Corrosion is a common problem in all water tanks, as prolonged use makes these structures vulnerable to rust and deterioration. However, water tank corrosion is an issue that can be managed and minimized, ensuring that your tank continues to function effectively. In this article, we will outline strategies to prevent water tank corrosion, so be ready to take notes on how to preserve the integrity of your structures.
How Corrosion Takes Place
Corrosion is a natural enemy of metal, and your water tank is no exception. It occurs when a chemical reaction takes place between the metal and its environment, causing the metal to deteriorate. This can lead to costly repairs down the line.
Without a protective coating, any metal can succumb to corrosion. This weakens the tank’s structure and hinders its ability to function properly. The specific type of metal used and environmental factors like the surrounding gases all play a role in how quickly and severely corrosion occurs.
Most metals are prone to oxidation, where they lose electrons to oxygen (or other elements) in the air or water. This loss of electrons weakens the metal on a large scale if it happens across a significant portion of the surface. As oxygen gains the lost electrons (reduction), it forms an oxide layer with the metal, further accelerating the damage.
By understanding this process, you can take steps to protect your water tank from the silent threat of corrosion.
Identifying Corrosion
Metal water tanks, like many other structures, are susceptible to corrosion, which can lead to rust and deterioration. Even with regular cleaning, microscopic organisms and bacteria can find a home in your tank. Cracks, leaks, or weak spots only make this problem worse, creating a haven for bacterial growth.
The key sign to watch for is deterioration in the metal itself. This indicates corrosion is happening inside your tank. If you notice this, it’s time to take action. Fortunately, relining or refurbishment can restore your tank’s functionality and ensure clean, safe water.
Why is it Important to Stop Corrosion?
Corrosion causes substantial financial losses for businesses each year, as they must cover the costs of replacing or refurbishing water tanks affected by unnoticed corrosion in their water-retaining structures. Moreover, some businesses may experience issues with contaminated water, disrupting tank operations and affecting its usability. To address these challenges, detecting corrosion early is essential to halt its advancement promptly.
Methods of Prevention
Water tanks are susceptible to corrosion over time, which can lead to leaks, cracks, and even bacterial growth. Thankfully, there are several methods to prevent future corrosion and ensure your water tank functions smoothly for years to come.
No matter which method you choose, it will likely involve applying a protective coating to the inner surfaces of the tank. This coating acts as a shield, inhibiting bacterial growth and preventing corrosion that could lead to leaks, cracks, and ultimately, compromised water quality.
By investing in corrosion prevention, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your water tank is well-protected, ensuring uninterrupted operations and safeguarding the quality of your water.
Why Choose Tank Relining Over Replacement
Each prevention method offers its own advantages; however, we advocate relining and refurbishment as the superior choice.
Replacing a tank can be costly and still requires lining with a protective coating for adequate corrosion protection. Relining provides a long-term and effective solution by protecting the tank substrate, thereby reducing the risk of bacteria like legionella inhabiting the structure. Therefore, for a cost-effective solution, we recommend choosing tank relining for long-term bacteria protection.
Stay vigilant for signs of corrosion in your water-retaining structures. If you notice any indications of corrosion in your tanks, consider our tank relining and refurbishment services or contact us promptly!
We provide reliable services in Crockett, Grapeland, Kennard, Latexo, Lovelady, Ratcliff, Houston, Texas, as well as Long Beach and surrounding areas including Lakewood, Rossmoor, Lincoln Village, Seal Beach, Hawaiian Gardens, Los Alamitos, Cypress, Bellflower, Carson, La Palma, Paramount, Cerritos, East Compton, West Carson, Compton, Norwalk, Stanton, Westminster, Lomita, Downey, Lynwood, Rolling Hills Estates, Cudahy, California.
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