Proper Water Storage Tank Maintenance

Underground water tanks can last a long time. For most typical water storage tanks, 20 years is the expected life span, though there are some water tanks that are over 100 years old. The difference between the two is proper maintenance procedures.

Ensuring that the correct water tank liners are installed, or that the water tank liners are replaced when necessary is an important part of maintaining custom water tanks. In addition to water tank liners, there are a number of other critical aspects of water tank maintenance.

Be Sure to Conduct Regular Weekly Foundation Checks: This is perhaps the most important aspect of water tank maintenance. Water tanks are built to last. They are also built to be in potentially extreme environments with big shifts in temperature, large gusts of wind, and lots of wear and tear from other elements. Because of this, small cracks, deterioration, or corrosion need to be spotted early. When spotted early, these small issues can be fixed quickly and prevent long term, expensive damage from happening to the water tank. In addition to conducting weekly checks, it is a good idea to have a full inspection and clean out of the tank every three to five years. This is a great time to add new water tank liners (for great liner products, check out our selection, everything from industrial tank liners to water treatment tank lining). Additionally, for areas with high sediment, yearly clean outs are recommended. Be sure to understand how the unique weather and location that your tank is in will affect the maintenance needs you have.

Take Care of the Coating: Top quality coating is very important to reducing maintenance costs throughout the years. The coating is your tanks primary defense against corrosion. Top quality coatings and water tank liners will help eliminate metal loss, meaning you won’t have to pay for expensive welding repairs. By maintaining a good coating, it makes it possible to just “topcoat” each year when it comes time for maintenance rather than starting from scratch. If you are outsourcing your water tank coating work, be sure to get very detailed and specific documents about the type of coating work you prefer. Anyone who is contracted to work on the coating should understand the atmospheric conditions that are specific to your region. These include humidity, due point, air, and steel temperatures, which all have an effect on the lifespan of the coat. Good contractors will stop work if conditions become unfavorable.

While You Are At It – Keep Up with the Technology: Each year there are new advances in water tank tech. While it isn’t as flashy as a new smartphone or gadget announced in a big tech conference, there are advances being made in the world of storage tank maintenance. For example, 100% solids coatings and improved active and passive mixing systems are both new trending technologies. Being aware of new tech can help you get the most out of your water tank liners and other equipment as you maintain your water tanks.

Eliminate Algae (when possible): While this isn’t possible for all water tanks, when it is, do it. To eliminate algae, use a completely opaque water storage tank. Because algae uses photosynthesis, it needs light to grow. Using an opaque tank eliminates light, thereby creating an environment where algae cannot grow. Additionally, for each gallon of water that is stored, add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach. This, of course, should only be done with tanks where this is allowed. Bleach can kill existing algae and prevent new algae from growing. Use a bleach that is 5.25% hypochlorite, and be sure to NEVER add both bleach and chlorine to the water. Use one or the other. If you are using chlorine, use 4 parts chlorine for every 1 million parts water. In this small of a ratio, water is still safe to drink or use for irrigation. Though if you are concerned about that, check with your local regulators first.

These tips will help you maintain a proper water storage tank. Remember that proper prior maintenance makes a big difference down the road. Eliminate costly repairs and keep your water tank maintained today.