tank maintains its structural integrity and is devoid of corrosion or deterioration, which could jeopardize its stability.
Prevention of water contamination
Inspections uncover any impurities or pollutants gathering on the tank bottom, ensuring water quality is preserved and shielding consumers from potential health hazards.
Cost savings
Prompt detection of issues during inspections can avert costly repairs down the line, thereby extending the tank’s longevity.
Compliance with regulations
In numerous areas, periodic tank inspections are required by law to guarantee the safety and purity of the water supply.
To maintain the safety and quality of stored water, routine bottom inspections of tanks are indispensable. Investing in this crucial measure guarantees a safer and more dependable water supply.
Checklist for Conducting Bottom Tank Inspections
- Examine the tank’s exterior for indications of corrosion, cracks, or deterioration, paying particular attention to seams, joints, and connections.
- Verify the integrity of the tank’s support system to confirm sufficient support and absence of settling or shifting.
- Assess the condition of the tank’s roof for any damage, leaks, or overall state.
- Inspect the interior for signs of corrosion, sediment accumulation, and pollutants, with a focus on detecting leaks at the bottom and any wall damage.
- Check the functionality of inlets and outlets, ensuring there are no leaks or corrosion issues.
- Evaluate the ventilation system to ensure proper airflow and prevent gas buildup.
- Inspect access points to ensure they are secure and facilitate maintenance and inspections effectively.
- Monitor the water level for stability and signs of leaks or fluctuations.
- Conduct water quality testing by collecting a sample for analysis to confirm compliance with regulatory standards.
- Document all observations and highlight any necessary repairs or maintenance required post-inspection.
- By adhering to this thorough storage tank bottom inspection checklist, you can verify that your tank is in good shape and that its water is safe and high quality.
Get The Proper Tank Inspection You Need!
As storage containers mature, we evaluate different types of tanks, such as potable water, chemical, fuel, and bulk dry goods tanks, concentrating on frequently observed issues. State regulations require all commercial storage tanks to undergo annual inspections performed by licensed specialists.
Whether you have a newly installed Panel Tanks by American Tanks unit awaiting its initial inspection or you’re worried about an aging concrete setup that has been in operation for 20 years, we are available to carry out thorough examinations and furnish comprehensive reports. Reach out to us at +1 800 656 0167 to arrange your inspection.
