The condition of a water tank’s interior is critical as it directly impacts the safety and cleanliness of stored water used daily. Neglecting proper cleaning and inspection can result in the buildup of organic and inorganic residues, affecting taste, smell, and potentially posing health risks.
Annual inspections of water storage tanks are crucial to assess the condition of interior steel and coatings. This helps minimize downtime, optimize water quality, and address corrosion issues promptly if identified.
However, choosing the appropriate type of interior inspection for your water tank, considering its unique requirements and usage, can be challenging. This article will explore the four available options for inspecting water storage tanks to aid you in making an informed decision.
What is Corrosion?
Have you ever noticed rust on an old bike or a tarnished doorknob? That’s corrosion at work! It’s a natural process where metals, like the steel or aluminum in your water tank, slowly break down. This breakdown happens when the metal reacts with things like oxygen, water, or even tiny amounts of dirt and bacteria. Over time, this reaction weakens the metal, making it thinner and less reliable.
Role of Internal Inspections
Thorough tank inspections are crucial due to the susceptibility of commonly used tank materials to corrosion, cracking, or rusting if left unchecked. Sediment buildup along the tank bottom is a frequent occurrence over time. Besides maintaining the tank’s integrity, regular inspections of potable water tanks are vital for efficient water management and preventing corrosion.
Failure to conduct internal inspections can expose utilities to considerable risks, posing significant public health hazards. Hence, performing interior inspections is essential to protect against water tank corrosion.
Types of Tank Inspections
Depending on factors such as tank design, materials, intended use, external and internal conditions, and implemented maintenance practices to prevent corrosion, various inspection options may be recommended.
- Visual Inspections
Visual inspections provide a straightforward method to assess water storage tanks. This involves accessing the tank’s cover, opening it, and visually documenting observations. It’s recommended to take photographs of the tank’s roof, walls, and bottom to document the structural material and evaluate the performance of coating systems.
- Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) Inspection
An ROV inspection entails deploying an unmanned submersible craft into a filled water tank. The craft captures images and videos of the tank’s walls and bottom to document the structural material and evaluate the performance of coating systems.
- Diver Inspection
During a diver inspection, a diver submerges into a water storage tank filled with water. The diver then takes photographs of the tank’s roof, walls, and bottom to document the structural material and assess the performance of coating systems.
- Washout Inspection
In a washout inspection, the water storage tank is drained, and an individual or team enters the tank to conduct the review. Pictures are taken of the roof, walls, bottom, and other internal structures to document the structural material and assess the performance of coating systems.
Following the inspection, the team can utilize power washing equipment to clean all interior surfaces of the tank, removing any sediment and organic materials.
Ready for Your Water Storage Tanks Inspection?
Corrosion is an inevitable concern with metal water tanks, with the exact timing of occurrence being unpredictable. However, at NFPA 25 Inspections by American Tanks, we offer alternative solutions such as GRP Panel Tanks and Stainless Steel Storage Tanks.
Our expert team spans across the United States, specializing in water tank inspection and repair. We provide exceptional maintenance services, corrosion protection, and control measures tailored to enhance the longevity and reliability of your water tank.
Partner with us for all your water tank maintenance and repair needs! Reach out today to learn more about our extensive array of services.
Call NFPA 25 Inspections by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@nfpa25inspections.com
