Water stands as the most vital resource for supporting communities worldwide. Just envision life devoid of readily available clean water—it’s nearly inconceivable! Without it, maintaining personal hygiene, having running water in our homes, utilizing indoor plumbing, or accessing clean drinking water would be impossible.
In developed nations, substantial amounts of usable surface water are stored in water storage tanks. However, neglecting to clean your water tank can lead to the contamination of your water supply with bacteria and parasites, resulting in gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, and other waterborne illnesses.
Therefore, inspecting these tanks is imperative to ensure structurally sound, clean, and safe water for various purposes, including power generation, agriculture, mining, and household use.
How Inspections Protect Your Water Tanks
Regular inspections of tanks can result in significant cost savings over time by enabling you to pinpoint exactly when tank replacement or repairs are needed. Without adequate maintenance, numerous materials commonly employed for water tanks deteriorate with time.
In conjunction with tank upkeep, inspections of potable water tanks are vital for upholding water quality. With time, sediment may build up at the tank’s bottom. When present in minimal quantities, this sediment does not impact water quality or the structural stability of the storage tank.
The Power of Visual Inspections
Traditionally, water storage tanks have undergone inspections by skilled divers, sometimes even without full drainage. However, outsourcing divers externally often involves substantial hourly expenses and coordination complexities.
Fortunately, there exist cost-efficient alternatives for conducting inspections. Merely inspecting the exterior of your water tank can yield valuable insights. Thorough examination of the tank’s surface can unveil cracks or crazing caused by UV degradation and other stress factors. Promptly addressing these stressors is crucial to prevent substantial damage to the water tank.
Practical Guide to Fixing Damage
Repairing your damaged water tank, especially when addressing minor cracks and leaks visible on its surface, is feasible. Here are some steps on how to repair a water tank:
For Cement Water Tanks:
- Drain the water tank and ensure it dries thoroughly.
- 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 applying it to the inner structure.
- Finally, reinforce the liner edges using a hammer.
Plastic Water Tanks
Plastic or poly tank welding is a commonly used technique for repairing cracks in the domain of poly tank upkeep.
The initial method involves heat application, which is especially efficient for addressing small cracks visible from the top. Additionally, employing fiberglass sheets can assist in averting plastic leakage.
Another alternative is the application of epoxy or putty to the affected regions. These compounds contain chemicals that produce heat upon contact. As you blend them together, they increase in temperature and become more malleable, facilitating effective repair.
Metal Water Tanks
In the event of a rust hole in a traditional metal or steel water tank, using sealant might offer a solution.
First, empty and thoroughly clean the tank. Then, trim the tip of 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’s securely in place.
Apply the sealant around the affected area, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Smooth the sealant evenly over the damaged area using a putty knife. If your water tank is outdoors, it’s highly advisable to paint the surrounding area once the sealant has dried. Exposure to sunlight and the elements can accelerate the degradation of the sealant.
Water Tank Troubles? Don’t Panic, We Have Solutions
Once you’ve identified damage to your water tank and acquired the skills to perform repairs, you can implement a temporary solution that may suffice for weeks or even months, providing time to arrange for professional inspection.
For those in the United States, Tank Inspections Vegas by American Tanks stands out as the premier option for water tank repair and fire water tank inspection services. Our highly skilled maintenance and repair team delivers top-quality services, encompassing concrete water tank inspection, general water tank maintenance, and water tank inspection.
Whether your water storage tank is residential, industrial, or commercial, you can rely on us to handle the job with expertise. Reach out to us today to receive a quotation for your project!
Call Tank Inspections Vegas by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@tankinspections.vegas
