When a tank’s waterproofing starts to fail, it rarely gives a loud warning. Most of the time, the signs creep in slowly – a damp patch near the base, a drop in pressure, or unexplained moisture where it shouldn’t be. Waterproofing keeps stored liquids where they belong, protects the tank from corrosion, and helps the system run as it should. Without it, damage can add up fast.

Over time, even the strongest waterproofing materials break down. Changes in temperature, chemical exposure, ageing liners, or poor installation can all cause the seal to weaken. Once it fails, the chance of contamination, equipment failure, or heavy repair costs goes up. Whether you’re working with drinking water, wastewater, or chemical processing, moving quickly makes all the difference.

Immediate Steps to Take When Waterproofing Fails

When something goes wrong, quick action can limit the damage. The key during those first few moments is keeping it safe, staying calm, and stopping things from getting worse.

1. Secure the Area

Keep people and equipment away from any leak points. Slippery patches near tanks can be dangerous. Creating a barrier around the area lowers the risk of injury and stops further stress on the tank.

2. Inform Relevant Personnel

If you’re on a worksite or in a facility, let supervisors and safety staff know. Having the right people aware of what’s happening helps coordinate the next steps better and faster.

3. Stop the Flow if You Can

If it’s safe to do so, stop any liquid from coming into the tank. This reduces pressure around the leak and helps avoid more fluid escaping.

4. Capture or Redirect the Leak

Set up secondary containers or barriers to keep the leak from spreading or reaching sensitive equipment. This can make clean-up easier and keep the problem contained.

5. Get a Professional to Inspect It

Once the situation is stable, contact a qualified tank expert for an on-site inspection. They’ll find out exactly where the problem is and help you figure out what comes next.

These steps are made to get things under control, not to provide a long-term fix. Leaving leaks unattended or patching them without proper tools usually leads to more damage.

Understanding the Causes of Waterproofing Failure

Knowing why tank waterproofing breaks down helps you act early and avoid repeat problems. Some reasons are easy to catch, but others might need a trained pair of eyes.

Common causes include the following:

– Age and Wear: Even the best liners have a lifespan. Over time, they can shrink, crack, bubble, or peel away from the surface.

– Incorrect Installation: If the material wasn’t fitted properly from the start, weak points can form at seams or stress areas. These are often the first areas to go.

– Chemical Exposure: If your tank holds aggressive or high-pH liquids, the constant exposure can wear down materials faster, especially if they’re not made for those use cases.

– UV Exposure: Tanks that sit in direct sunlight are exposed to heating and cooling cycles. Sunlight can break down the waterproofing, especially if the tank has no shade or cover.

– Foundation Shifts: Movement in the tank foundation or surrounding area can bend or pull on waterproofing systems, causing cracks or small separations.

Signs that waterproofing is starting to fail include:

– Small puddles forming around the base

– Unexpected drops in pressure or fluid levels

– Cracks, loose edges, or bubbles along the liner

– Stains, smells, or discolouration inside the tank

– Rust or corrosion near seams and valves

Weather plays a role too. Hot weather can soften or degrade some materials, while colder seasons may cause shrinking. If problems show up at the same time each year, seasonal wear might be a factor.

Spotting early signs can make a huge difference. The sooner you act, the smaller the job tends to be.

Temporary Fixes to Mitigate Damage

Sometimes you just need the leak to hold long enough for expert help to arrive. Temporary fixes won’t provide a lasting seal, but they can hold things steady and lower the risk of more serious damage.

Start by draining the tank if possible. Lowering the pressure inside helps reduce leakage. If draining needs to happen in stages, at least get the liquid below the damaged section.

Apply a patch or temporary seal. There are flexible sealing products and tape made for wet surfaces. These won’t last forever but give you valuable time to bring in specialist support.

You can try:

– Foam rods to fill wider gaps before sealing

– Plastic sheets or rubber mats secured over cracks

– Pressurised straps or weighted covers on weakened zones

Be sure not to let any patch materials mix with the contents of the tank, especially if you’re storing potable water or product materials. Keep temporary work outside the liner if you can.

Remember, these are all short-term measures. The aim is to contain the issue, not to solve it fully. Reducing tank load and ongoing monitoring are both key while waiting for proper repair.

How to Prevent Future Waterproofing Failures

Most tank leaks can be prevented with a few smart habits. Waterproofing won’t last forever, but planning ahead keeps things working smoothly.

Start with regular inspections. Build a scheduled plan to check both inside and outside the tank. Look for small changes like surface blisters, uneven pressure, or rusty spots. Make a habit of logging what you find.

Next, make sure your liner or sealant material matches the job. Different tanks need different solutions based on what they store. Using the wrong product means it will wear down quicker.

Some useful actions include:

– Keeping tanks clean and free of dirt buildup

– Ensuring the tank base is flat and solid to prevent structural strain

– Adding external coatings or shading for tanks exposed to high sunlight

– Maintaining good drainage near the tank so external water doesn’t gather

It’s also worth having a waterproofing specialist check your tank from time to time. They’ll spot weak areas before they become breakdowns and give advice that you can trust.

Staying on top of small maintenance jobs protects your tank and gives you more time between repairs.

When to Call in the Professionals

There’s a clear difference between regular upkeep and repairs that need expert help. If your fixes don’t hold, or the leak keeps growing, it’s time to let the pros step in.

Call for professional support if:

– Your tank water or contents keep getting contaminated

– You see signs of liner separation or wide cracking

– Leaks appear in more than one place

– Temporary patching doesn’t hold up under normal use

Waterproofing experts have tools made for tank diagnostics. They can assess seal quality, test the structure, and help decide whether it’s time to re-line, reseal, or replace a layer.

It’s much safer and cheaper to get ahead of damage before it spreads to pumps, filters, or foundations. Addressing issues early also means avoiding unplanned shutdowns or product losses.

One case we saw involved above-ground tanks holding recycled water. Patches were applied briefly, but heat caused them to shift out of place. A specialist adjusted the insulation and installed the proper liner. The issue was solved without replacing the tank.

Don’t wait too long. If you’re seeing warning signs more than once, get a professional on site and take care of the issue before it gets worse.

Keeping Waterproofing Intact Over Time

A strong, sealed tank doesn’t come down to luck. It comes from paying attention, acting early, and trusting those who know tanks inside out.

Stick to regular checks, keep the tank environment clean, and make sure you’re using the right materials in the first place. Consider calling in pros once in a while for a fresh look. When something feels off, deal with it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Small leaks grow fast. But most issues can be stopped with early attention and the right support. Keeping your waterproofing intact keeps your system safe and saves you a lot of future hassle. Stay on top of it and let problems stop before they start.

To keep your storage system running safely and reliably, it’s worth getting ahead of problems before they grow. ATM Tanks offers expert solutions tailored to your site’s needs. If you’re looking to protect your system for the long haul, take a look at our tank waterproofing services to make sure everything stays sealed and secure.