Omar Khalid
Plastic water tanks are a convenient way to store water at home, but they can be prone to cracks and leaks. If you're dealing with a small water-collection tank, it's possible to fix it yourself, but larger tanks may require professional assistance. Inspecting the tank for damage is the first step. This can be done by using the candling technique, where one person climbs inside the empty tank while another blocks the access hatch to prevent light from coming in. Alternatively, you can drill holes at the top and bottom of a crack to prevent it from growing larger. Once identified, cracks can be repaired using epoxy or welding rods, and patches can be fused onto the tank and reinforced with stainless steel mesh.
How to Patch a Plastic Water Tank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inspection | Check for cracks, holes, leaks, scratches, loss of water pressure, loss of water level, and unusual odors. |
| Cleaning | Disinfect the outside of the tank and ensure it is completely empty before repairing. |
| Diagnosis | Use the candling technique with a second person and a ladder to identify damage by blocking light from the access hatch. |
| Repair | Drill holes at the top and bottom of cracks to prevent them from growing. Use a welding rod and epoxy to seal cracks. Alternatively, use a plastic extrusion welder to inject molten polymer into holes. |
| Reinforcement | Heat patches and fuse them to the tank, reinforcing with stainless steel mesh for a stronger repair. |
| Prevention | Regularly inspect for signs of damage and intervene early to prevent cracks from becoming irreparable. |
| Professional Assistance | Consider hiring a professional, especially for extensive repairs, large tanks, or tanks containing hazardous materials. |
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What You'll Learn
Inspecting and cleaning the tank
Inspecting and cleaning a plastic water tank is a crucial step before attempting any repairs. Firstly, it is important to identify any signs of damage or malfunction in the tank. Common issues include cracks on the sides and top of the tank, loss of water pressure, and water leaks, which can be identified by water collection around the tank or a noticeable drop in the water level. For septic and fuel tanks, cracks and leaks may also emit a strong odour, and you may observe mushy ground around the tank if it is buried.
Once you have identified an issue with your plastic water tank, it is essential to inspect and clean the tank before repairing or replacing it. Start by completely emptying the tank, especially if you intend to climb inside for inspection, as working in confined spaces can be dangerous. The person inspecting the tank from the inside should be cautious of potential hazards, including inadequate oxygen levels, sudden illness, and difficulty in rescue operations if an emergency arises. Therefore, it is recommended to have an extra pair of hands to help with this process.
The candling technique is a useful method to detect damage. It involves having one person climb inside the tank while another covers the access hatch to prevent light from coming in. The person inside the tank can then diagnose any issues, as light from outside will be visible through cracks or holes. Alternatively, one person can lean into the tank manhole while blocking light from entering the hatch. This technique is safer, as it does not require anyone to climb fully inside the tank.
After inspection, clean the outside of the tank with disinfectants to ensure that repairs can be carried out without any issues. If you are dealing with a small water-collection tank, emptying and cleaning the tank is a straightforward process. However, for larger tanks, such as fuel or septic tanks, you may require professional assistance. Additionally, in some areas, there may be legal restrictions on repairing large plastic tanks, especially those containing hazardous materials. Therefore, it is crucial to check local regulations before proceeding with any repairs.
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Drilling holes to prevent cracks from growing
Drilling holes at cracks can prevent them from growing and reduce structural pressure. This method is suitable for small cracks. Firstly, clean the tank inside and out with disinfectants. Then, mark the location of the hole with a paint marker, making sure it is the correct size for the accessory being installed. Secure a hole saw of the correct size in the chuck of a drill motor, and place the point on the mark. Drill a pilot hole in the tank wall slowly, using moderate pressure and constantly spraying water on the area. Use light pressure when the teeth of the hole saw are nearly through. Sand the edges of the hole with 120-grit sandpaper to smoothen it.
After drilling the holes, use a welding rod to seal the crack. Cut a 1/2-inch slit parallel to the crack to make space for the welding rod. Follow instructions carefully when applying epoxy to cover the crack. After the epoxy dries, sand it down gently to remove rough edges. Finally, paint over the repaired area to conceal the marks.
