Steel Vs Concrete Water Tank Repair

Many municipalities across the country maintain concrete waste, potable water and fire-fighting tanks. Thousands of these tanks are approaching the later stages of their lifecycles. They are showing signs of deterioration such as cracking, positive and negative side leaks, spalling, reinforcement deterioration, freeze-thaw cycling and weathering. When these tanks are beyond repair it is often time to replace them with a new steel tank.

Concrete tanks are heavy. They require heavy machinery to install them and can be a huge logistical challenge when attempting to access the inside for repairs or maintenance. Cracks in a concrete tank can cause bacteria to build up on the porous surface and compromise the sanitation of the water contained in the tank. Concrete tanks are also prone to seismic activity which can crack them and cause them to weep.

It is possible to repair a cracked concrete tank, but it can be expensive. Concrete tanks must be drained and emptied before the cracks can be repaired with a sealant or filler. This is a labor intensive process and can be costly for a municipality.

Welded steel tanks are a more economical solution for communities and organizations that are looking to upgrade their storage capacity. Unlike concrete tanks, steel is flexible and can flex to accommodate shifting ground conditions that cause cracking in concrete tanks. Steel tanks can also be easily moved to a different location when operations change. This can save a lot of money in the long run and eliminate the need to replace a leaking concrete water tank.  concrete water tank repair