The Importance of Proper Tank Bottom Inspections for Water Tank Safety

The Earth may appear to have an abundance of water, yet only around three percent of the water on the planet is freshwater. Only 1.2 percent of that can be used as drinking water, while the rest is locked up in glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost or buried deep in the ground. 

 

 

Without water, it would be impossible to sustain human civilization. In the United States alone, people consumes 327 billion gallons of surface water every day. Can you imagine adding up the entire planet’s daily water usage? 

Aren’t you wondering how it is possible to store large quantities of clean, freshwater? We can all thank water storage tanks for that! A leak-free and functional storage tank is crucial for any water storage facility. And so, it is important to conduct routine checks to ensure the tank remains in good condition, and storage tank bottom inspection is one of the most important steps in this process. 

What’s the Point of Water Tank Inspections and Maintenance?

Maintaining a regular inspection plan for tanks, like that for other assets, can help cut down on maintenance and replacement expenses over the long run. Most typical tank materials will deteriorate over time if not properly maintained, including corrosion, cracking, and rusting.

As per the American Water Works Association recommendation (AWWA), towers that store potable water should be inspected every three to five years. In addition, several tank manufacturers condition their warranties on frequent inspections of the tanks. Aside from the tank itself, regular inspections of potable water storage facilities are essential for ensuring clean water supplies. Slowly but surely, sediment can settle to the bottom of tanks, but it cannot affect water quality or the stability of the storage tank if it is present only in trace amounts.

The Key Benefits Of Conducting Proper Tank Bottom Inspections

It is essential to work with proper tank bottom inspections to look out for any problem, and aside from that, these are the key benefits of conducting proper tank bottom inspections:

Quick detection of leaks

Regular inspections aid in the early detection of water tanks leaking from the bottom, allowing them to be corrected before they cause more damage and contaminate the water supply.

Preserving structural soundness

Inspections can assist in guaranteeing that the tank is in good condition and free of any corrosion or deterioration that could jeopardize its structural integrity and stability.

Protection against water pollution

Inspections might show any impurities or pollutants accumulated on the tank’s bottom and affect the water’s quality. This can help protect water users from potential health hazards.

Reduced costs

Early discovery of faults through inspections can prevent costly repairs in the future and prolong the tank’s life.

Regulation compliance

Regular tank inspections are needed by law in several regions to assure the safety and purity of the water supply.

To ensure the safety and quality of water kept in tanks, it is essential to perform a regular tank bottom inspection. Do not hesitate to invest in this essential measure for a safer and more dependable water supply.

Checklist for Conducting Bottom Tank Inspections 

  • Examine the outside of the tank. Examine the tank’s exterior for evidence of corrosion, cracks, or other deterioration. Carefully inspect the seams, joints, and connections.
  • Check the tank’s supports. Ensure that the tank is adequately supported and there are no indications of settling or shifting.
  • Examine the tank’s roof. Examine the roof for any signs of damage or leaks, and ensure it is secure and in good condition.
  • Evaluate the interior of the tank. Look for evidence of corrosion, silt buildup, and other pollutants. Check for the water tank leaking at the bottom and ensure no fractures or further damage in the tank’s walls.
  • Check the inlets and exits of the tank. Verify that they are operating properly and that there are no leaks or evidence of corrosion.
  • Examine the tank’s ventilation system. Check for adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of harmful gases.
  • Evaluate the access points to the tank. Ensure that they are secure and in good shape and that maintenance and inspections can be performed with ease.
  • Review the water level in the tank. Verify that the water level is stable and that there are no indications of leaks or changes.
  • Check the tank’s water quality. Take a water sample for testing and analysis to confirm that it fulfills regulatory quality and safety criteria.
  • Document findings: Following the inspection, you should document any findings and any required repairs or maintenance.

 

 

By adhering to this thorough storage tank bottom inspection checklist, you can verify that your tank is in good shape and that its water is safe and high quality.

Get The Proper Tank Inspection You Need!

As storage containers age, we evaluate potable water tanks, chemical tanks, fuel tanks, and bulk dry goods tanks based on regularly observed problems. All commercial storage tanks are required by state law to be examined annually by a licensed specialist.Whether your freshly installed AM Tanks unit is ready for its first tank inspection or you’re concerned about your 20-year-old outside concrete setup, we can complete a thorough examination and report on it! Call us at  +1 800 656 0167.

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