February 13, 2023

Over 100,000 water storage tanks have been constructed within the last 100 years, a value far exceeding the number of large water storage vessels of any other construction material. Many steel water tanks have service histories of over a century and are still in service today. Indeed, the lifespan of a stainless steel water storage tank, under the right conditions, can span a century or more. While not every one of them can be expected to last a century, with regular upkeep, they all have a chance. If you want to keep your water tank in top condition and ensure its longevity, adhering to industry standards is a surefire way to make it possible. What Are Industry Standards? A key to extending the lifespan of water tank is a good inspection, professional tank cleaning, and routine maintenance. Nothing fabricated and installed will continue to operate without quality checks.  Most potable water storage tanks constructed in the United States adhere to specifications set by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). These standards are developed and maintained under the direction of the AWWA Standards Committee on Steel Elevated Tanks, Standpipes, and Reservoirs, which is composed of members representing consumer, general interest, and producer groups. Industry standards provide guidelines for these activities, such as how often inspections should be conducted and what cleaning and maintenance procedures should be performed. AWWA recommends inspection every three to five years to extend the lifespan of a water tank. Water Tank Lifespan and Safety For a water tank’s lifespan to be extended beyond its expected expectancy, constant maintenance, and inspection are required. To ensure water tank safety, you must also consider three essential factors: material, location, and usage. Material You do not want to get a tank that lasts only one to five years, so you better veer away from water storage tanks constructed from plastic barrels. These are generally cheap, but they are only helpful if you are looking for a short-term water storage solution.     A polyethylene water storage tank is excellent because it is made from UV-treated, food-grade, and non-biodegradable plastic. With this composition, you can be confident that it will not break down for some time. Poly tanks should last for a decade or so, but if you are attentive to their routine maintenance, it could be up to thirty years. However, a stainless steel water tank is a great choice if you want to ensure that your money will not go to waste. It is made from steel, so it is naturally more durable and has a longer shelf life than other water storage tanks. A well-maintained stainless steel tank has an expected service life of over three decades. Most of the time, this unit also comes with a long-term warranty. Location The water tank’s life expectancy is also determined by the geophysical characteristics of the location where you will install the unit. Beware if the tank is built near a body of saltwater because the air will most likely speed up the corrosion of the unit. If you live in a coastal area, you might need to shell out a few more bucks to ensure that your tank has the proper sheeting, which aids with protection against salty air. But if you will acquire a stainless steel tank, this should not be a problem. If you reside in a place where it is always sunny or too dry, the UV treatments of a polyethylene water storage tank will only last for a while. Permanent exposure to intense UV for extended periods will cause earlier degradation of the plastic material. That is why water tank protection from heat is vital for a polyethylene water storage tank. Usage The service life of a tank is also dictated by how it is used. A unit that contains clean and fresh water for human consumption will typically have a much longer lifespan than a unit with harsh chemicals or salt. Installing a food-grade tank liner is highly recommended if you use a stainless steel tank for potable water storage. This ensures water tank safety and prevents oxidized steel or zinc from contaminating the water supply. However, a tank liner is unnecessary for a polyethylene water storage tank because it is already constructed from food-grade plastic materials.     Looking for Industry-Approved Water Tanks In Your Area? For most of us, water tanks are a long-term investment that we don’t just buy and forget after a year of use. And, as a prized investment, we don’t want it to run the risk of contamination and corrosion.  So keep your water tanks always in pristine condition and eventually extend their lifespan with the help of our tank experts at American Tanks! With over two decades in the industry, we can efficiently handle your project requirements, no matter how simple or complex they could be.  Give us a call today and let us know how we can better serve you!

