While the Earth may appear abundant in water, only about three percent of it is freshwater. Out of this, merely 1.2 percent is suitable for drinking, with the rest 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 envision the total global water usage!
Have you ever wondered how vast quantities of clean freshwater are stored? Water storage tanks play a crucial role in this. Maintaining a leak-free and operational storage tank is vital for any water storage facility. Therefore, conducting regular inspections to ensure the tank’s integrity, especially examining the tank bottom, is critical.
Why Regular Water Tank Inspections and Maintenance are Essentia
Establishing a consistent inspection schedule for tanks, similar to that for other assets, can greatly reduce maintenance and replacement costs in the long run. Most traditional tank materials, if not properly maintained, 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. Additionally, 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 for ensuring the provision of clean water supplies.
Although sediment may accumulate gradually at the tank bottom, its presence in trace amounts typically does not affect water quality or compromise the stability of the storage tank.
Key Benefits of Proper Bottom Assessments
It’s crucial to conduct thorough tank bottom inspections to identify any issues, and in addition to that, here are the primary advantages of carrying out proper tank bottom inspections:
Prompt Leak Detection
Regular inspections are vital for promptly identifying bottom leaks in water tanks, enabling swift correction before they worsen and jeopardize the water supply.
Preservation of Structural Integrity
Inspections help maintain the tank’s structural integrity, ensuring it remains robust and free from corrosion or deterioration that could undermine its stability.
Prevention of Water Contamination
Inspections uncover any impurities or pollutants accumulating on the tank bottom, preserving water quality and shielding consumers from potential health hazards.
Cost-Efficiency
Timely issue identification during inspections can avert costly repairs in the future, extending the tank’s lifespan and saving money.
Compliance with Regulations
In numerous regions, regular tank inspections are legally required to guarantee the safety and purity of the water supply.
To maintain the safety and quality of stored water, regular bottom inspections of tanks are indispensable. Investing in this critical measure ensures a safer and more dependable water supply.
Checklist for Conducting Bottom Tank Inspections
- Examine the tank’s exterior for indications of corrosion, fractures, or deterioration, with particular attention to seams, joints, and connections.
- Validate the adequacy of the tank’s support system to ensure proper support and absence of settling or shifting.
- Assess the tank’s roof for any damage, leaks, or overall condition.
- Inspect the interior for corrosion, sediment accumulation, and contaminants, focusing on bottom leaks and any wall damage.
- Verify the functionality of inlets and outlets, ensuring no leaks or corrosion.
- Review the ventilation system to guarantee adequate airflow and prevent gas accumulation.
- Evaluate access points to ensure they are secure and facilitate maintenance and inspections.
- Monitor the water level for stability and any signs of leaks or fluctuations.
- Conduct water quality testing by obtaining a sample for analysis to confirm compliance with regulatory standards.
- Record all observations and identify any necessary repairs or maintenance actions following the inspection.
By adhering to this comprehensive storage tank bottom inspection checklist, you can ensure the tank’s integrity and the safety and quality of its water.
Safeguard Your Water Supply with Proactive Inspections
As storage vessels mature, we evaluate a range of tank types, such as potable water, chemical, fuel, and bulk dry goods tanks, prioritizing common issues. State regulations stipulate that licensed specialists must perform annual inspections on all commercial storage tanks.
Whether you possess a recently installed Tank Inspections Vegas by American Tanks unit awaiting its inaugural inspection or you’re apprehensive about an aging concrete setup that has been operational for two decades, we are prepared to conduct thorough assessments and furnish comprehensive reports.
Call Tank Inspections Vegas by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@tankinspections.vegas
