When mid-summer hits, we usually think about heatwaves and water shortages. But another challenge sneaks in just as fast, those unexpected rain surges. One moment the ground is dry, the next it’s soaked with fast, heavy downpours. For tanks that have been drying out in the sun, this sudden switch puts a lot of strain on seals, joints, and the soil around the base.
This is when tank waterproofing comes into play. It helps protect your tank from leaking, rusting, or becoming unstable during changing weather. If the November dry left things brittle, a January downpour might be enough to tip it over the edge. Getting ahead of the wet season can mean the difference between small maintenance and a tank that needs a major fix.
How Sudden Rain Surges Affect Above Ground Tanks
A single summer storm can dump a lot of water in very little time. Tanks that aren’t set up for big inflows can struggle to handle it.
• When water builds up around the base too quickly, it can seep into small gaps or cracks and cause rust or erosion in the footing. That puts the whole structure at risk.
• Inside the tank, the water level rises much faster than it does during regular use, which increases pressure. If seals are already worn or liners are loose, that added load can split things further.
• Drainage becomes a real concern. If your overflow pipes or trenches haven’t been checked in a while, they might not keep up. A blocked outlet or undersized drain can leave water pooling around the tank, turning small issues into bigger ones.
These sudden changes are hard on tanks that have spent the last few months sitting in dry conditions. What may have held up during spring might not cope when things start shifting fast.
Common Problem Areas to Check Mid-Summer
Once the wet season starts rolling in, a few small areas on your tank can become big trouble spots if they’ve been ignored.
• Seams and joins go through a lot during early summer, when temperature swings are stronger. Heat makes the metal expand, and cooler nights make it contract. That back-and-forth puts stress on the joints and can start tiny splits that grow with time.
• Tank bases are another issue. Soft or shifting ground after a heavy storm can make the base uneven. And if it isn’t well supported, the tank might lean or settle, stressing the shell.
• Inside, linings that haven’t been looked at for a while can start to bubble or lift. This usually shows up when the tank fills quickly after a hard rain and any hidden damage starts to give way.
A quick lap around the tank now can help spot these signs before they get worse. Many of these faults stay hidden unless you’re looking for them when the weather starts changing.
Waterproofing Methods That Really Hold Up to Wet Weather
Tanks don’t need to be new to handle wet conditions, but they do need to be sealed properly. The right kind of waterproofing can make a big difference, especially once stormwater starts flowing in hard and fast.
• Internal linings act like a second skin. They stop the water inside from finding its way into weak spots. In older tanks, a lining can help keep the structure stable even if the metal underneath is beginning to wear.
• Lids, inspection ports, and sealing covers all take a beating during storms. Rain and wind can lift or loosen them, and gaps can form where water gets in from the top. Keeping these parts sealed tight helps stop leaks where you can’t always see them.
• Around the outside, adding a simple tank skirt or base barrier can help shed water away from the tank. This lowers the chance of rust forming near the base or water soaking into the soil and shifting the tank’s footing.
These steps don’t take long once you’ve got a good plan, but they can make a big difference once the summer weather turns wet.
When It’s Time to Call in the Pros
Not all problems can be spotted by eye. There are times when what looks okay on the surface is hiding damage underneath. That’s when you need a more careful check.
• Damp patches that don’t dry out after rain, rust spots that seem to grow, or shifting around the base are all signs something more serious might be happening.
• Pressure testing can pick up on issues like pinhole leaks or hairline cracks, especially in tanks that fill fast after late-season storms.
• You might feel tempted to patch cracks yourself, but those quick fixes rarely hold up once the weather turns rough. A small leak can become a bigger one if the tank shifts even slightly or fills too quickly.
We always recommend checking your tank before the storms set in, so small problems aren’t waiting to catch you off guard.
Extra Protection with ATM Tanks Waterproofing Solutions
ATM Tanks provide waterproofing solutions for both metal and concrete tanks using high-grade coatings and flexible linings. Suitable for new installations or as a repair to existing tanks, our waterproofing service ensures compliant, long-lasting protection against leaks and water loss. We also perform full tank inspections and can reseal joints and access points to help maintain structural integrity when rain falls hardest.
This approach offers proven results for rural, commercial, and industrial tank owners striving to prevent storm season interruptions.
Smarter Tanks, Less Stress This Season
Summer isn’t just about heat. It’s when tanks get pushed from both sides, dry days that stress the structure, and sudden storms that fill them fast. That mix adds up to a lot of wear in a short time.
When we give attention to tank waterproofing before the wettest part of the season hits, it saves a lot of hassle. Fixes are easier, parts are more stable, and your water stays where it’s supposed to be.
A few hours spent checking seals and linings now can stop days of work later. Whether you’re storing for home use, farming, or business, a strong tank means fewer interruptions when summer weather throws you a curveball.
At ATM Tanks, we understand how quickly summer rainstorms can put pressure on storage systems that haven’t been checked recently. Sudden downpours can cause minor cracks to become serious issues if water seeps in through worn seals or joints. Preparing your tanks now is the best way to avoid unwanted surprises, so consider arranging proper tank waterproofing before the wet season arrives. Our team is here to help with inspections and repairs, just get in touch with us to make sure your tanks are ready.
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