Waterproofing a tank might seem like a one-time task, but it can quickly turn into a headache if not done right. From leaking joins to soaked foundations, small problems can spiral into major ones. Tanks are built to hold water or liquids, so keeping them watertight sounds straightforward. The tricky part? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for a metal tank may not suit a concrete structure. With water constantly testing the limits of seals and liners, even the best tanks need a bit of help to hold up over time.
If things are overlooked, the damage isn’t always noticeable straight away. Water can slowly creep through weak seams, enter cracks, or settle at the base unnoticed. You might first see signs like mould near the tank, ground softening nearby, or unexplained loss of stored liquid. By then, repairs cost more and take longer. That’s why smart maintenance, correct waterproofing products, and good upkeep habits go a long way to avoid expensive fixes later.
Use The Right Waterproofing Materials
The material you use will decide whether the tank stays leak-free for years or ends in regret. Each tank type handles stress differently. Concrete might be strong, but it’s porous. Steel has strength but can rust. Poly tanks are light, but UV and age can turn them brittle. That’s why the waterproofing layer must match what the tank is made of, how it’s used, and where it’s placed.
Here’s a quick rundown of common waterproofing options:
– Bitumen-based coatings: Good for underground or partially buried tanks. They stick well and handle moisture in soil areas. Not ideal if drinking water is involved.
– Polyurethane coatings: Great for flexibility. They stretch well and deal with small cracks. Used often in tanks exposed to light vibration or movement.
– Epoxy coatings: Popular in industrial tanks. They create a hard shell finish, offering strong protection but aren’t as flexible as others.
– Cementitious waterproofing: Often used in older tanks or concrete surfaces. Easy to work with and bonds to concrete nicely.
Choosing the wrong material does more than waste time. It can actually speed up internal damage. If the layer isn’t built to flex or handle pressure changes inside the tank, splits can form and water will find its way through. For example, using a rigid coating on a plastic tank may not hold up when it expands and contracts under heat.
The best way to approach it is with a full understanding of the tank’s job. Is it above ground or buried? Used for chemicals or just water? How often does it get cleaned, and does it stay full constantly or sit empty for long periods? These all matter. The right waterproofing isn’t based on popularity. It’s based on what your tank puts up with every day.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Once the tank is sealed up and working, that isn’t the end of the story. Things shift. Conditions change. Even the strongest liners wear down with time and use. Regular checks are your front-line defence in spotting leaks early and stopping them before bigger damage sets in.
Look out for these during maintenance:
– Discolouration or wet patches around the base
– Peeling or bubbling sections in the internal coating
– Mould or mildew on nearby surfaces
– Strange smells near the tank
– A drop in stored liquid without any signs of use
Even if none of these show up, it’s still worth inspecting tanks routinely. Small cracks or stretched joins can sometimes form without signs of water loss. Walking around the tank, checking seams, taps, and looking inside if safe to do so, can save serious time and money later.
Set a recurring reminder. How often depends on how the tank is used. Heavy-duty use might call for monthly checks, while low-use tanks might be fine with quarterly walkarounds. The sooner you catch a problem, the easier it is to fix, often without needing a full tank drain or major repairs. And always keep an eye on areas where the tank connects with pipes, pumps, or other equipment. These spots usually face extra pressure and are among the first to show wear.
Proper Installation Techniques
A good waterproofing plan isn’t just about picking the right product. How you apply it is just as important. Even the best material won’t hold up if it’s slapped on poorly or missed at key joints and seams. This is one of the biggest causes of early leaks or layer breakdowns.
Tank surfaces must be clean and dry before anything goes on them. Any leftover dust, grease or old coating can weaken the bond and create little pockets where water can later sneak in. Preparation really matters here. It’s not about speed, it’s about doing it right from the start.
When layering the waterproofing, each part of the tank needs attention: floors, corners, walls, and connection points. Seams and transitions tend to face the most strain. Think of places where metal meets concrete or where a pipe pierces the wall. These are spots where movement or temperature changes can cause shifting. If the material applied isn’t flexible or thick enough in those areas, it can crack.