If the crack is very small, a plastic welding iron can be used to melt the plastic around the hole and fill it in without melting through the tank. For larger cracks, a filler strip can be used, although the repeated heating may widen the crack. Stainless steel mesh can also be used, with filler material layered on top.
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Sealing cracks with epoxy and welding
To repair a plastic water tank, you must first empty the tank. Next, inspect and clean the tank from the inside and outside. The next step is to drill two small holes, one at the top and one at the bottom of the crack. This relieves structural pressure and prevents the crack from growing. Using a rotary tool, make a 1/2-inch cut parallel to the crack to create space for the welding rod.
Before applying the epoxy, ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions. Epoxy is typically used to cover small cracks, and the tank should be at a certain temperature when applied. Apply the epoxy to the top of the crack and then insert the welding rod into your plastic welding gun. Apply pressure as per the instructions, pulling the gun down and across the crack. Allow the epoxy to dry for at least one hour. Once dry, gently sand it down to remove any rough edges and paint it with a matching plastic paint.
It is important to note that welding a crack is only a temporary fix and may cause more harm if the tank ruptures again. For larger cracks or tanks containing hazardous materials, it is recommended to seek professional assistance.
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Using a plastic extrusion welder to fix holes
To fix holes in a plastic water tank, you can use a plastic extrusion welder. This method is suitable for holes in plastic over 10mm in wall section thickness.
Before beginning the repair, ensure the tank is clean, both inside and out. It is also important to identify the specific type of plastic and select an appropriate filler material.
Firstly, attach a sturdy piece of cardboard backing to the back of the hole. This will prevent any material from running through the hole. Ensure the cardboard is pressed tightly against the hole and is secured with tape or a hand clamp.
Next, you will need to use a plastic welding rod. Hold the rod 1/2 inch above the hole and use a plastic welder to melt the plastic into the hole. You can also wrap the heated rod into a spiral inside a larger hole, layering the plastic until it is flush with the top edge of the hole.
Once the hole is filled, turn off the welder and allow the plastic to solidify. After 5 minutes, use a file or sandpaper to smooth out the plastic and make it flush. You can also use the plastic welder to smooth out the surface. Finally, remove the cardboard backing.
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Reinforcing patches with stainless steel mesh
Before you start reinforcing patches with stainless steel mesh, you should first inspect your plastic water tank for any damage. Clean the tank inside and out, disinfecting the outside. Once you've identified the cracks, drill two holes—one at the top of the crack and one at the bottom—to stop the cracks from growing and reduce structural pressure.
Next, make a 1/2-inch cut with a rotary tool tip, parallel to the crack. This will create space for the welding rod, which will seal the crack. After this step, follow the instructions for applying epoxy to cover small cracks.
Now you can begin reinforcing the patches with stainless steel mesh. Heat up the patches on your tank so that the stainless steel mesh can adhere to them. You can purchase stainless steel reinforcing wire mesh designed for use with #6018 UNI-FLEX Fiber Ribbon. This product can be used on any type of thermoplastic repair and is especially useful when the tear goes to the edge of the plastic. Each piece is 5" x 10" and comes in a package of 10 sheets per box.
By reinforcing your patches with stainless steel mesh, you can create a repair that is stronger than the rest of your tank. This method can be used to fix small holes and cracks in your plastic water tank, ensuring a durable and long-lasting solution.
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Frequently asked questions
Signs of damage include a loss of water pressure, a loss of water level in the tank, or a collection of water around the outside of the tank. If the tank is buried, you may also notice mushy ground around it.
You should completely empty your plastic tank before attempting any repairs. You should also clean the tank inside and out using disinfectants.
First, drill two holes, one at the top of the crack and one at the bottom. Then, use a rotary tool to make a 1/2-inch cut parallel to the crack. Insert a welding rod into the cut and seal the crack with a welding gun. Finally, reinforce the repair with a stainless steel mesh.
The best way to fix a hole in a plastic water tank is to use a professional plastic extrusion welder. Inject a molten polymer rod into the hole and, once cool, cut off any protruding material and smooth it out.
