Steel water tanks can take a beating over summer. The mix of heat, increased water use, and dry weather puts serious pressure on even the toughest tank. It’s not always the big breaks that cause trouble either. Small cracks may seem harmless at first, but they often lead to bigger problems if ignored for too long.
When things dry out mid-season, those cracks can grow fast, and it doesn’t take much for a leak to start. That’s why staying on top of tank repairs is so important, not just after something goes wrong, but before small signs turn into serious damage. This is especially true if your tank has been through a few summers already. Recognising the early warnings helps avoid losing stored water right when you need it most.
Why Steel Tanks Crack in the First Place
Cracks don’t usually show up out of nowhere. Most start small and build up over time from a mix of common pressures.
• Sudden changes in temperature can cause the metal to expand and contract, especially when it’s hot during the day and cool at night. Over the years, this can cause fine splits in the steel.
• Movement in the ground, like during wet-to-dry season changes, can shift the tank’s base and stress the structure, especially if the platform isn’t perfectly level or has softened.
• Age counts too. Older tanks often deal with worn seals, weakened joints, and old weld lines that can fail under pressure. Even tanks that look solid on the outside may have weak points hidden inside.
If these kinds of damage are caught early, they can often be fixed fairly easily. But left too long, they usually turn into expensive leaks or complete failures that stop the tank from being usable at all.
Signs Your Tank Might Be in Trouble
It doesn’t always take a big leak to know something’s going wrong inside your tank. There are a few early clues to keep an eye on during the summer lead-up.
• Discolouration around the tank base is one of the first red flags. It could be from water seeping through cracks and leaving stains behind.
• If the water starts to taste odd, or if it takes on a smell, that may be a sign that something inside has started to rust or decay.
• Small wet spots after rain or high use, even if they dry up later, hint that water is escaping somewhere. This can happen when fine cracks swell and let water through only part of the time.
• Rusty or flaky areas on the outside surface, especially near joins or welds, might be linked to damage developing on the inside.
These signs don’t always mean the tank is finished, but they do mean something has shifted. The earlier they’re dealt with, the easier it is to stop things getting worse.
Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
Summer doesn’t give much warning. Once the really hot months kick in, tanks are under peak pressure, storing more water, working harder, and sitting in full sun. That’s why leaving repairs until then is risky.
• Heat weakens already-damaged spots, especially if the inside is already corroding or the tank’s structure is thinning. A small crack in autumn might break wide open in January.
• The wet season can make damage harder to spot. Damp ground hides slow leaks, while softer soil provides less support under the tank. Those cracks often show themselves only after things dry out.
• Waiting too long can turn an otherwise simple fix into something more serious. Once water escapes, it’s gone, and if the tank fails completely, you’re not just looking at water loss but possible structural damage around the tank pad or catchment system.
The smartest time to act is before the real heat hits, when damage is still manageable and the tank isn’t under max load.
What a Pro Looks for During Repairs
When we check tanks for damage, we look both inside and out. Not every issue is visible right away, which is why it helps to use careful inspection methods.
• We run our hands across common weak points, feeling for changes in texture or thin spots that might show signs of wear.
• Internal and external seals are checked closely. If they’ve started to fail, they often leave behind dark marks or slight bulges. These can be signs of water pressure pushing where it shouldn’t.
• Pressure testing helps spot hairline cracks that don’t show in dry conditions. A bit of added weight inside the tank may be enough to push the damage into view.
• Based on what we find, we might recommend a direct fix or possibly a full internal lining if the tank’s surface is no longer strong enough on its own.
Rushing or skipping these checks can lead to missed faults, which can cause bigger issues once the tank gets filled and used regularly.
Tried and Tested: The ATM Tanks Repair Process
We offer a specialised range of services for steel tank repair, maintenance, and refurbishment, catering to both water and industrial storage systems. Our team uses approved techniques to seal cracks, restore corroded sections, and reinforce weakened joints, with lining solutions suited for different tank types and operational needs. We are also equipped to provide tank relining for tanks that have significant internal wear, ensuring watertight storage even through extreme weather conditions.
Regular inspection and repairs performed by professionals help protect tank investments, restore full capacity, and improve peace of mind during peak summer months. Addressing repairs promptly can make the difference between a minor fix and the need for a full tank replacement.
Repairs Now, Less Stress Later
Keeping a steel tank in good shape doesn’t need to be complicated, and small steps now often save bigger hassles later. Repairs done early help your tank stay stronger through summer stretches when demand climbs and dry periods last longer.
• A repaired or lined tank is more stable. It handles heat, water pressure, and daily use better than one left to wear out naturally.
• The sooner we check for faults, the more likely we are to catch damage that can be patched before it becomes something more expensive.
• Tanks that are looked after year-round don’t just last longer. They give peace of mind when storage matters most, whether on farms, in households, or out in the field.
By acting before the heat peaks, we help keep stored water safe, and we lower the risk of unwanted surprises when access to water can’t afford to be disrupted. Summer isn’t the time to guess whether a tank will hold. Strong repairs now make next season more manageable.
Has your steel tank seen a few tough summers or started to show signs of wear? Now’s the ideal time to stay ahead of any issues while repairs are still straightforward and your tank isn’t under full load. Staying on top of small maintenance tasks now can prevent major problems during the hotter months. See what our tank repairs cover, and if you notice anything concerning, reach out to ATM Tanks today.
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