How to Repair a Water Tank

Water tank leaks are familiar with plastic materials. As a DIY enthusiast, I prefer to repair polyethylene water tanks because they are powerful. However, you have to be careful when servicing these types of tanks with heating elements. During harsh weather conditions, it might be challenging to apply these elements to broken portions of water tanks. Unlike the conventional methods for fixing the hole on water tanks, a heat gun is one of the handiest tools. Let see more ways of fixing water tank leaks so you can continue to save the planet with rainwater.

The Process of Repairing Polyethene Water Tanks

The cost of replacing a water tank can inspire you to learn DIY skills for repairing tank leaks. When plastic tanks get old, the integrity of their materials becomes weak and susceptible to a tear. Also, its material degrades when people drag tanks over the surface of metal and concrete platforms. You can use special sealants from the local plumbing accessory shop to fix the leaks. Unlike plastic water tanks with cracks, a concrete water tank needs more than conventional sealants.

Decongest the Water Tank

Drain the tank carefully from your water tank, and avoid creating extra pressure through the leaks. It will be challenging to apply sealants without draining the tank.

Also, the water inside your plastic tank needs to be lower than the leak’s level. Without draining the water, sealants might not bond on the crack properly.

Clean the Affected Surface Area

Get a piece of towel and clear the area of leaks. Even with a very thick paste of soap and water, contaminated surface areas with leaks will be slippery. After cleaning, use a small drill bit to make a hole at both ends of the leak. It will check the extent of the leak on the plastic material. This surface area has to be smooth and free from oil, grease, and water.

Preheat With a Torch

Preheating the broken area of a plastic water tank, prepares it for bonding with sealants. The propane torch and heat guns are standard applicators for fixing broken plastic tanks. Also, preheating ensures even distribution of heat over the entire area of leaks. When you are ready to apply the epoxy resin on the broken surface, wear a pair of rubber gloves and mix with its catalyst thoroughly.

While applying the mixture with a putty knife, spread the paste (at least 2 inches) larger than over the leak area. Usually, using a generous amount of resin over all areas of the leak requires patience. The DIY repairer has to apply many layers of epoxy coats, and ensure the surface is stable. After the application, your epoxy needs to cure for at least 24 hours before testing the tank with water.

The best method of preheating the plastic tank is to place some polyethylene filler strips on the leak area. Use the heat gun slowly and spread the heat over the surface of this filler material. Ensure that your polyethylene filler material covers the entire area of this crack. Since the hot surface is soft, the blade of a utility knife can help to smoothen area as the whole. You’ll need to trim any extra portion of the polyethylene filler strip if it inconveniences your tank’s repair job.

The Danger of Fixing Water Tank Leaks Wrongly

The risk of repairing a water tank wrongly can damage the material. It’s better to ask a certified plumber for referrals than attempting to fix the leak incorrectly. Also, you can search with the local phone directory. Depending on where you live, most search engines can help you to locate a good plumber quickly.