The Role of External Visual Inspections in Detecting Water Tank Damage

Water is the most essential resource for sustaining communities worldwide. Just imagine life without readily available clean water—it’s difficult to fathom! Without it, we’d be unable to maintain personal hygiene, have running water in our homes, utilize indoor plumbing, or access clean drinking water.

In developed nations, significant quantities of usable surface water are stored in water storage tanks. However, failing to clean your water tank can lead to contamination of your water supply with bacteria and parasites, resulting in gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, and other waterborne illnesses.

Hence, inspecting these tanks is vital to ensure structurally sound, clean, and safe water for various purposes including power generation, agriculture, mining, and household use.

Purpose of Water Tank Inspections

Regular tank inspections can lead to long-term cost savings by helping you determine precisely when tank replacement or repairs are necessary. Without proper maintenance, many commonly used materials for water tanks degrade over time.

In addition to tank maintenance, inspections of potable water tanks are essential for maintaining water quality. Over time, sediment may accumulate at the bottom of tanks. When present in small amounts, this sediment does not affect water quality or the structural integrity of the storage tank.

Role of External Visual Inspections in Detecting Water Tank Damage

Traditionally, water storage tanks have been inspected by trained divers, even without complete drainage. However, hiring external divers often incurs high hourly costs and coordination challenges.

Fortunately, there are cost-effective alternatives for conducting inspections. Simply examining the exterior of your water tank can provide valuable insights. Close scrutiny of the tank’s surface can reveal cracks or crazing resulting from UV degradation and other stressors. Addressing these stressors promptly is essential to prevent significant damage to the water tank.

How to Repair a Damaged Water Tank

You can undertake repairs on your damaged water tank, particularly when dealing with minor cracks and leakages visible on its surface. Here are some solutions on how to repair a water tank:

For Cement Water Tanks:

  1. Empty the water tank and allow it to dry completely.
  2. Apply a concrete bonding agent to areas with minor cracks using a brush, covering the inner regions.
  3. Mix one part hydraulic cement with three parts water. Apply the cement to the outer layer initially, allowing it to dry before cementing the inner structure.
  4. Finally, reinforce the liner edges using a hammer.

Plastic Water Tanks

Plastic or poly tank welding is a prevalent method for repairing cracks in the realm of poly tank maintenance.

The first approach involves heating, particularly effective for small cracks visible from the top. Additionally, utilizing fiberglass sheets can aid in preventing plastic leakage.

Another option is applying epoxy or putty to the affected areas. These substances contain chemicals that generate heat upon contact. As you knead them together, they become hotter and more pliable, facilitating effective repair.

Metal Water Tanks

When encountering a rust hole in a traditional metal or steel water tank, using sealant may provide a solution.

Start by emptying and thoroughly cleaning the tank. Then, cut the tip off the sealant tube to create a hole large enough to facilitate easy application of the adhesive. Insert the sealant tube into the caulking gun, ensuring it is securely snapped into place.

Apply the sealant around the affected area, ensuring complete coverage. Smooth the sealant evenly over the damaged area using a putty knife. If your water tank is situated outdoors, it is highly recommended to paint the area surrounding the sealant once it has dried. Exposure to sunlight and the elements can cause the sealant to degrade rapidly.

Worried about a Possible a Damage to Your Water Tank?

Once you’ve identified water tank damage and learned how to perform repairs, you can implement a temporary solution that may hold for weeks or months, allowing time to arrange for professional inspection.

If you’re in the United States, Panel Tanks Vegas by American Tanks is the premier choice for water tank repair and fire water tank inspection services. Our skilled maintenance and repair team offers top-quality services, including concrete water tank inspection, general water tank maintenance, and water tank inspection.

Whether your water storage tank is residential, industrial, or commercial, you can trust us to expertly handle the job. Contact us today to receive a quotation for your project!

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