What To Do When A Concrete Water Tank Leaks

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Call the water damage professionals at SERVPRO when your commercial property is hit by water damage.

Your commercial property is at risk when a concrete water tank is damaged.

Concrete water tanks have become famous due to their cheap building materials and accessibility. However, durable concrete might be, it can’t last forever. When leaking concrete water tanks appear, you’ve got a problem on your hands.

Small leaks can cause more significant damage if they’re left unnoticed and unattended. They can increase in frequency or cause larger leaks. 

Leaking concrete water tanks in commercial buildings waste large amounts of water and can increase the company’s costs. If you want to avoid such problems, seek professional help as soon as there’s a water problem. Any sign of a leak is enough to contact a professional, so you avoid the additional costs associated with the leakage.

What is a concrete water tank?

Concrete water tanks store water. The design is dependent on where the water is stored; for example, underground and above-ground tanks have different structures. 

These tanks come in various shapes and sizes, but most are rectangular or circular. Elevated tanks sit high above the ground, and underground tanks reside in the building’s base. 

All concrete tanks are tough and durable. Leaking concrete water tanks are a problem that requires immediate attention. 

Concrete water tank damage

Over time a concrete water tank can develop various cracks. These cracks could result from the concrete contracting in extreme weather or the shifting of the tank. 

Cracks are one of the significant causes of a leaking concrete water tank. The leak will cause the water to drain away, and there’s a chance for bacteria to build in the crack. This water could become dangerous, resulting in significant health problems. 

A professional repairs cracks through a cement liner and patch. 

Fixing the leak

These are the steps the SERVPRO professionals take to solve your leaking concrete water tank issue. These will help prevent further damage: 

Step 1. Measure the tank

Firstly, we measure the concrete water tank before repair. This measurement affects the size of the tank liner. 

Step 2. Unload the tank 

It is crucial to empty and clean the water tank before repairing the leakage. Once no water remains, we will check whether there is any dirt or cracks in it. Experts will remove loose concrete or debris instantly. There will be time given for the tank to dry, and nobody should put tools directly into the cracks. 

Step 3. Repair the first layer

Once the tank has dried, a concrete binding agent will be brushed on the first layer, focusing on the affected area around the crack. 

Step 4. Create the cement solution

A concrete solution is made and applied to the walls of the tanks. The cement solution will have a moist, dirt-like consistency. We will check if cement is sticking to the surface—this is a crucial part of repairing the leakage. 

Step 5. Fixing liner into the tank

In this step, the tank’s exterior is coated with epoxy, and the liners are installed inside. These linings help the water from being polluted with bacteria. They also extend the life of your tank and prevent leaks and erosion. 

Step 6. Final step

The final step in repairing the leaking concrete water tank is adding holes in the concrete walls, injecting the epoxy, and letting it dry. This process reinforces the liner’s edges and provides a perfect finish. After this, refill the tank without leakage.

Commercial restoration professionals

Leaking concrete water tanks have the potential for creating larger water damage issues. Quick action will ensure that you minimize the risk of more extensive repairs down the line.

Whenever your property suffers water damage, there’s a risk of mold, bacterial growth, and more significant structural damage.

Whatever hazard hits your business, SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties is here for you. At SERVPRO, we have professional IICRC certified restoration technicians who will provide critical support and mitigate water damage, including leaking concrete water tanks. Efficient and fast clean up is crucial. Our commercial restoration specialists can help your business get in pre-disaster condition and fully operational.