Tank inspections keep storage systems running as they should, and when done right, they help avoid issues before they even begin. Whether it’s a water tank, chemical tank or something used for food production, making sure it stays in good shape takes regular checks. The better the inspection, the better your chances of picking up early warning signs that something isn’t quite right.
A quick glance at the outside of a tank every now and then won’t cut it. A proper inspection looks deeper and gives a clearer view of what’s happening inside and out. It’s about getting into the habit of checking specific areas, spotting problems early, and keeping track of everything found. That way, things don’t snowball into bigger repairs or costly downtime later on.
Preparing For An Inspection
Doing a thorough inspection starts well before stepping near the tank. Planning ahead saves time and helps prevent things from being missed. It also keeps everyone safe, especially if the tank stores chemicals or operates under pressure.
Here are a few things to organise before carrying out an inspection:
– Check access points. Make sure ladders, hatches and any walkways are safe and in working order.
– Get the tank cleaned if needed. Dirt, algae or build-up can hide wear and tear or block good visibility.
– Know what the tank stores and how. Different contents like water, fuel, or food products can affect what to look for.
– Lock in safety procedures. If the tank has been in use, it may need to be drained, ventilated or depressurised before the inspection.
As for tools, it helps to have the basics on hand:
– A strong torch or headlamp
– Inspection mirror for tight areas
– Camera or video device, ideally waterproof if going inside
– A thickness gauge for metal or concrete tanks
– Notebook or checklist to keep track of findings
More advanced setups might use remote visual devices or spot testing tools like ultrasonic scanners. These aren’t always needed, but they do help if you’re trying to avoid entering the tank or working in hard-to-access zones.
An example we’ve seen is a water tank that showed rust streaks on the outside. The owner thought it was minor, but on closer inspection, the rust was part of a bigger corrosion issue around the base that had gone unnoticed. Planning an inspection properly let our team find it in time and fix the problem early.
Key Areas To Inspect
Every tank might have a different design, but certain parts tend to wear out or break down more often than others. During an inspection, focus should be placed on these main components.
1. Tank walls and flooring
Look for cracks, flaking paint, bubbling surfaces, discolouration or damp spots. These signs often point to underlying damage or early signs of corrosion.
2. Internal lining
If the tank has a liner, check for any tears, bubbles, folding or separation from the walls. Any of these can allow water or other contents to get between the liner and wall, leading to faster failure.
3. Seams, joints and welds
These areas are common trouble spots. Look for rust, loose joins or signs the weld is breaking down under stress or pressure.
4. Roof and roof supports
If the tank has a cover, check for dips, holes or signs of water pooling. A weak roof or broken supports can invite leaks or even collapse.
5. Pipes, valves and inlets/outlets
Check seals, gaskets and openings for wear or clogging. Leaky valves or backed-up pipes will not just reduce efficiency, they also increase pressure elsewhere in the system.
By focusing on these specific sections of the tank, you’re more likely to catch early signs of wear. It’s tempting to just spot-check the surface or scan from the outside, but many issues start where the eye doesn’t usually go. That means lifting lids where possible, shining light into darker corners, and taking photos to review later.
These steps might seem simple, but skipping one often leads to bigger consequences down the line. Thorough checks done on a regular basis keep problems from building and help tank systems operate more reliably.
Documentation And Reporting
What you find during an inspection means very little if it’s not put into a record. Writing things down might feel like busywork, but it plays a big part in tracking the health of the tank over time. When you’ve got earlier reports on hand, it becomes easier to spot patterns or changes that might signal a problem forming.
Doing a good job of this means being consistent. Use the same format each time so you can quickly compare past inspections. If you’re working with a team or needing to report to others, this step avoids confusion and keeps everyone on the same page.
A few tips for better inspection reporting:
– Mark inspection dates clearly and label all photos
– Use plain language to describe what’s been seen
– Include measurements, even if there’s no change
– Take note of any smells, noises or temperature differences
– List any minor faults, even if they don’t seem urgent
Photos help too, especially when there’s visible damage or wear. A quick snap of a crack or water streak can show how things progress over time. It’s also helpful for comparing inspections if different people are involved in the process.
We once reviewed tanks for a client who couldn’t remember when an issue first started. Thankfully, past inspection reports helped pin down when a roof support began weakening. That paper trail shortened repair time and gave a base to work from instead of guessing.
Regular Maintenance And Follow-Up
Finding issues is only half the job. What you do after the inspection matters just as much. Cracks, corrosion, swelling, leaking joints – they’re all just warnings unless acted on.
It helps to set up a clear plan based on what comes out of each inspection. This doesn’t mean tackling everything all at once, but rather giving priority to the things that could get worse fast. A leaking joint might need fixing within the week, while some light corrosion could be a watch item for your next scheduled check.
Here’s how to keep maintenance on track:
– Rank issues from most urgent to least
– Set realistic timelines for repairs or replacements
– Book professionals with the right experience to handle specific damage
– Keep a straightforward log of when repairs are done and how
Seasonal weather shifts can also play a role. Late October in Australia heads into warmer, damper months depending on the region. Moisture, combined with heat, can accelerate rust or cause older seals to swell. If you’re dealing with outside tanks, use this time to check for extra moisture leaks, shade damage or softening seals that might need early replacement.
Skipping repairs often creates more problems later. It might seem harmless to postpone a small weld touch-up or push back a valve tightening job, but these delays can lead to breakdowns. Regular maintenance doesn’t just prevent headaches, it also extends how long your tank holds up before needing major work.
Keeping Your Tanks In Optimal Condition
Thorough inspections are about more than ticking a list. They help you understand how your tank is holding up, what’s changing month by month, and which parts need more attention than others. By catching those weak points early, you’re less likely to be caught off guard by system failures or surprise shutdowns.
The habit of following through on inspections with good notes and regular maintenance is what really keeps things moving smoothly. Every tank wears down – that’s just how time works. But staying on top of inspections means you call the shots on when and how those repairs happen.
Even well-built tanks can fail if problems go unnoticed. A small oversight, like a tiny tear in a liner or a bit of rust behind a pipe, might seem minor at first. But left alone, these things rarely stay small. Routine checks, a bit of effort in tracking your findings, and quick action when something turns up – that’s the difference between a short fix and a full replacement.
So, if your tanks are already part of your work, make inspections just as regular as running the system itself. They’re the best first step to protecting your setup, controlling costs, and keeping things safe.
Ensuring your tanks are regularly inspected is key to maintaining their condition and avoiding costly disruptions. At ATM Tanks, we understand the value of consistent, professional care. Learn how our detailed tank inspections can help you identify issues early and keep your storage systems running smoothly. Get in touch with our team today to talk about how we can support your ongoing maintenance needs.
- The Benefits of Regular Tank Waterproofing - October 26, 2025
- Pro Tips for Conducting Thorough Tank Inspections - October 26, 2025
- How to Deal with Sediment Buildup in Water Tanks - October 26, 2025
