Water tanks play a big role in day-to-day life, whether they’re used for storing drinking water, firefighting reserves, or irrigation. But when tanks aren’t properly sealed, water can start leaking out or unwanted contaminants can seep in. That puts pressure not only on the tank’s structure but also on whatever system relies on that storage. Over time, even tiny cracks or loose seals can turn into bigger problems, especially during heavy rainfall or high temperatures.
Without proper waterproofing, tanks face issues like rust, mould build-up, and water loss. For tanks made of concrete or steel, that can quickly shorten their lifespan. On plastic tanks, exposure to the sun slowly eats away at weak points. These problems aren’t always easy to spot right away, which is why it’s smart to understand how tank waterproofing works in the first place and what your options are when it comes to protecting that investment.
Understanding The Basics Of Tank Waterproofing
Tank waterproofing is all about creating a strong barrier between the tank and whatever might wear it down. That includes natural elements like rain, humidity, and temperature swings, as well as the actual substance stored inside whether that’s water, chemicals, or something else. Waterproofing helps reduce the chances of leaks and keeps everything inside clean and secure.
Materials used for waterproofing vary, depending on the tank surface and its environment. Concrete tanks, for example, often need a product that bonds well to porous surfaces, while steel tanks will need something that stops rust and handles movement or pressure changes. Some common waterproofing materials include:
– Liquid rubber coatings – flexible and easy to apply but may need reapplication over time
– Polyurethane or epoxy sealants – long-lasting and durable but require proper preparation before use
– Sheet membranes – physically strong and suited to high-moisture areas but a bit trickier to install
– Cement-based waterproofing – good for masonry surfaces but not always suited to tanks with movement or vibration
Each material has strengths and drawbacks. Picking the right one often depends on the type of tank, how often it’s in use, and the climate it’s exposed to.
Common Waterproofing Techniques
Protecting a tank isn’t just about picking the right material. It’s also about how that material is applied. Some techniques are quick fixes. Others are more about long-term stability. It helps to know what methods work best for your tank and its location. Here are the most common ones used across different types of tanks:
1. Roll-On or Spray-On Coatings
These are flexible waterproof solutions that stick directly to the tank’s surface. Great for odd shapes or hard-to-reach spots.
– Pros: Easy application, moulds to the shape of the tank, affordable upfront
– Cons: Might need touch-ups, may not suit high-pressure tanks
2. External or Internal Liners
Liners are physical barriers placed inside or outside the tank. Often used on bigger tanks or ones storing sensitive contents.
– Pros: Adds an extra layer of protection, can work with older tanks
– Cons: Installation can be more involved, may cost more
3. Joint and Seam Sealing
Best used in concrete tanks or tanks made from pre-assembled sections. Seals joints where leaks are most likely to form.
– Pros: Targets weak spots directly, budget-friendly
– Cons: Doesn’t help with leaking surfaces not near the seams
4. Cementitious Waterproofing
Often applied as a paint or slurry mixture, this is common on masonry tanks or cisterns.
– Pros: Easy to mix and apply, good for inside tank walls
– Cons: Can crack in tanks exposed to shrinks, shifts or vibration
A good example would be a rural property relying on a large concrete tank for water supply. In this case, spraying a flexible membrane on the inside walls might give enough waterproofing early on. But if cracks have already formed, using a liner might be a smarter long-term fix. The right technique always comes down to how the tank is built and what it’s holding.
Seasonal Considerations For Tank Waterproofing
Waterproofing needs can change from one season to the next. Heat, cold, rain, or dry spells all affect how a tank behaves. Ignoring that makes problems sneak up faster than expected.
During warmer months, UV exposure speeds up wear on coatings or seals, especially for tanks placed in full sun. In winter, temperature swings can cause materials to expand and contract, opening up gaps. And spring showers? They find every weak spot and turn it into a leak.
To keep waterproofing holding strong through every season, try the following:
– If summer’s approaching, check for UV damage like peeling or dried-out coatings
– Before the wet season, clear debris from around the tank base to prevent water sitting underneath
– After cold snaps, inspect seams and joints for small gaps that may have formed from expanding material
– Don’t forget ventilation. Tanks can “sweat” in humid weather, so allowing air flow helps cut down internal moisture
– Schedule a gentle cleaning before each major season shift. Dirt and build-up can hide weak spots
Maximising waterproof systems means thinking ahead. A tank that holds strong through heavy rain but fails after a long dry summer isn’t giving full protection. Timing checks around the season makes it easier to catch risks early and take action.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Keeping your tank waterproofed isn’t something you do once and forget about. Like anything that handles the outdoors and pressure changes, waterproofing needs upkeep. Skipping regular checks is how small cracks become leaks, and how build-up hides damage too long to catch early. Whether your tank sits above ground or is partly buried, regular maintenance helps it stay working the way it should.
Start by setting up a simple monthly or seasonal routine. Check both the inside and outside of the tank if it’s accessible. You’re looking for peeling coatings, signs of rust or mould, or anything that looks out of place like bulging walls or dark patches on the surface. Even small changes in appearance can mean the waterproof layer is giving out in spots.
Here’s a checklist to follow every couple of months or when the weather shifts sharply:
– Look for signs of water pooling around the tank base or under any pipes
– Examine joints, corners, and seams for cracks or lifted sealant
– Give your coatings or membranes a gentle wipe to check for flaking or chalking
– Check for algae or mould in damp zones near the base
– Make sure any overhanging tree branches or sharp objects aren’t scraping or damaging the tank exterior
– Inspect for rust, especially on bolts, brackets, and metal edges
– Clear out any dirt, leaves, or debris that could be trapping water near the tank bottom
– If using liners, touch the visible sections to feel for air pockets or dislodged areas
The goal is to keep water where it belongs inside the tank. If anything looks off, it’s best to get in touch with a pro before the issue grows. One example that’s often overlooked is when a tank sits next to a sloped garden, and rainwater gets directed back toward the tank wall without proper drainage. That prolonged wet contact can eat away paint layers or seep into tiny cracks over time. It’s easy to miss without regular ground checks.
Why Staying Ahead Makes All the Difference
Waterproofing is the kind of thing you appreciate most when it works and notice quickly when it doesn’t. A well-sealed tank takes pressure off your whole system, whether you’re collecting rainwater for the garden or storing water for remote use. Fewer leaks mean better storage quality and no wasting time or money on unexpected fixes.
What really helps is staying on top of the small stuff. Doing your checks, keeping the area clear, and acting early on weak spots will stretch out the life of both your tank and whatever waterproofing method you’ve gone with. No system is perfect forever. But when you take care of the details, your tank stays reliable for much longer, even through harsh weather swings.
Consistency counts more than anything. Don’t wait for a leak to show up before you think about your waterproofing. Taking small steps like clearing leaves or checking seams while the tank’s still in good shape is much easier than trying to fix a failure after it’s happened.
Whether your tank’s made of steel, concrete, or plastic, the basic goal is the same: keep things dry where they should be and protect what’s inside. The effort pays off over time with less wasted water, stronger equipment, and better peace of mind.
Ensure your water tanks stay dry and reliable through every season. Discover how tank waterproofing can protect against leaks and extend the life of your storage system. ATM Tanks is here to help you keep everything sealed and secure.
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