Frequent panel tank inspection is essential for compliance with the standards set by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). These standards serve as the baseline for the design, building, and maintenance of water storage tanks, guaranteeing that they are safe, dependable, and capable of supplying communities with clean water. By performing routine inspections, facilities can identify potential problems before they become major problems, thereby maintaining AWWA standards. This not only helps preserve the stored water’s safety and purity, but it also prevents costly repairs and regulatory violations.  There is still more to discuss regarding frequent panel tank inspection in accordance with the AWWA standards, and this post will help you learn what these are. What Is the AWWA Standard? The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is a non-profit organization created in 1881 to deliver safe and sustainable drinking water to communities in the United States and worldwide. The organization establishes guidelines for the design, building, operation, and storage of water treatment and distribution systems and underground tank inspections.      The AWWA also provides educational resources, training programs, and technical support to water industry professionals and advocates for legislation and regulations promoting safe and sustainable drinking water. The organization is acknowledged as a prominent authority on safe and sustainable drinking water, and water utilities, engineers, and regulators use its standards and guidelines extensively.     Why are AWWA standards needed for panel tank inspection? Water storage tanks serve a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water. But since various environmental and operational conditions might degrade these tanks’ structural integrity and performance over time, it necessitates frequent panel tank inspections in line with the AWWA testing standards.  Here are some important points to bear in mind: 1. Regular inspections aid in identifying potential problems and resolving them before they threaten the safety and quality of the stored water. In addition, frequent inspections guarantee that the tank conforms to the AWWA standards list, which governs water storage tanks’ design, building, and maintenance.  2. By conducting panel tank inspections in compliance with the AWWA, water utilities can demonstrate their commitment to providing their communities with safe and sustainable drinking water. Noncompliance with these criteria may result in fines and the loss of public trust and confidence in the water supply.  3. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) offers recommendations and regulations for the design, building, and maintenance of water storage tanks, as well as inspection requirements. The particular frequency of inspections will depend on variables such as the tank’s age, condition, location, and usage. Nevertheless, the AWWA advises annual inspections of all water storage tanks. 4. The AWWA standard D100-11 “Welded Steel Tanks for Water Storage,” stipulates that tanks must be routinely tested for corrosion, cracking, and other types of damage. This guideline also stipulates that the frequency of these inspections must be based on parameters such as the age of the tank, its location, and its construction materials. 5. The AWWA gives clear recommendations and requirements for the frequency of a water storage tank inspection, which are essential for guaranteeing the safety and quality of the stored water and the organization’s standards. Why it is important to have frequent panel inspections Water storage tanks must undergo frequent panel tank inspections to ensure their safe and dependable operation. Here are a few reasons why routine inspections are crucial:     Looking for an AWWA-Certified Panel Tanks Inspection Company? Overall, panel tank inspections are a crucial component of tank maintenance and offer substantial advantages in terms of safety, compliance, preventive maintenance, cost savings, greater efficiency, and environmental protection. And so, only work with a reputable tank inspection company that has been in the industry for many years because they’re already proven to be AWWA-certified.  With American Tanks, you’ll never have to worry again about your tanks failing, corroding, or leaking because we can expertly inspect your panel tanks using advanced techniques and high-powered tools, all in compliance with AWWA standards. Call us today, and one of our professional tank inspectors will happily assist you!

Water tank inspection standards address both the process of checking and maintaining water tanks and the level of safety that may be expected as a result of these processes. Water tank standards from organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association and the American Water Works Association provide ample information and specification for each water tank and its specific purposes. NFPA and AWWA: What Are These Organizations? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global nonprofit organization that promotes fire and life safety. The organization develops and publishes codes and standards related to fire protection, including standards for fire water storage tanks.     The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is a nonprofit organization that serves as the largest organization of water professionals in the world. The organization provides education, information, and advocacy for safe water and publishes standards and guidelines for various aspects of water supply and treatment, including standards for potable water storage tanks.     NFPA Standards for Panel Tanks NFPA standards for fire water storage tanks can be found in NFPA 22: Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection. Chapter four of NFPA 22 covers the general requirements, while the other chapters discuss the type of water tank. Adhering to the requirements and specifications will merit tank inspection companies an NFPA certification.  General Requirements:  The individual property conditions determine the size and elevation of the tank. The water source supplying the tank needs to be enough and dependable, with allowance for its reliability in the future. The tanks must be located to protect the tank and structure from fire exposure. Water tank materials are limited to steel, wood, concrete, coated fabrics, and fiberglass-reinforced plastic tanks. Tank manufacturers are expected to follow these requirements set forth, as well as provide structures that manifest reliability under all specified conditions. Contractors will provide stress sheets, plans required, and the authority having jurisdiction for approval or obtaining building permits and licenses. Experienced contractors will handle all necessary work with careful workmanship and expert supervision. Once the tank is completed, the contractor will test it for its water tightness and notify the authority for official inspection. If the water tank is utilized to support signs, flagpoles, etc., they need to be specially made for that purpose. The tank material must be without defects affecting its strength or service. Only tank materials produced and tested by the requirements of a recognized national standard will be permitted. All tanks will need a roof. OSHA-compliant standard railings will be placed around the roof utility holes and other accessories that require access. Steel rooftops that are basically airtight need a vent above the topmost water level with a corrosion-resistant screen to prevent contamination. AWWA Standards for Water Tank Inspection AWWA standards for water tank inspections can be found in AWWA D100: Standard for Welded Carbon Steel Tanks for Water Storage, which provides design, fabrication, and construction requirements for potable water storage tanks, as well as guidance on maintenance and inspection of these tanks. The AWWA standard list, like the NFPA standard list, provides various specifications and standards for each part of a water tank, including the water tank’s design, accessories, and location. Importance of Following the NFPA and AWWA Standards for Tank Inspections Both the NFPA and AWWA provide information on the significance of regular maintenance and inspections for water tanks and outline minimum requirements for these activities. The guidelines and requirements they introduced are essential in maintaining the integrity of water tanks and ensuring the users of a clean, potable water source. The standards issued by both organizations are minimum requirements and may not be applicable in all jurisdictions. Local codes and regulations may impose additional requirements for the maintenance and inspection of water tanks.  Wrapping Up Securing water sources is essential, and water tanks are a good investment. Water tanks last considerably longer if you take good care of them. It is crucial to figure out what needs to be done to extend the service life of your tanks. Adhering to the standards set by organizations with deep research and experience will ensure that you always have clean, potable water at your disposal. At American Tanks, we have the best water tank inspection and repair team to service your tank needs all over the US. We offer routine maintenance services to ensure the safety and longevity of your water tanks.Visit our website today for complete info on our service offerings!