Water stands as the most indispensable resource for sustaining communities worldwide. Picture life without readily available clean water—it’s nearly impossible to conceive! Devoid of it, maintaining personal hygiene, enjoying running water in our homes, utilizing indoor plumbing, or accessing clean drinking water would all be unfeasible.
In developed nations, substantial quantities of usable surface water are stored in water storage tanks. However, neglecting to clean your water tank can result in contamination of your water supply with bacteria and parasites, leading to gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, and other waterborne illnesses.
Hence, inspecting these tanks is imperative to ensure they remain structurally sound, clean, and capable of providing safe water for various purposes, including power generation, agriculture, mining, and household use.
Purpose of Water Tank Inspections
Routine tank inspections can result in significant cost savings over the long term by enabling you to pinpoint precisely when tank replacement or repairs are needed. Without adequate maintenance, numerous materials commonly used for water tanks deteriorate over time.
Apart from tank upkeep, inspections of potable water tanks are crucial for preserving water quality. Over time, sediment may build up at the tank bottom. When present in small quantities, this sediment does not impact water quality or the structural stability of the storage tank.
Role of External Visual Inspections in Detecting Water Tank Damage
Historically, water storage tanks have undergone inspection by skilled divers, even without complete drainage. However, outsourcing divers externally often involves steep hourly expenses and coordination complexities.
Fortunately, there are economical alternatives for carrying out inspections. Simply assessing the exterior of your water tank can yield valuable insights. A thorough examination of the tank’s surface can uncover cracks or crazing caused by UV degradation and other stressors. Addressing these stressors promptly is crucial to avert substantial damage to the water tank.
How to Repair a Damaged Water Tank
Repairing your damaged water tank is feasible, especially when addressing minor cracks and leaks visible on its surface. Here are some solutions on how to repair a water tank.
For Cement Water Tanks:
- Drain the water tank and ensure it dries completely.
- Use a brush to apply a concrete bonding agent to areas with minor cracks, covering the inner regions.
- Mix one part hydraulic cement with three parts water. Initially, apply the cement to the outer layer, allowing it to dry before cementing the inner structure.
- Lastly, reinforce the liner edges using a hammer.
Plastic Water Tanks
Plastic or poly tank welding is a common technique used to mend cracks in the realm of poly tank maintenance.
The initial method entails heating, which is especially effective for addressing small cracks visible from the top. Moreover, incorporating fiberglass sheets can help prevent plastic leakage.
An alternative option is to apply epoxy or putty to the affected areas. These substances contain chemicals that produce heat upon contact. As they are kneaded together, they become warmer and more malleable, enabling effective repair.
Metal Water Tanks
In the case of encountering a rust hole in a traditional metal or steel water tank, using sealant can offer a solution.
Begin by emptying and thoroughly cleaning the tank. Then, trim the tip off the sealant tube to create an opening large enough for easy application of the adhesive. Insert the sealant tube into the caulking gun, ensuring it is firmly secured.
Apply the sealant around the affected area, ensuring full coverage. Use a putty knife to smooth the sealant evenly over the damaged area. If your water tank is located outdoors, it’s highly advisable to paint the area surrounding the sealant once it has dried. Exposure to sunlight and the elements can cause the sealant to deteriorate quickly.
Worried about a Possible a Damage to Your Water Tank?
Once you’ve identified damage to your water tank and acquired the necessary repair knowledge, you can implement a temporary solution that might hold for weeks or even months, providing time to arrange for professional inspection.
If you’re in the United States, Panel Tanks by American Tanks stands as the top choice for water tank repair and fire water tank inspection services. Our proficient maintenance and repair team provides high-quality services, including concrete water tank inspection, general water tank maintenance, and water tank inspection.
Whether your water storage tank is for residential, industrial, or commercial use, you can rely on us to expertly handle the task. Reach out to us today to obtain a quote for your project!
