How to Avoid Costly Concrete Water Tank Repairs
Many of Australia’s aging concrete water tanks are showing signs of deterioration. Wastewater, potable and other tanks over 40 years old often start to show signs of cracking, positive or negative side leaks, spalling, reinforcement deterioration, freeze-thaw cycling and many other problems. It is important to address these issues early before they cause major damage and costly repairs.
Water tank liners are the best way to protect concrete from cracking and water loss. This solution is far more cost effective than repairing the tank and it offers long term protection against corrosion, daily wear and tear and other environmental conditions that are beyond our control.
Unlike plastic water tanks which can be repaired with simple sealants, fixing cracks in concrete is not a simple job. It is a complex process that requires drilling into the concrete, filling and sealing each crack. This can be very time consuming, especially in the case of large tanks and when there are multiple cracks.
As well as being a difficult task to carry out, concrete tank repair is also an expensive one. For example, the first step is to locate and assess the damage. Then, the tank needs to be drained and cleaned to remove any debris or contamination that may be causing the cracks. Once the tank is clean, it can then be refilled and tested for any remaining leaks. If the repair was successful, it should then be left to dry for a period of time before refilling again. concrete water tank repairs