Alexei Volkov
Plastic water tanks are prone to cracks and leaks, which can be caused by low temperatures, friction against steel, or the inability to withstand water pressure. While a cracked plastic water tank may seem like a huge problem, it can be easily repaired at home using a plastic welder or a soldering iron. Before attempting any repairs, it is important to empty the tank and clean it with disinfectants to ensure that the repair process is safe and efficient. If the tank is used for drinking water, it is crucial to use the correct type of plastic and avoid using paint or certain chemicals to prevent water contamination. For large tanks or complex repairs, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance or consult a plumber or plastic tank expert.
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What You'll Learn
Empty the tank
Emptying your plastic water tank is the first step to mending it. This is a necessary step to ensure that the tank can be fixed safely. If you have a small water-collection tank, emptying it will not be challenging. However, for larger tanks, such as fuel tanks and septic tanks, you may need to seek professional assistance.
Before emptying your tank, it is important to check your local regulations, especially if you are dealing with a large tank containing hazardous materials. In some areas, you may not be legally allowed to fix your plastic tank yourself.
Once you have determined that it is safe and legal to proceed, you can start by draining the tank completely. If your tank contained something other than water, be sure to wash it out. Allow the tank to dry completely before moving on to the next steps of the repair process.
It is important to note that cracks in plastic water tanks can quickly grow, so early intervention is key. Whether you plan to repair the tank yourself or call a professional, it is important to act promptly to prevent the crack from becoming unrepairable.
After emptying and drying the tank, you may want to work on the cracked area to smooth out any rough patches. Be careful not to let the crack get too wide, as this could compromise the structural integrity of the tank and make it more difficult to repair.
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Clean the tank
Before attempting to repair a plastic water tank, it is important to clean the tank thoroughly. This ensures that the repair process is safe and efficient, without any unwanted substances interfering with the repair.
Firstly, the tank must be completely emptied. If the tank contains anything other than water, it should be washed out. Allow the tank to dry completely. If your tank is used for drinking water, it is important to be cautious about the types of chemicals you use to clean it. Avoid using any alcohol or cleaners that leave a petroleum-based residue. Instead, use soap and water, or a dedicated plastic cleaner such as acetone or lacquer thinner. Give the tank several minutes to dry in a safe, clean space.
Once the tank is dry, you may want to smooth out any rough areas around the crack, ensuring that the crack does not get too wide. Clean the area with a dedicated plastic cleaner, such as acetone or lacquer thinner, and allow it to dry. This will ensure that the repair adheres properly to the plastic.
If your tank is used for drinking water, it is important to ensure that the repair does not introduce any toxic chemicals. Plastic drinking water tanks should be made from special plastics that are UV-resistant and do not decay over time. Many types of plastic can leach chemicals into their contents, so it is important to use the correct repair materials.
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Prepare the repair material
Before preparing the repair material, it is important to empty the tank and clean it thoroughly. Use disinfectants to clean the tank from the outside. If the tank contained something other than water, be sure to wash it out and let it dry completely.
Now, you can prepare the repair material. If you are using a plastic welding kit, make sure you have the right type of plastic welding rod. The additional material you add needs to be either the same type of plastic or a special welding plastic designed to bond with common "structural" plastics. The rods that come with the Harbor Freight kit are the latter, but you can also get rods of common plastics if it is important for the repair to blend in. For example, if your tank is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), you could cut up a plastic milk jug (or other bottles with the same recycling code) to use as the fill material.
If you are using a hand-mixed epoxy, make sure you have the right type of epoxy for your tank. If your tank is for drinking water, be aware that many types of plastic leach chemicals into their contents over time. If the plastic patch and plastic tank repair epoxy you use on your drinking water tank do not have the same properties, it may end up leaching chemicals itself.
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Apply the repair material
Before applying the repair material, you must ensure that your tank is completely empty and clean. If your tank previously contained something other than water, be sure to wash it out. Allow it to dry completely before applying the repair material. You may want to work on the crack area to smooth out any rough areas, but do not let the crack get too wide.
