The Advantages of Underwater ROV Drone Inspections for Water Storage Tanks

Water Storage Tanks

Contractors usually take water tanks out of operation to conduct inspections, cleaning, and sanitization. Additionally, a significant amount of water drained from these tanks is discharged into the ground since it cannot be reused in the system. Fortunately, we now have access to compact portable ROV systems, which can help minimize downtime while also offering essential accessories to maintain tank cleanliness and integrity.

Types of Water Storage Tanks

Here are the 8 most common water tanks on the market today.

  • Fiberglass
  • Pillow Tanks
  • Concrete
  • Stainless Steel
  • Bolted Steel
  • Galvanized Steel
  • Polyethylene

Traditional Water Tank Inspections

Over time, water tanks left unattended are vulnerable to corrosion or deterioration of the materials commonly used in their construction. For instance, concrete tanks are susceptible to cracking, while steel tanks are prone to rusting.

ROV Visual Inspection

Today’s market is saturated with submersible ROVs (Remote Operated Vehicles), many of which boast high-lumen lighting, advanced stabilization, and camera systems. These features aid in maintaining position and capturing high-definition video footage and images for visual inspection. Underwater ROV systems allow inspectors to explore greater depths and for longer durations. Supplementary ROV accessories enable inspectors to mark specific positions and areas of interest for further scrutiny.

Due to their portability and compact size, these Remote Operated Vehicles can be swiftly deployed for underwater operations without the necessity of scheduling or coordinating with divers.

ROVs prove to be the most efficient tool for examining and documenting the overall condition of the interior tank coating, as well as all critical components of potable storage tanks such as walls, floors, roofs, inlets, outlets, and vents. They are invaluable for detecting leaks, harmful corrosion, and sediment buildup within the storage tank, while also providing a visual assessment of its interior condition.

Why Perform a Water Tank Inspection with an ROV?

Utilizing an ROV eliminates the risks associated with confined space entry, which require permits, planning, and paperwork. ROV inspections eliminate the need to empty or refill water tanks. Employing an ROV streamlines the time-consuming recommissioning process.

ROVs hold promise for enhancing traditional water tank inspection methods. Our team has identified the following advantages of using ROVs over traditional methods:

  • Utilizing an ROV eliminates the risks associated with entering confined spaces, thus eliminating the need for permits, planning, and paperwork.
  • ROV inspections eliminate the requirement to drain or refill water tanks.
  • In case repair work is needed post-ROV inspection, the footage can be archived for future planning purposes, potentially saving time and costs over time.
  • ROV footage offers detailed, close-up views necessary for thorough tank inspections.
  • ROVs are equipped with enhanced tools and attachments enabling them to take samples from inside tanks and measure wall thickness.


Easily bring the ROV up to the top of the tower with us. We can conduct all inspections either from the launch site atop the tower or remotely from our inspection vehicle, based on your preference. The digital video recorder will capture the entire dive, including depth, water temperature, and heading, which we will provide to you as part of our final report or include as documentation.

Our inspection video and accompanying reports aid you in assessing the overall condition of both the interior and exterior of your tank, helping you identify and budget for any necessary repairs. Any corrosion, coating failure, or other anomalies will be thoroughly documented and noted on the survey video and reports.

We offer tried and tested services in Crockett, Grapeland, Kennard, Latexo, Lovelady, Ratcliff, HOUSTON, TEXAS. 

We also offer tried and tested services in Longbeach, and cities, towns, suburbs, localities, and places close to Long Beach such as Lakewood, Rossmoor, Lincoln Village, Seal Beach, Hawaiian Gardens, Los Alamitos, Cypress, Bellflower, Carson, La Palma, Paramount, Cerritos, East Compton, West Carson, Compton, Norwalk, Stanton, Westminster, Lomita, Downey, Lynwood, Rolling Hills Estates, Cudahy, CALIFORNIA.

Our friendly and experienced customer service team is here to help you!

Call Panel Tanks Vegas by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167

Or email at info@paneltanks.vegas

1305 W 11th St #4087 Houston, TX 77008 USA

3711 Long Beach blvd Suite 4057 4th Floor # 1079 Long Beach, CA 90807 USA

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