Tanks need regular check-ups just like anything else that sees daily use. Whether they store water, chemicals or other liquids, small problems can build up inside them over time. Cracks, rust, sediment and other wear can go unnoticed until there’s a leak or a complete breakdown. That’s where inspections come in. They help spot issues early, before costly repairs or full replacements are needed.
A newer way to handle these checks is by using ROVs — short for Remotely Operated Vehicles. These underwater units take a lot of the hard work and guesswork out of tank inspections. Instead of waiting until problems show up, ROV inspections let you stay ahead of repairs by showing what’s really happening inside your tank. And best of all, they do it without the need to drain the whole thing.
Why Regular Tank Inspections Matter
Tanks might look fine from the outside, but what’s going on inside is the real concern. High-pressure fluids, changing temperatures and chemical exposure can slowly damage the inner surfaces of a tank. Without looking inside now and then, you might not catch these changes until it’s too late.
Regular tank inspections are how you stay in front of breakdowns. They help you:
1. Catch early signs of damage like minor cracks or liner wear
2. Spot rust or corrosion forming in hidden areas
3. See if sediment buildup is changing tank performance
4. Check that fittings and internal parts are still holding up
Waiting until something fails can lead to serious trouble. Leaks, contamination or breakdowns can cause long delays, product loss and heavy repair costs. For example, one site was shocked when an entire tank of clean water turned brown overnight. A faulty coating inside the tank had peeled away, leaving exposed metal to rust. If an inspection had been done sooner, the damage might have been caught while still easy to fix.
It’s not only about catching problems though. Regular checks also mean you get a clearer sense of how your tank materials are holding up under constant use. This can help you plan ahead instead of reacting when things go wrong suddenly.
What Is an ROV Tank Inspection
ROVs are like underwater drones for tanks. They’re operated from the outside using a control system, and they send live video back to the team watching. These handy devices are usually fitted with cameras, lights and even sensors that can check for weak spots, rust, sediment layers and more.
The big benefit? No need to empty the tank. That saves time, water and hassle. Instead of stopping operations for a full clean-out, an ROV can be lowered into a full tank and get to work straight away.
Here’s how it generally works:
1. The tank is checked for safe access and the right conditions for an ROV to enter
2. The ROV is gently lowered into the tank through an access hatch
3. The operator begins a full scan of the tank interior, guiding the ROV across floors, walls and fittings
4. Live footage is recorded, and detailed notes are taken on any issues
5. The ROV is removed, and a report is prepared, showing the condition and recommended next steps
The process is quiet, clean and works well for tanks that can’t be opened up often. It’s also a safer way to inspect tanks that might contain harmful substances or have poor air quality inside. The device does all the hard work, while the operator stays dry and secure outside.
ROV inspections don’t just show the inside of a tank — they offer a new way to stay on top of system health without causing delays. From water tanks to chemical storage, this method suits nearly every setup where shutting down isn’t easy or affordable.
Advantages of Using ROVs for Tank Inspections
Using an ROV during tank inspections removes several of the challenges tied to older inspection methods. It’s an efficient option for facilities that operate continuously and need detailed data without long interruptions.
One of the biggest perks is safety. Traditional inspections often require someone to physically enter the tank, especially when structural details or hard-to-reach spots need attention. Confined space entry adds risk. Workers need to suit up, monitor air quality and follow strict protocols. But with ROVs, none of that’s necessary. The robot goes in, while the people stay out.
Time is another big factor. Manual inspections take a while, especially if a tank has to be emptied, cleaned and ventilated first. With an ROV, you skip all of that. The inspection starts as soon as the unit is lowered, and it can move smoothly through all tank areas, filming and collecting data as it goes.
Precision is where ROVs really shine. These compact machines come with high-res cameras that let operators spot even tiny flaws. Early-stage corrosion, pitting, liner bubbles, blocked fittings – it’s all visible in clear detail. Some setups even track measurements in real-time, making the report even more useful.
Here’s a summary of what ROVs bring to the table:
– No need to drain the tank, saving time and product
– Safer process — no confined space entry or shutdowns
– High-definition video and real-time inspection details
– Full coverage of floors, walls, corners and fittings
– Faster reporting with built-in video and sensor logging
ROVs make inspections more reliable and much less dependent on guesswork. With less disruption, better safety and more accurate results, they’re changing how tank maintenance gets done.
How ROV Inspections Save Money
Tank downtime costs money — often more than people expect. Many facilities avoid inspections because they fear shutting operations for a week. But ROV inspections flip that script. By letting inspections happen while tanks are still in use, expensive shutdowns become unnecessary.
One major hidden cost is the process of draining a tank. There’s the waste of materials, time lost cleaning, and the added task of refilling later on. If the tank holds a chemical solution, that disposal alone can be expensive. When a tank doesn’t need draining unless there’s a known issue, you’re saving right from the start.
ROVs also give you the chance to catch faults when they’re small and manageable. Liner damage, rust formation or small leaks usually start long before they’re visible without camera assistance. Fixing a seam tear is very different in cost compared to repairing a major tank failure or replacing an entire section.
At one facility, pressure on a food-grade tank dropped unexpectedly. Rather than delaying production to empty and inspect the tank, an ROV was sent in while operations continued. It uncovered a small piece of separated liner near the lower part of the wall. Because the team had footage and a precise location, they scheduled a focused repair with minimal disruption.
That kind of planning saves more than just money — it saves time, too. Teams can prep for repair works in advance, order only the parts they actually need, and coordinate work without halting everything on-site.
Using ROVs means fewer surprises, smarter spending, and maintenance plans that make sense instead of rushed emergencies.
See More Without Shutting Down
ROV tank inspections make it easier to maintain your tanks without flipping your schedule upside down. Being able to inspect the inside of storage and process tanks, without stepping inside or stopping business, means faster turnarounds and fewer risks.
Staying on top of tank care shouldn’t feel overwhelming. By using better tools like ROVs, teams get clearer images, better data, and more control over how and when maintenance happens. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and protecting your equipment before problems spread.
Early detection doesn’t just keep the tank in good condition. It supports the whole system around it. From better water quality to safer chemical storage, inspections done regularly (and done right) mean fewer unpleasant surprises and a longer lifespan for your infrastructure.
To keep your systems working at their best, consider making regular checks a priority. With tank inspections by ATM Tanks, you not only extend the life of your storage but also stay ahead of problems that could cost you down the line. It’s a smart way to take control and manage your tanks with confidence. Let’s get started today!
- How to Fix Leaks in Your Water Storage Tanks - December 14, 2025
- Effective Techniques for Thorough Tank Cleaning - December 14, 2025
- The Benefits of ROV Tank Inspections for Maintenance - December 14, 2025
