Water storage tanks can experience regular wear and tear due to factors like usage, lack of usage, natural disasters such as storms, hurricanes, or strong winds, or simply reaching the end of their expected service life. When this happens, you’ll need to decide whether to repair or replace the tank.
If the damage is severe and the tank is beyond repair, replacing it is necessary. However, if the damage is minimal, repairing the tank may be the more cost-effective option. If you choose to repair your water storage tank, especially the roof, whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a contractor, this article will provide the essential information to guide you through the process.
For tanks handling non-potable water, like raw water storage, raw water tank repairs are crucial to maintain long-term functionality and prevent costly issues down the road.
Common Causes of Water Storage Tank Failures
Before delving further into repairing your water storage tanks, it is necessary to determine what caused their damage to know how to proceed. Here are the common causes of water storage tank failures:
- Corrosion
This is the most common reason most water storage tank fails, especially their roof. As a matter of fact, time is not on your side in this case, and neither are acid rains.
- Improper Construction
Yes. Water storage tanks with improperly constructed roofs can lead to leaks. This is because the roof you placed at the top of your water storage tank may not be compatible with the water tank itself, the materials used were substandard, or the construction was flawed.
- Poor Maintenance
Poor maintenance will always lead to more repairs and possibly overhauling the whole water storage tank.
- Operational Errors in Human Interference
Also known as human error, there are times when you or somebody else was negligent in handling the water storage tank.
- Lack of Physical Safety, such as Internal/External Forces or Events
There will always be storms, hurricanes, strong storms, and natural disasters; this time, it isn’t your fault, as it is just an unfortunate occurrence.
Essential Repairs Tips and Tricks
After determining the causes of the damage to your water storage tank roof, you now have a course of action on what to do and what materials to prepare. Here are the essential tips and tricks for repairing the top of your water storage tank.
- Wooden Water Storage Tanks
In the case of wooden tanks, planks for the tank are measured and cut in the shop according to specifications for your water storage tank. Those pre-cut planks are sent and will be assembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle.
- Metallic Water Storage Tanks
Components for metal tanks are handled much the same, and pre-cut sheet metal segments are sent to the job site for assembly. Once there, the roof tank’s superstructure is assembled, and workers weld the metal sheets.
Some decades ago, galvanized iron sheets were used to make water tanks. Unfortunately, the roofs usually corrode first due to the amount of heat and rain exposure. They were then considered useless and discharged as scrap metal, but these corroded and leaking water tanks can be repaired easily. Repaired roofs save more money than buying new ones.
- If the metal oxidizes when exposed to water, which corrodes and creates holes, cement reinforced with wire mesh can cover the holes and corroded parts.
Key Takeaways
Repairing your water storage tank can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new one. It’s important to assess the extent of the damage to the tank’s roof to determine whether it’s a minor or major repair. This will help you or your contractors estimate the cost and identify the materials required for the repair. Understanding the scope of the repair is essential to ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Got a Leaking or Damaged Water Storage Tank?
We also have excellent client support services that continue well after your sales experience, installation, or repair work. We provide an ongoing maintenance support plan ensuring your tanks remain in sound and safe condition throughout their entire lifespan.Let American Tanks handle your tank repair needs now! You can contact us today and get a quotation for your project.
