The Crucial Role of Routine Water Tank Inspections

Water tank inspections are essential for preventing leaks and ensuring the safety of water storage systems.

In the United States, there are around 700,000 aboveground bulk storage tanks. Despite being built to endure various environmental conditions, these tanks can still develop leaks if not inspected regularly. Potential causes of leaks include equipment failures, corrosion, and UV degradation.

At NFPA 25 Inspections LA by American Tanks , we take the risk of tank leaks seriously due to their potential for environmental contamination and workplace hazards. That’s why we provide a comprehensive tank management approach that includes regular inspections, repair protocols, and onsite remediation.

Our team of experienced technicians performs detailed inspections of your water tanks to identify potential issues. We then develop a customized plan to address these concerns and ensure your tanks remain safe and reliable.

If you have any questions about water tank inspections or our tank management services, please contact us today. We are here to help keep your water tanks in optimal condition.

Regular inspection and cleaning of water storage tanks are crucial for maintaining good water quality within the distribution system and extending the tank’s lifespan. Consistent tank inspections help identify minor issues before they become significant problems, which can lead to health concerns and costly repairs or even premature tank failure. Neglecting regular cleaning of tanks can result in contamination events that are harmful to human health or cause aesthetic complaints.

Why Tank Inspections Matter

A tank leak can lead to a range of serious consequences, including aesthetic issues, costly repairs, or even complete tank failure. Additionally, a leaking tank can cause significant environmental pollution and workplace accidents. Therefore, regular tank inspections are crucial for identifying and addressing potentially catastrophic tank problems. While you might think you can detect a leaking tank on your own, this is not always the case. Many tank leaks go unnoticed for long periods, allowing contaminants to seep into nearby groundwater before the issue is discovered and corrected.

What Does a Tank Inspection Involve?

Firstly, we will determine the type of tank inspection you require, which depends on the contents of your storage tank.

During our comprehensive tank inspections, we provide a wide range of services, including:

  • Roof inspection, including the dome and seals
  • Shell inspection
  • Tank floor examination
  • Aperture inspection
  • Coating and liner assessment
  • Settlement evaluation
  • Strapping and calibration
  • Nozzle inspection

Our expert tank inspectors start by giving your tank a thorough visual examination. They’ll check the outside for any cracks, however small. If they find any, they’ll carefully measure them to see how deep and serious they are before recommending further testing. They’ll also be looking closely at the tank walls for any signs of rust or wear. Finally, they’ll inspect the area around the tank to make sure there aren’t any environmental risks.

Don’t worry if they find some problems! Our inspectors can assess the damage and advise you on the best way to fix it, ensuring your tank meets all safety regulations. In many cases, our team can even fix minor leaks within a day of your inspection.

How Often Should a Water System Inspect and Clean Storage Tanks?

The frequency of inspections and cleanings may vary depending on the type of tank and the quality of the water. Ideally, water storage tanks should be inspected at least once every five years, although state regulations may require more frequent inspections. Cleaning and repairs should be performed based on the findings of the tank inspection. It is recommended to schedule additional inspections between regular maintenance intervals as a proactive measure.

Circulation

Ensuring proper circulation is essential to prevent water stratification within a tank. Moreover, to avoid freezing in potable water storage tanks, maintaining adequate circulation and water turnover is imperative.

Typically, water is introduced into and extracted from the bottom of the tank through inlet and outlet piping. When the filling rate exceeds the extraction rate, the water level rises. Conversely, if the extraction rate is higher than the filling rate, the water level falls. In a scenario where the filling and extraction rates are balanced, the system withdraws the water that has just been added. This can lead to stagnant water accumulating at the top of the tank due to inadequate circulation, resulting in stratification and stagnation. Stagnant water may experience a reduction in chlorine levels, promoting microbial growth and leading to unpleasant tastes and odors. Incorporating mixers into your tank is a common and cost-effective method to address these issues.

For more detailed information on any of the concepts discussed here, our friendly and experienced customer service team is available to assist you. We provide reliable services in the Houston, Texas area and in Long Beach, California.

Call NFPA 25 Inspections LA by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167

Or email at info@nfpa25inspections.la

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