Concrete water storage tanks are some of the most durable and robust storage equipment you can use for your home or business. They are made from high-strength concrete, withstanding pressures of up to 50 mph, and use Australian structural steel, reducing the chances of cracks due to outside forces.
However, even with the high durability and strength of concrete water tanks, they still need proper maintenance to avoid damage and lengthen their lifespan. Doing so will provide homeowners and business establishments with a cost-effective way to store water or other liquids. They can even use it as an underground wine cellar.
So, how do you maintain your concrete water tanks?
Maintenance of Underground Concrete Water Storage Tanks
Underground concrete water tanks provide homes and businesses with immediate access to water all year round. And with how Australians have experienced water shortages and water consumption limitations in recent years, having your own water source has become a necessity rather than a luxury.
Fortunately, with the proper care and maintenance, water tanks prove to be an investment worthy of your money, time, and effort.
Here are the ways for you to keep your water storage tank in top shape, and avoid costly repairs and early replacement.
Ensure regular monitoring and inspection of your water tank, at least every two years or more often if you think there’s a build-up of sediments. Doing so will identify leaks, cracks, and other problems your tank has developed.
● Observe a noticeable drop in water pressure, presence of rust in the water, increased water consumption, and water loss of more than 10%. These are some signs of a leak in your water tank and, therefore, need to be checked and repaired.
● If a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, it’s best to check your storage tank for structural damage and look for cracks.
● In case cracks are found, addressing them immediately is the best solution. Structural damage is an emergency that needs urgent repair. If not addressed, it can lead to the collapse of your tank and put you and others at risk.
● Prompt repair is also required for leaks because they can cause contamination and threaten your health.
● Do a routine check on the backflow prevention valves at least every 12 months.
● Regular cleaning, inspection, and disinfection are necessary to maintain water safety in the tank.
Good water storage tanks begin with suitable materials and correct installation. You can expect damages early on without a high-quality concrete tank or improper installation. Ultimately, these will turn your investment efforts in vain.
So, it’s crucial to keep your storage tanks well maintained. However, if any damage is discovered, prompt repair is the best solution you can find. Or maybe it’s time to replace your water storage tank.
When to Replace Concrete Water Storage Tanks
Properly maintenance of concrete water storage tanks comes with optimal function and a longer lifespan.
However, even when you exhaust efforts to maintain your storage tank, they are still vulnerable to certain factors, such as natural disasters. And before you know it, damages appear, and repairs need to be made.
And unfortunately, there are some things that maintenance and repair cannot handle. For this, replacement of your storage tank is the only thing left to do.
Here are some signs that your tank needs replacement:
● Your water storage tank is close to its retirement age. Concrete water tanks are built to last for years – some can even reach 30 years of use. And with the correct maintenance, you can stretch this lifespan and enjoy more time with your water tank. So, if it’s nearly your tank’s retirement age, check for signs of wear and tear. If they are evident, it’s best to have the tank replaced.
● There are signs of corrosion in your water tank. When you discover rust in the water, there’s good chance corrosion is happening inside. And it may be due to a leak in the concrete wall, where steel started reacting with the water. Unfortunately, corrosion and rust can harm people and cause certain health conditions. Thus, replacement is the best thing to do.
Even though certain factors make replacement necessary, rest assured that concrete water tanks in Australia have the durability that will make them last for 30 years. So with the right care and proper use, you will surely enjoy it for the rest of its lifespan.
Thankfully, maintaining concrete water storage tanks is much simpler than you think. You only need to have it checked and regularly monitored so you get to enjoy the full benefits of your investment. And you only need to do it every two years, at least.