Concrete Water Tank – Repair Or Replace?

When our water tanks stop performing to the efficiency we know they’re capable of, figuring out what’s wrong can be a challenge. And it can be reflexive for us to jump straight to the conclusion of needing a replacement.

But this isn’t always the case.

Over the years, we’ve completed plenty of refurbing and repairing because sometimes that’s all your tank needs. A bit of R&R. It’s a more cost-effective solution not just in terms of the service but the downtime, too.

However, how do we know the difference? When should we choose one over the other and vice versa? Water tank repair or replace?

Problems With Concrete Water Tanks

Though concrete is an incredibly strong material. In fact, it can last for up to 20 years hassle-free. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its limitations. It’s not immune to having a few problems every now and then.

Due to its limited flexibility, concrete tanks will naturally contract and expand over time which results in the material weakening. And yes, that is actually as bad as it sounds. A weakened structure can lead to cracks forming in the walls, then leading to leaks.

A leak doesn’t sound so bad on the surface but it’s what goes in, not out, that is the problem. Contaminants, foreign materials, and bacteria can get into the water tank through leaks and cracks, causing further issues such as contamination and water damage.

In addition, concrete itself is a porous material so in the right conditions, it can become a breeding ground for Legionella and other waterborne bacteria over time.

Tank Damage

With regular tank maintenance, you’ll be able to spot any issues with the tank if, and when, they happen. And hopefully, you’ll be able to prevent these issues from developing into some serious tank damage.

Piping, for example, may be one of the more inconspicuous things to keep notice of. If they’re fitted incorrectly to begin with, they can cause problems later on during that will affect the tank’s life and performance.

Sometimes they can shift, too, because of the high water pressure and this can lead to leaking pipes. Not only that but high water pressure can cause issues with the stability of the tank. Something as simple and as easy as a routine inspection of the tank, including the pipes, can limit the severity of such an issue.

Repair or Replace?

Leaks can be quite serious but not all the time. Even leaks that demand immediate attention don’t always necessarily equate to needing a complete replacement.

As concrete is susceptible to cracking due to natural ground movement, water can build up and the cracks can become significantly larger. This alone misguides people into believing they need a new storage tank.

However, there’s quite a lot of problems that can actually be fixed through repairs. Because if your tank is still structurally sound, it’s not in danger of collapsing and can be solved through refurbishment and repairs instead.

Most concrete water storage tanks can be refurbished or repaired, too.

See one of our case study’s – it describes a project that we completed on a concrete water tank in West Yorkshire.

Cold Water Storage’s Role

The initial tank coating provided is like a protectant for the tank material itself. But when these initial coatings don’t have the protective metal substrate, they’re more prone to corrosion and perform less like a protectant.

And as tanks are also susceptible to bacterial growth and rusting, the solutions need to be guaranteed. Efficient. So Cold Water Storage has two.

One of them: a long-lasting, strong, and dependable coating system. Once a tank has been fully prepped for application, the CWS team will install a lined system that is WRAS approved. Our lining systems have a number of benefits, like preventing future development of bacteria and rust. Plus there’s the 10-year guarantee. Easy as that.

The other option we provide is a tank replacement. Cold Water Storage provides and installs GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) water tanks that have been made in accordance with British standards.

Reach Out to Us

More than 30 years of experience in the water hygiene industry makes us more than knowledgeable and capable.

We won’t just install a new tank, we’ll consider a reline first before a replacement. If we can reduce downtime and fix your tank without needing to replace it, we will.

For any questions or concerns you may have, contact our team. Call 01943 872 311 directly or message our inbox via info@coldwaterstorage.co.uk. Our team members will respond to you as quickly as possible!