If you have a cold water tank at your facility, ensuring its longevity and water quality is essential.
A water tank interior coating protects against corrosion, contamination and structural damage, helping to extend the tank’s lifespan. But what are the key benefits of installing a protective lining and how does it work?
In this article, we explore everything you need to know about water tank interior coatings, including their importance, the benefits and how to choose the right solution for your tank.
What is Water Tank Interior Coating?
A water tank interior coating is a protective layer applied inside storage tanks to prevent corrosion, contamination and structural deterioration. It plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality and extending the lifespan of the tank, making it an essential investment for facilities storing potable or industrial water.
Several types of water tank coatings are available, each designed to suit different materials and environmental conditions:
- Epoxy coatings – Highly resistant to corrosion and chemicals, making them ideal for metal water tanks.
- Polyurethane coatings – Offer exceptional durability and flexibility, providing long-lasting protection even under fluctuating temperatures.
- Cementitious coatings – Commonly used in concrete water tanks, as they bond well with the surface and provide excellent waterproofing properties.
An effective tank lining system should have strong adhesion and high resistance to chemicals. Additionally, coatings used for potable water tanks must meet strict safety regulations and be certified by WRAS and DWI to ensure compliance with industry standards.
Why Is Interior Coating Important?
What makes water tank interior coatings so essential? While they act as a protective barrier, their benefits extend far beyond just preventing wear and tear.
A high-quality tank lining system ensures:
Protection Against Rust and Corrosion
Corrosion and rust are common issues with metal and steel water tanks. Tank coating prevents water from being in direct contact with the metal surface, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion.
This is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of your tank for longer.
A high quality protective coating, such as Acothane DW, can prolong the lifespan of your tanks by up to decades.
With COVAC, we are that confident in our products and services, we offer a 10 year minimum guarantee on all work undertaken by our team.
Bacterial Growth Prevention
Due to their function, water storage tanks are susceptible to bacterial growth which can compromise the quality of stored water.
Legionella – a bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, is a particularly common thread in stored water.
A high-quality interior coating creates a smooth, non-porous surface that inhibits the growth of bacteria and algae.
Prolonged Lifespan of Your Water Tank
By providing a protective layer, water tank lining can significantly increase the lifespan of your tank.
Both corrosion and bacteria can contribute to the deterioration of your water tank, causing leaks, structural damage and the need for premature replacement.
Interior coatings coatings are a cost-effective preventative measure, reducing maintenance costs and improving the overall longevity of your tank.
Better Water Quality
Water tank lining effectively prevents contaminants from entering your stored water, guaranteeing better water quality.
A well-lined, maintained water tank can help safeguard your drinkable water and protect your industrial operations.
How to Maintain Your Water Tank’s Interior Coating?
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the effectiveness of any interior coatings applied to your tank.
Here are our best tips for maintaining your water tank’s interior coating:
Schedule Regular Inspections
Regular inspections are essential for maintaining the condition of your water tank and its lining. The sooner you find and address deterioration, the lower the risk of further damage to your tank.
Full inspections should be carried out at least once a year, but you should regularly check your tank for signs of wear or damage.
You should also take a microbial reading of your water every six months to test for Legionella bacteria.
Arrange Touch-ups or Repairs if Needed
If there is minor damage to your tank, repairing it as promptly as possible will help prevent further deterioration.
Depending on the scale of damage this can involve cleaning the tank and reapplying new coating to the affected area.
Look for Signs that Reapplication Might be Necessary
Monitoring your tank for specific signs of wear or damage can help you determine when it’s time to reapply its coating. Some of the signs to look out for include:
- Excessive peeling;
- Noticeable corrosion;
- Decline in water quality.
If you’re noticing any of these, it’s time to book a thorough assessment with a qualified professional. To ensure optimal performance and avoid health and safety issues, it’s essential to let a professional handle any needed water tank relining.
Interior Water Tank Coating with COVAC
As water tank lining specialists with over 25 years of experience, we offer a first-class water tank lining service, using our high-performance solvent free polyurethane coating Acothane DW.
If you have a water tank in need of repair we also offer cost-effective inspection and refurbishment services to maintain your tank in functional condition.
At COVAC, we understand the importance of making tank maintenance easy after our lining services. That’s why we can install an access hatch for easier accessibility, allowing for routine inspections and the identification of any faults.
All of our services are fully compliant with WRAS regulations and backed by a 10-year guarantee.
Get in touch with the team today to find out how we can assist with your needs.
