Let's talk about Water Storage Tanks. Bottom line, they're an investment. And we all want our money's worth when it comes to our investments, right? Well, when we're talking about Water Storage Tanks, one of the best ways to protect your investment and prolong the life of your tank is with regular inspections and proper maintenance to preserve structural integrity. In this entry we're focusing on the foundation, because let's face it... without a solid foundation you're headed for trouble!Tank owners can and should evaluate their tanks on a regular basis. That process begins on the ground with the foundation, as deterioration of the foundation can lead to major problems elsewhere.Diligence is key to inspecting a foundation. Utility personnel do not need special training, just a keen eye for detail to spot signs of settlement, cracking, spalling or exposed reinforcing steel. The presence of any of those factors signals the need for immediate repairs. Some repairs can be accomplished in house, while other, more severe, deterioration may require professional assistance.Vegetation, which can trap moisture against concrete and steel, should be cleared from the base of the tank. Similarly, tree limbs and bushes should be trimmed from the tank shell to prevent scratches in the steel coating. (Scratches are not only unsightly but precursors to premature coating failure and corrosion.)In addition to examining the foundation and the surrounding area, utility personnel should survey the site for signs of unauthorized access or vandalism. Unauthorized access is a potential liability for the tank owner, and a possible threat to water system security and the tank itself. Manholes and access doors to the tank interior should be checked frequently to ensure that they are secure.Examining the tankAssessment of the foundation and tank site should be followed by examination of the tank itself. Inspectors typically look for signs of corrosion and leaking, and they assess the condition of connections and screens.Under adverse conditions, such as those involving prolonged, unchecked exposure to moisture, the bottom plate projecting from a tank (called the chime or chine) can corrode. If not prevented or arrested, the corrosion can worsen and eventually cause leaking in the chime and/or the corner weld.Credit: Chip Stein, American City & CountyB&W Distributors, Inc. is an Authorized Distributor of Amcorr Viscotaq Products and the VISCOTAQ® Chime Sealant System. We can train and support your team of in house personnel in the proper procedures and installation of tank chime repair and sealing.For application details, here is a link to the VISCOTAQ® Chime Sealant System Cut Sheet.We would like to opportunity to work with you and your company to address your tank chime repair and maintenance projects. Give us a call: 480-924-8883Check our our website: www.bwdist.com