If you are repairing a drinking water tank, be aware that many types of plastic leach chemicals into their contents over time. If the plastic patch and repair material you use on your drinking water tank do not have the same properties, it may end up leaching chemicals, even if the majority of the tank does not. These chemicals are toxic and will make your drinking water toxic as well.
Now, let's discuss the different repair materials and how to apply them:
Plastic Welding
One of the most common ways to repair a plastic water tank is through plastic welding. This process involves using a heat source, such as a special type of hot air gun or a soldering iron, to melt the plastic and join the two sides of the crack together. You can purchase a plastic welding kit that includes the necessary tools and accessories. To match the thickness of the original plastic, you may need to melt in multiple layers of the welding strip.
Epoxy
Another option is to use a hand-mixed epoxy that uses a chemical reaction to fuse the plastic together like moldable glue. These epoxies heat up upon contact, and the more you knead them together, the hotter and more pliable they become. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully when applying epoxy. It is typically used for covering small cracks, and the water storage tank should be at a certain temperature.
Tape
For a temporary fix, you can use a product like FLEX TAPE. Simply slap a piece of tape over the hole or crack, and it will immediately create a watertight seal.
Other Options
If your tank is made of polyethylene, you may be able to use a high-strength epoxy or a two-part epoxy glue to repair the crack. Additionally, you can try melting pieces of plastic jugs and letting the molten plastic drip onto the leaky area to seal it.
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Let the repair material cure
Letting the repair material cure is a crucial step in mending a plastic water tank effectively. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for this process:
Clean and Prepare the Work Area:
Before allowing the repair material to cure, ensure that the work area is clean and free of any contaminants. Use alcohol or a suitable solvent to clean the plastic surface and the surrounding area. This step is essential to ensure a successful repair.
Temperature and Humidity Considerations:
Temperature and humidity play a significant role in the curing process. For most repair materials, a warm and humid environment is ideal. Aim for a temperature range that is neither too hot nor too cold, as extreme temperatures can affect the curing process. Maintain a humid environment without allowing the repair area to become wet.
Curing Time:
The curing time will depend on various factors, including the type of repair material used, the thickness of the application, and the environmental conditions. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific curing times. For example, products like Locktite PL S40 and Sika 291 require at least five days of curing time in warm and humid weather conditions.
Protect the Repair Area:
If the curing process occurs in dry or cool conditions, consider loosely covering the repaired area with a tarp. Place a bowl of water under the tarp to maintain humidity. Alternatively, a light misting of water on the repaired area can also help create the right curing environment.
Avoid Disturbing the Repair:
During the curing process, avoid touching or disturbing the repaired area. Ensure that the plastic water tank is stable and protected from any potential disturbances or impacts. Any interference during the curing process may compromise the strength and integrity of the repair.
Test the Repair:
After the suggested curing time has passed, carefully inspect the repaired area. Look for any signs of improper curing, such as sticky or uneven surfaces. If necessary, consult a professional or refer to online resources for guidance on assessing the quality of the repair. Remember that a proper cure is essential for the durability and longevity of the mended plastic water tank.
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Frequently asked questions
You can identify damage in your plastic water tank by looking out for signs such as a loss of water pressure, a loss of water level in the tank without use, or a collection of water around and on the outside of the tank if it is housed indoors.
Before attempting any repairs, you should ensure that your tank is completely empty. If your tank previously contained something other than water, be sure to wash it out. Allow it to dry completely before working on any cracks. You should also check your local regulations, as in some areas, you may not be legally allowed to fix your plastic tank yourself.
One common method of repairing cracks in plastic water tanks is plastic welding, which involves using a heat gun or a soldering iron to melt the plastic together. You can also use a hand-mixed epoxy that uses a chemical reaction to fuse plastic together. If you are repairing a drinking water tank, be careful to only use special plastics that are U/V resistant and do not decay over time.