When working with coatings:
– Follow the thickness guide on the product used. Too thin won’t protect enough, too thick can cause peeling.
– Watch drying times between coats. This varies with temperature and humidity.
– Use brushes or sprayers that match the material type. Foam rollers might work for certain cementitious layers, while others need low-pressure spray systems.
Even something as small as air humidity or surface temperature can affect how waterproofing sets. That’s why experienced hands are best for the job. Missing one step or misjudging a setting time can undo a lot of effort. And once water finds a weakness, it doesn’t take long to get worse. Treating the installation seriously pays off in the long run.
Addressing Damage Promptly
If waterproofing damage is spotted, waiting to act is a mistake. What looks like a minor peel or crack can quietly lead to water pooling behind the surface, corroding steel or weakening concrete. Once the surface underneath starts giving way, the problem escalates.
Here’s a simple process to follow when damage shows up:
1. Isolate the affected area. Pause use if possible.
2. Mark where the issue starts and ends. Don’t assume it’s limited to what’s visible.
3. Clean the spot properly before any fix. Dirt, algae, or leftover debris can stop repair patches from bonding.
4. Apply the matching product used before. Changing product types mid-fix can cause uneven results.
5. Recheck nearby areas. One crack might mean more are forming.
An example of neglecting small damage: a metal tank had some flaking along the liner edge. It was brushed off as nothing, just wear from the sun. A few months later, water had worked past the damaged area, rust formed beneath, and soon enough the whole section split open. What could’ve been a quick touch-up became a full replacement patch job.
Catching even slightly worn areas early can stop that chain reaction. Too often, it’s not the leak itself that’s costly, it’s the damage caused while it went unnoticed. Fast fixes can mean the difference between a quick patch and a total strip-down.
Stay Updated With New Waterproofing Technologies
Waterproofing isn’t stuck in the past. New tools and materials are being developed to do the job better and last longer. Keeping an ear out for updated methods can mean you get longer life out of your tank and improved results from inspections.
Smart membranes have entered tank protection in recent years. These coatings can change shape or flex better with ongoing pressure shifts. Some versions even come with moisture sensors that detect hidden dampness early. Other advances include UV-resistant coatings that hold up longer in bright, exposed areas, which help prevent cracking on poly and metal tanks out in the sun.
Nanotech-based sealants are rising in popularity for their fine coverage and durability. These reach into micro-cracks in concrete or gaps in welds that regular products might miss. Hybrid liners are being used for tanks with a lot of movement or chemical storage. They offer good stretch without giving up on strength.
You don’t need to be a tech expert to know what’s out there. Staying in the loop just means talking with professionals during regular servicing or rebuilds. Ask about what’s changed over the past few years. Some options that used to be considered premium are now widely available and well-tested.
New technologies aren’t about chasing trends. They’re about solving issues that older systems couldn’t. If you know your tank works in rough conditions or is prone to movement, looking into more adaptive waterproofing options might be the difference between reliable performance and long-term frustration.
Making Sure Your Tank Stays Leak-Free
Keeping tanks waterproof is about making smart choices early, but it also comes down to staying alert. Using the right materials for the type of tank, applying them properly, and checking up regularly can stop problems from growing quietly behind the scenes. Every part of the tank, from the base to the tiniest seam, needs its own bit of attention.
Damage, if left too long, can undo years of effort. But staying on top of repairs, watching how your tank holds up during extreme heat or rain, and tracking minor changes in colour, texture or smell around the tank can really help catch things early.
Technology can give you options that offer better protection with less effort over time. And good waterproofing isn’t about piling on layers until it feels protected. It’s about balance, timing, and choosing what fits your tank’s needs.
By treating waterproofing as an ongoing part of tank care, not just a one-off job, you’re giving the structure a better shot at lasting the distance. It’s about helping it do what it was built for, with fewer setbacks and surprises.
Keep your tanks safe and worry-free by ensuring they’re watertight. Regular checks and using the right products make all the difference. At ATM Tanks, we stay updated with advances in materials and methods, so your tanks run smoothly. For long-term prevention and peace of mind, talk to us about expert tank waterproofing and discover how we can help extend your tank’s life today.
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