The interior of a water tank is vital as it directly influences the safety and purity of the water stored for daily use. Failing to conduct proper cleaning and inspection can result in the accumulation of both organic and inorganic residues, impacting the taste, odor, and potentially posing health hazards.
Annual inspections of water storage tanks are crucial to assess the condition of the interior steel and coatings, minimizing downtime, optimizing water quality, and addressing corrosion issues if identified.
However, choosing the appropriate type of interior inspection for your water tank, considering its unique requirements and usability, can be challenging. This article will explore the four available options for water storage tank inspection to help you make an informed decision.
What is Corrosion?
Corrosion happens when a metal undergoes a natural process of transformation into a more stable form, typically oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide, resulting in material degradation. Metals corrode when they interact with various substances such as oxygen, hydrogen, electrical currents, or contaminants like dirt and bacteria. Additionally, excessive stress on metals can lead to corrosion by causing material fractures.
Steel and aluminum are commonly used materials in constructing metal water tanks. Corrosion of steel and aluminum within water tanks undermines the structural integrity of the tank and greatly impacts daily water usage.
Role of Internal Inspections
The significance of performing comprehensive tank inspections cannot be overstated, as many materials frequently employed in tanks are susceptible to corrosion, cracking, or rusting if overlooked. Over time, sediment buildup along the tank bottom is a common occurrence. In addition to preserving the tank itself, regular inspections of potable water tanks are crucial for efficient water management and corrosion prevention.
Failure to conduct internal inspections can potentially jeopardize utilities, resulting in significant public health risks. Therefore, it is essential to carry out interior inspections to protect against water tank corrosion.
Types of Tank Inspections
Depending on factors such as tank design, materials, intended use, external and internal conditions, and the maintenance practices implemented to prevent corrosion, various inspection options may be recommended.
- Visual Inspections
A visual inspection provides a straightforward assessment method for water storage tanks. This entails accessing the tank’s cover, opening it, and visually documenting observations. It is advisable to capture images of the tank’s roof, walls, and bottom to document the structural material and evaluate the performance of coating systems.
- Remote Operated Vehicle Inspection
A remote-operated vehicle inspection involves deploying an unmanned submersible craft inside a filled water tank. The craft captures images and videos of the tank’s walls and bottom to document the structural material and assess the performance of coating systems.
- Dive Inspection
During a dive inspection, a diver submerges into a water storage tank filled with water. The diver then takes pictures of the tank’s roof, walls, and bottom to document the structural material and evaluate the performance of coating systems.
4. Washout Inspection
During a washout inspection, a water storage tank is emptied, and an individual or team enters the tank to conduct the review. Pictures are taken of the roof, walls, bottom, and other structures inside the tank to document the structural material and assess the performance of coating systems.
Following this, the crew can utilize power washing equipment to clean all interior surfaces of the tank, eliminating any sediment and organic materials.
Ensure Safe Water Storage: Get a Water Tank Inspection Now!
Corrosion is an unavoidable concern with metal water tanks, with its onset timing remaining uncertain. However, Tank Inspections Vegas by American Tanks provides alternative options such as GRP Panel Tanks and Stainless Steel Storage Tanks.
Our expert team, spread across the United States, specializes in water tank inspection and repair, offering exceptional maintenance services, corrosion protection, and control measures for water tanks. We are dedicated to ensuring the durability and dependability of your water tank.
Collaborate with us for all your water tank maintenance and repair needs! Reach out to us today to learn more about our extensive range of services.
Call Tank Inspections Vegas by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@tankinspections.vegas
