Although the Earth appears rich in water, only about three percent of it is freshwater. And of this, just a small 1.2 percent is suitable for drinking, while the rest is frozen in glaciers, ice caps, permafrost, or lies deep underground.
Water is essential for sustaining human civilization. In the United States alone, daily consumption of surface water reaches a staggering 327 billion gallons. Just try to grasp the enormity of global water usage!
Have you ever pondered how vast amounts of clean freshwater are stored? Water storage tanks play a pivotal role here. Maintaining a storage tank that is both leak-free and operational is crucial for any water storage facility. Hence, conducting routine inspections to ensure the tank’s integrity, especially examining the tank bottom, is imperative.
Do Water Tank Inspections and Maintenance Really Matter?
Establishing a consistent inspection schedule for tanks, similar to that for other assets, can significantly reduce maintenance and replacement expenses over time. Without proper maintenance, most traditional tank materials will deteriorate due to corrosion, cracking, and rusting.
According to the American Water Works Association (AWWA), potable water storage towers should be inspected every three to five years. Additionally, many tank manufacturers require regular inspections as a prerequisite for warranty coverage. Beyond the tanks themselves, regular inspections of potable water storage facilities are essential to ensure the delivery of clean water.
While sediment may gradually accumulate at the tank bottom, its presence in small amounts typically has minimal impact on water quality or the structural integrity of the storage tank.
Why Regular Tank Bottom Inspections are Essential
Working with thorough tank bottom inspections is crucial to identify any potential issues. In addition to this, here are the primary advantages of conducting comprehensive tank bottom inspections:
Early Leak Identification
Regular inspections are vital for early detection of bottom leaks in water tanks, enabling prompt correction before they worsen and compromise the water supply’s purity.
Preservation of structural integrity
Inspections help maintain the tank’s structural soundness, identifying any corrosion or deterioration that could jeopardize its stability.
Prevention of water contamination
Inspections uncover any impurities or pollutants accumulating on the tank bottom, preserving water quality and shielding consumers from potential health hazards.
Cost-effectiveness
Timely issue identification during inspections can prevent costly repairs down the line, extending the tank’s lifespan.
Compliance with regulations
In many areas, regular tank inspections are legally required to ensure water supply safety and purity.
To uphold water safety and quality, regular bottom inspections of tanks are indispensable. Investing in this critical measure guarantees a safer and more dependable water supply.
Bottom Tank Inspection Checklist
- Examine the tank’s exterior for indications of corrosion, fractures, or deterioration, with particular attention to seams, joints, and connections.
- Verify the adequacy of the tank’s support structure to prevent settling or shifting.
- Assess the condition of the tank’s roof for any damage, leaks, or general deterioration.
- Inspect the interior for signs of corrosion, sediment accumulation, and contaminants, paying attention to bottom leaks and wall damage.
- Ensure the proper functionality of inlets and outlets, checking for leaks or corrosion.
- Evaluate the ventilation system to prevent gas accumulation and ensure adequate airflow.
- Confirm the security of access points and their facilitation of maintenance and inspections.
- Monitor water level stability and signs of leakage or changes.
- Conduct water quality testing by collecting a sample for analysis to meet regulatory standards.
- Record all observations and identify necessary repairs or maintenance tasks following the inspection.
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.
Schedule Your Water Tank Inspection Today!
As storage containers mature, we evaluate different types of tanks, such as potable water, chemical, fuel, and bulk dry goods tanks, with a focus on frequently encountered issues. State regulations require all commercial storage tanks to undergo yearly inspections performed by licensed experts.
Whether you have a newly installed Tanks Liners by American Tanks unit awaiting its initial inspection or you’re worried about an aging concrete setup that has been in operation for two decades, we’re available to carry out thorough examinations and deliver detailed reports.
Call Tanks Liners by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@americantankliners.com
