Some Affordable Tank Repair Options to Combat the Very Expensive Tank Corrosion Problem

Water Tank Repairs Cost Trillions Every Year, But There’s a More Affordable Option

From above ground tanks to in-ground pipes, corrosion is a huge infrastructure problem for businesses, the military and municipal and state governments. It affects all parts of the equation, from handling the tank maintenance, water tank repair, and tank replacement to preventing interruptions in service.

How big is the problem? A $2.5 trillion nightmare, according to the World Corrosion Organization. The American military alone spends over $10 billion each year dealing with corrosion issues. Corrosion affects water pipes, including those carrying drinking water and wastewater, pipes carrying petroleum, chemicals and other fluids, and liquid storage tanks used for a variety of purposes.

Finding the Money

The cost of prevention, maintenance, pipe and tank repair and replacement is high. But in an up-and-down economy, it has been difficult for municipalities to find money in their budgets. But not fixing the problem isn’t an option.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over 240,000 water mains break each year. That’s just one aspect of the problem. As business and municipal infrastructure ages, more problems can be expected.

Conventional repair for pipes means digging them up, locating and repairing the leak, or replacing sections of pipe. For liquid storage and water tanks, it means replacing the entire bottom section or sides, or investing in an entirely new tank. None of this comes cheap. Service is interrupted, causing customers frustration.

More Affordable Repair Options

That’s why those in charge of tanks and pipes are focusing on more cost-effective options based on new technology. Here is a look at 2 innovative, durable and affordable alternatives to conventional pipe and tank repairs.

Trenchless technology. Cured-in-place pipe, or CIPP, has been around for over 4 decades, and has slowly become the method of choice for water pipe repair for cities dealing with systems with old and broken pipes for both water and wastewater.

Using CIPP, contractors can avoid excavation, one of the most costly components of pipe repair and replacement. The work also takes less time, which reduces service interruption.

Tank liners. It is expensive to repair corrosion problems in underground and above-ground tanks. Whether they hold water, petroleum or chemicals, a leak is a major worry. It’s not just the expense of the lost fluid, but also making good the damage from the flowing liquid and the heavy environmental fines.

That’s why owners and managers are relying on tank liners made with thick fiberglass reinforced plastic, FRP. As an example, water tank liner repairs using FRP coatings cost much less than replacing an entire tank bottom.

The process involves preparation by drying the tank and prepping the surface with a primer. Then putty is applied and catalyzed resin using both a glass mat and a sealcoat. Done by experienced professionals, the job costs less and gets done more quickly compared to removing and replacing the entire bottom of the tank.

Water tank leak repair done this way reduces downtime, which by itself cuts costs. The fix is sturdy and durable. Tests and case studies show that water tank repairs using fiber reinforced plastic linings have an effective record standing up to pressure. It is a cost-efficient choice because tank repairs done with liners can easily last 35 years or more.

Looking at modern options for pipe and tank repairs can save businesses and government agencies money, time and frustration. The new pipe and water tank leak repair methods are cost effective and long lasting.

Water Tank Liner Repairs or Inspection – Picon FRP

Picon FRP provides exceptional FRP tank liner repairs and inspections to the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact us today to discuss your needs and work with a leading provider of industrial tank lining, repair, and fabrication.