Tanks often do their job quietly in the background, holding water or chemicals without a fuss. So, it’s easy to forget they exist, let alone think about whether they’re holding up properly. But the truth is, if regular tank inspections are skipped, you might not notice a problem until it’s too late. A small issue inside a tank can grow into something much more serious, and sometimes all it takes is one missed check to cause a major breakdown.
Timely inspections keep problems from stacking up. They help catch things like cracks, weak spots, or corrosion long before they get dangerous. Even tanks that look fine on the outside can be hiding issues inside. And when a tank fails, it’s not just the container you have to worry about. Depending on what’s stored inside, it can affect people, equipment, and even the surrounding environment. Regular checks make sure the tank is still safe and working the way it should be.
Signs It’s Time For A Tank Inspection
Most people only think about getting a tank checked when something starts to go wrong. But tanks can give you a few hints before serious trouble starts. If you know what to look for, you can stay ahead of the problem and keep things running smoothly.
Here are a few signs your tank might need an inspection:
– Water or liquid starts to change colour or smell different
– Flow from the pipes gets weaker than usual
– You hear popping, knocking, or gurgling noises inside the tank
– Damp spots or puddles form near the base, even when it hasn’t rained
– Rust streaks show up on the outside or near fittings
– You spot bulges or cracks along the surface
Take the case of a small business storing treated water. They noticed a musty smell in the tap water that only got stronger over a few days. It turned out that sludge had built up inside the tank, and bacteria were starting to grow. If they hadn’t looked into it early, they would’ve needed a full tank replacement instead of just a clean-out.
It doesn’t matter if the tank is for drinking water, industrial use, or chemical storage. Any changes like these mean something might not be right. And catching small things early can save time, effort, and money later on.
Steps Involved In A Professional Tank Inspection
When a pro comes out to inspect a tank, they’re not just giving it a quick look. There’s a step-by-step process to make sure every part of the system is checked properly. Some tanks can be inspected while they’re still in use, while others need to be emptied first, depending on the setup.
Here’s how a typical inspection is carried out:
1. Visual Assessment
The inspector starts by checking external parts of the tank such as valves, pipes, seals, overflow outlets, and the tank walls for obvious signs of wear.
2. Internal Assessment
If access is safe and allowed, the inside of the tank is checked for things like corrosion, liner damage, residue build-up, and any signs of leaks or cracks.
3. Measurement and Testing
Equipment like ultrasonic testers can be used to check thickness and spot weak points that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
4. Fittings and Connections Check
All connecting parts are inspected to ensure they are sealed tight, and the flow system is working.
5. Reporting the Findings
A detailed report summarises what was found, what needs attention now, and what to watch for over time. If repairs or cleaning are needed, they’ll usually let you know right away.
This kind of inspection gives a clear picture of the tank’s condition. It helps prevent anything from slipping through the cracks. Knowing what’s going on inside your tank gives you more control and makes it easier to plan maintenance before something breaks.
Benefits Of Regular Tank Inspections
Ongoing inspections help spot damage early, but there’s more to them than just damage control. Whether it’s a small water tank on a rural property or a massive storage unit in an industrial facility, consistent check-ups help keep things working as they should for longer. That means fewer breakdowns, lower long-term costs, and fewer unexpected hassles.
Here’s how regular inspections make a difference:
– Prevent bigger repairs – Catching wear and tear early can help avoid major structural problems that take longer and cost more to fix later
– Stay on the right side of the rules – There are standards for tanks, especially those used in commercial or hazardous storage. Routine inspections help tick all the boxes without stress
– Extend the tank’s life – Just like checking your car’s engine can make it last longer, checking your tank helps delay the need for total replacement
– Avoid contamination – Tanks that store liquids need to stay clean. Regular checks help cut down the risk of spoilage, build-up, or chemical interactions
– Improve safety – Equipment failure can lead to dangerous leaks or pressure problems. Inspections help reduce those risks before they turn into accidents
One example involved a food processing site that hadn’t inspected their brine storage tank in over three years. A slow leak had been forming underneath the liner, unnoticed by staff. By the time they realised, the problem had already affected the concrete and nearby footing. It didn’t just take repairs—the halt in production caused delays across the board. A quick inspection a year earlier could’ve avoided the mess altogether.
Inspections also mean less downtime overall. By scheduling them ahead of time, you’re not forced into last-minute repair shutdowns. Everything becomes easier to manage and cheaper when there’s a plan behind it.
When To Schedule Your Next Inspection
Tank inspection timelines aren’t one-size-fits-all. How often you should get a tank inspected depends on what you’re using it for, how old it is, and the conditions around it. Some tanks need reviewing every few months, while others might go a year or more between checks, but that still requires planning.
You should consider booking an inspection:
– At least once a year for tanks holding drinking water or other consumable products
– Every six months if the tank is exposed to harsh weather, heat, or heavy industrial use
– Right after major storms or heavy floods that could shift soil or damage foundation points
– Immediately when you notice strange smells, visible rust, or irregular fluid levels
– Before and after cleaning out sludge, chemicals, or leftover residue
– Any time new fittings, liners, or pumps are installed
Seasonal timing is also worth thinking about. If your tanks are outdoors, the end of spring is a good window to check up on things before temperatures climb. In hotter parts of the country, expansion from heat or drying out around the base can go unnoticed. A spring inspection gives you time to act before summer heat does more harm.
There’s no perfect date, but spacing inspections too far apart opens the door for damage to grow. If you’re unsure about the last check, or can’t find a report, it’s probably time to have a look. Preventing failure starts with knowing where things stand.
Why Consistent Inspections Pay Off
Staying on top of tank inspections doesn’t always feel urgent until something goes wrong. A solid inspection routine helps avoid those unexpected problems that crop up at the worst moments. From contamination to leaks or pressure issues, the risks of waiting too long often come out of nowhere and spiral fast.
Safe, reliable performance depends on knowing what’s happening inside and outside the tank. Liner wear, invisible corrosion, faulty seals, all of it impacts how well your system runs. Inspections help you catch all of that under control, ahead of time. Instead of reacting to issues, you’re preventing them.
No matter the tank type or what goes inside it, regular checks play a big role in long-term results. Whether you’re managing a farm, a remote project site, or a large storage facility, inspections bring clarity and peace of mind. You’ll know what you’re working with and what to expect down the line, which makes decisions less stressful. And even better, you’ll be ready for it before problems surface.
Maintaining regular attention to your tanks is key to keeping operations smooth and avoiding unexpected disruptions. If you’ve noticed any warning signs or it’s simply been a while, now might be the perfect time for a check-up. Explore our expert services for comprehensive tank inspections to ensure everything’s in tip-top shape. At ATM Tanks, we’re here to help safeguard your investment and maintain peak safety and efficiency.
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