Tanks don’t always show when something’s going wrong. From the outside, they can look solid, even reliable, while quietly breaking down inside. Small cracks or a bit of early rust might not seem like a big deal now, but they often grow into larger problems if left unchecked. That’s where regular tank inspections come in.
By checking your tank regularly, we can pick up the early warning signs before water quality drops or the tank ends up leaking. It’s a simple step that helps stop bigger trouble, like emergency cleanups that happen when things burst or fail without warning. Keeping ahead of these issues means less stress and less mess, especially during the hotter months when tank systems are under more pressure.
What Can Go Wrong When Tanks Are Left Unchecked
Tanks aren’t built to last forever. Over time, small signs of wear can turn into big problems if nobody’s looking for them. When tanks aren’t checked regularly, a few common issues can slip by unnoticed.
• Cracks can form from ground movement, heavy use, or changing weather. These often start small but grow quickly.
• Rust on the inside or outside can spread slowly, especially in areas that stay damp or don’t get much airflow. Surface flakes might not look serious, but they can lead to deeper damage.
• Seals tend to weaken over time. If they dry out or shift, they can let water out or let insects and dirt in.
Tanks that hold drinking water, wastewater, or chemicals are especially risky when left unchecked. Leaks during summer heat or sudden storms can create problems that need fast, messy cleanup. Often, these emergencies could have been avoided with a simple inspection at the right time. By spotting small flaws before they break open, we give ourselves the chance to fix them on our own schedule, not in a rush.
What Happens During a Proper Tank Inspection
A careful tank inspection isn’t about ticking a few boxes. It’s about getting a complete look at how well the tank is holding up from bottom to top. We look at everything that could impact how safe and sturdy the tank is.
• Inside the tank, we check walls and floor surfaces for hairline cracks, rust, flaking liner, or slime build-up.
• Around the seals, we look for lifting, cracking, or drying out, which can all cause leaks or contamination.
• Valves and connections get tested to make sure they’re tight and working. Small leaks can sometimes sit unnoticed behind pipes.
• The outside gets a once-over too, especially around the base where water and mud tend to build up. These areas are easy to miss but can hide major red flags.
We often find issues that aren’t visible unless you’re inside the tank. Things like insect nests, fine silt, or creeping corrosion can show up without any sign from the outside. A proper inspection helps us plan ahead, make smaller repairs if needed, and keep everything running with fewer problems down the track.
Summer Storms and Holiday Downtime: Why January Matters
Over summer, tanks are pushed harder than at any other time of year. More heat, more water use, and stronger weather systems all play a part. January, in particular, is a tricky gap between the stress of the holiday season and the return to full operations.
• Summer storms can knock tanks around through strong wind, rainfall, or debris. Even if the tank seems fine at first, damage inside can appear later.
• Many sites run with fewer people during holidays, which means issues can go unnoticed. By the time someone spots a leak or blockage, it’s often much worse.
• January gives us a chance to check tanks once the heavy holiday use is over, while temperatures are still steady. That gives plenty of time to repair anything before the next busy patch in autumn.
Doing an inspection after a hot, stormy summer break helps catch anything that got missed. It’s an easy way to avoid surprise problems when water demand picks up again. Plus, it’s better to fix a small crack now than deal with a nasty repair weeks later when you’re busier.
Inspection with a Professional Edge
We provide inspections and maintenance for all types of above ground tanks, including those used for potable water, wastewater, and industrial storage. Our team is trained in confined space entry and follows strict safety requirements, so every inspection is thorough and safe. Combining visual checks with advanced equipment, we can quickly identify hazards or areas that need attention before they become critical. We also keep service records to support routine maintenance, helping you plan ahead for long-term tank health.
By having professionals assess your tank, you get a full overview of its condition, not just a quick glance. This helps prevent emergencies and extends the life of your tank and its internal systems.
Stay Ahead of the Mess Before It Starts
A lot of emergency cleanups happen after small warning signs were ignored. A crack over a holiday or a bit of rust left too long can suddenly turn into a big problem. These surprises usually come with stress, mess, and more time lost fixing something that could have been dealt with early on.
Staying ahead with regular tank inspections means we keep control. We deal with issues when they’re smaller, cheaper, and easier to fix. It’s a simple way to cut down risk, save time, and keep water systems running smoothly through the worst weather. When the next big rain or heatwave hits, there’s comfort in knowing we’ve already checked what matters most.
We know how quickly small issues can turn into big ones when tanks aren’t properly checked. That’s why we always make time to look closely at every part, no shortcuts, no guesswork. Regular tank inspections let us catch problems early and keep things running smoothly, no matter the season. Whether you had a busy summer or your site was quiet over the holidays, now’s the perfect time to check in. Reach out to ATM Tanks so we can help you stay ahead of any surprises.
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