The Risks of Ignoring Water Tank Inspections and Maintenance
Have you noticed how quickly water in unclean containers becomes a breeding ground for insects like mosquitoes, bacteria, mold, and diseases? Now, imagine if that container were a large water storage tank supplying water to homes, businesses, and communities. It could be disastrous for anyone who relies on it, especially for drinking water.
It’s well-known that water tanks can become dirty if not properly cleaned or maintained. In simple terms, neglecting water tank inspections and maintenance leads to water contamination, making your home’s water supply unsafe for cooking and drinking.
But that’s not all! Water contamination is merely one of the consequences of disregarding water tank inspection. Keep reading to find out just how disastrous it can be if you neglect to perform regular water tank inspection and maintenance.
Consequences
Here are some other risks and dangers of a neglected water tank:
- Accumulated sediment in the water tank
Unclean tanks can develop a sludge like substance at the bottom and on the sides. Often, this leads to oxidation which can reduce the efficiency of storage tanks. Even worse, contaminated and dirty tanks pose increased risks to your family and the environment.
- Green or black algae growing in the storage tank.
Some storage tanks that use white or transparent plastic or concrete water tanks often have this problem. The materials do not block light for plastic water tanks, and concrete water tanks are porous. Thus, algae can grow, coating the tank inside and flowing to your house, where it will come out in the sink, toilets, and shower heads.
- Dead animals in the storage tank
Squirrels and other animals can easily climb into water storage tanks that lack lids, openings, or holes on the top. However, they are unable to get out after they fall in and become wet. In addition to dead animals, different excrements of animals (primarily birds) can also find their way into the tank due to holes and other openings.
- Tank tipping
The water tank’s normal wear and tear can cause the pipes and the support structure to be damaged. Water is dense and can weigh more than 40,000 lbs. A storage tank with 5000 gallons of water.
Without proper inspection and maintenance, it is dangerous to leave the structure that holds the water tank exposed to the elements.
- Additional costs
Without regular maintenance or inspection, your water tank could incur damages before its time. Besides, a poorly-maintained water tank may cost you more money to clean up.
Water Tank Contamination
Neglecting to maintain a water storage tank can have serious consequences. Contaminated water is dangerous for your health. If you drink water from a tank that is leaking or has been contaminated, you are likely to get sick, and it may even be fatal.
Water contamination has been responsible for major outbreaks of gastroenteritis and other severe gastrointestinal diseases. These illnesses are especially dangerous for children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems.
Various chemicals or metals can also contaminate private water supplies, which can be harmful to your health at elevated levels. For example, a neglected metal water tank that is already oxidizing or rusting from the inside will give you rusty water.
You may not feel anything at first when you drink it because you see the water is transparent, but you do not know the amount of rust you are already drinking until the color of the water changes.
Final Thoughts
Water is essential for daily living, so ensuring that you have a steady supply is important. Cleaning and maintaining your water tanks is an easy way to ensure that your home has a reliable supply.
You should still be cautious even if you do not know the state of the water in the tank. Unclean water in the tank can cause common illnesses. Bacteria and other potentially dangerous microbial organisms are able to grow.
Have You Been Overlooking Water Tank Inspections and Maintenance?
If you are in the United States, Raven American Tanks is one of the best water tank inspection companies available and the one for your needs. We provide industrial water tank maintenance services, concrete water tank inspection, general water tank maintenance, cleaning, and refurbishment.
We can inspect the source of rust, corrosion, and oxidation in your water storage tanks and design a solution that will best solve your specific tank problems. We service all states in the US, and we’ve been doing so for over two decades already.
Let Raven American Tanks cater to your water tank inspection and maintenance needs today! Give us a call at +1 800 656 0167 for a project quote!
