No one likes surprises when it comes to their water storage tank. A sudden leak, stained water, or changes in pressure can throw your entire system out of sync. Tanks that aren’t working right can slow down your operations, affect water quality, and even damage nearby equipment or structures if things go sideways. That’s why keeping an eye out for early signs of a problem is worth the effort.
Sometimes, your tank won’t give clear signs until something major has gone wrong. But there are smaller warnings that show up first, and acting on them straight away can stop the issue from turning into a bigger headache. Below are common signs that your tank may need immediate repairs. They might seem minor at first glance, but ignoring them can cost you a lot more down the track.
Unusual Noises Coming From The Tank
If your tank starts making odd sounds, pay attention. Tanks are built to work quietly. So if you hear clanking, popping, banging, or a hissing sound, that’s your early warning system going off. Unusual noises may point to a number of problems inside or around the tank.
Let’s break down some of the more common sounds and what they might mean:
– Banging or knocking sounds could be from loose internal components shifting under pressure
– Clinking or grinding noises may come from rusted metal parts starting to rub against each other
– Hissing might be a sign of escaping air or pressure buildup due to a compromised chamber
– Gurgling could signal trapped air or blockages
These sounds should never be brushed off as normal wear and tear. One example worth mentioning is a tank used on a commercial site that began producing popping noises during routine operation. It turned out a seam had started to separate due to pressure irregularities, leading to structural stress that needed urgent attention.
Listen early. Strange sounds often show up before there’s any visible damage. Leaving it too long could lead to costly downtime or even total structural failure.
Visible Leaks And Water Accumulation
Water on the ground around the base of the tank isn’t always from rain or cleaning. Look closely. If puddles are appearing without clear reason, it could mean your tank has a leak. Leaks might be small at first and hard to spot, so you’ll want to inspect areas like connection points, seams, and valves.
Here are some typical signs to look out for:
– Wet patches or pooling water near the base of the tank
– A slow drip coming from a pipe joint or weld point
– Discolouration or moss growing in one particular area, which may mean water has been escaping for a while
– Decreased water levels even though usage hasn’t changed
Leaks can also appear inside enclosed tank areas and may not be found until they’ve done more damage. Even a tiny drip can lead to rust or weaken the structure over time. If water is left to sit around the tank, it can soak into concrete footings or affect nearby equipment.
The best time to catch a leak is just after it’s started. It’s much harder and costlier to repair once it spreads or starts damaging the surrounding area.
Rust And Corrosion
Rust doesn’t go away on its own. Once it shows up on a tank, it’s likely to worsen over time. Tanks made of metal are especially prone to corrosion, particularly if they hold water long term or face harsh environmental conditions. Surface rust might seem harmless, but it often hides what’s really going on underneath.
It’s worth checking a few key areas regularly:
– Around bolts and welding lines
– At the water line inside the tank where air meets water
– Connection points where pipes enter or exit the tank
– Any old patches from previous fixes
Corrosion can weaken the structure of the tank, making it more likely to crack, leak, or cave in. It can also affect water quality. Rust flakes can get into the supply, clog filters, and change taste or smell.
If you see orange streaks or expanding rusty patches, there’s a good chance your tank is already at risk. Acting early, even for small patches, can prevent larger failures later. Over time, savings in both money and downtime add up.
Unusual Water Colour, Taste, Or Odour
Your tank’s job is to store clean, safe water. So when the taste, smell, or colour takes a weird turn, there’s usually something going on inside the tank. These changes come from contamination, internal damage, or chemical reactions that need quick attention.
Here’s what unusual water signs could mean:
– Brown or orange water: Could be caused by rust forming inside the tank, which points to corrosion
– Metallic or bitter taste: Often due to leaching metal from worn or rusted parts
– Musty or earthy smell: May indicate biological growth inside the tank caused by poor sealing or contamination
– Cloudy or milky-looking water: Might come from trapped air, sediment, or chemicals, usually found in older or neglected tanks
These signs often come before structural damage. And when pollutants reach the water, it affects everything from livestock to machinery. One aging tank developed a slight metallic taste in the water, which was overlooked. By the time it got checked, internal rust had spread and the entire tank needed relining.
It’s smart to check water clarity and smell during regular maintenance. If anything raises a red flag, it’s worth scheduling an inspection.
Unexpected Drops In Water Pressure
A good tank setup gives you steady water pressure. So if pressure drops or goes up and down for no reason, something in the tank system might need attention. These changes can point to leaks, internal cracking, or blocked components.
Look out for:
– Pressure loss when turning on taps or outlets connected to the tank
– Pulsing flow instead of a steady stream
– Tanks, troughs, or toilets taking longer to refill
– Pump struggling or switching on and off irregularly
– Pumps running longer than usual to do the same job
Issues with pressure are sometimes brushed off, but they’re worth investigating. If sediment is blocking the outlet or if hairline cracks are forming, the whole tank system could be at risk. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to pump failure or worse damage inside the tank.
In one case, a site with steady pressure for years noticed a drop during normal use. After checking the outlet, a small crack was found near the fitting. Because it was caught early, it was fixed quickly with no downtime.
Call in ATM Tanks When Signs Start Showing
When you notice strange sounds, water on the floor, rust patches, odd water taste, or low pressure, it’s not something to wait on. These are warning signs that something’s off. Acting on them early means quicker repairs, better water safety, and lower risk of long-term damage.
Tanks play a crucial role in so many systems, from homes to commercial setups. The sooner issues are addressed, the easier they are to manage. If your tank is showing any of these signs, it’s worth having a professional take a look and get things sorted before they get worse.
Regular attention to your tank’s condition is the best way to ensure ongoing performance and water quality. If you’ve noticed any unusual signs that suggest your tank needs attention, don’t delay in addressing them. Reliable tank repairs can help maintain smooth operation and prevent bigger problems down the line. At ATM Tanks, we specialise in keeping your tanks in top shape, ensuring longevity and efficiency.
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