Omar Khalid
Plastic water tanks are prone to damage in the form of scratches, cracks, and pinholes. While some people opt for DIY repairs, it is recommended that one seeks the help of a professional poly welder. Companies like Ace Mobile Plastics and Plastic Fusion Service specialize in plastic welding and poly tank repairs. They offer on-site services and are equipped with the latest extrusion welding equipment to produce industrial-grade welds. The welding process involves heating polyethylene and pressing or fusing the contact surfaces together. Repairs can be done on various types of tanks, including round, slimline, and modular tanks, and even tanks with complex colour-matching requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of welding | Plastic welding, Poly welding, Extrusion welding, Injection welding, Slug welding, Hot air welding, Hot plate welding |
| Type of tanks | Poly tanks, Plastic tanks, Rainwater tanks, Diesel tanks, Fuel tanks, Water tanks, Septic tanks, Wastewater tanks, Slimline water tanks, Industrial tanks, Agricultural tanks |
| Type of damages | Scratches, Cracks, Pinholes, Collapsed roofs, Leaks |
| Type of repairers | Ace Mobile Plastics, Polyvance, Plastic Fusion Service |
| Repair process | Clean and prepare the damaged area, Sand away any crust or "crust" on the surface, Grind a V-groove along the crack line, Melt and layer polyethylene welding strip to match thickness, Cut protruding bits with a knife, Smooth out, Drain water if needed |
| Benefits of repairing | Cost-effective, Environmentally friendly, Time-saving |
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Welding equipment
Welding plastic water tanks requires specific equipment, and it is important to determine whether you have the necessary tools and skills to perform the repair.
For simple repairs, such as scratches, a scraper, flap disc grinder, and small gas torch can be used to clean the tank and restore it to near-new condition. If the tank has a small crack or pinhole above the water level, a sealant can be used to prevent dust and insects from entering.
More extensive damage, such as large cracks or holes, may require welding with specialised equipment. Plastic welding involves heating polyethylene and pressing or fusing the surfaces together, often using an extrusion welder. This machine operates like a large hot glue gun, extruding a continuous stream of molten plastic to create a strong and durable weld. Other types of welding equipment include injection welding, slug welding, hot air plastic welding, and hot plate welding.
Some companies, such as Ace Mobile Plastics, offer fully equipped mobile workshops with the latest plastic welding equipment and materials. They can repair various types of plastic water tanks, including diesel and petrol fuel tanks, and can match the colour of the tank for a seamless repair.
It is important to note that welding can be dangerous, and if you are unsure about your skills or the extent of the damage, it is best to consult a professional poly welder to ensure a safe and effective repair.
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Repairing cracks
Before repairing a crack in your plastic water tank, it is important to clean the tank thoroughly. Use a brush, water, and mild dish soap to wash the outside of the tank, and vacuum or wipe down the inside of the tank to remove any dirt or debris. Additionally, if the tank has been sitting in the sun for a long period and has developed a "crust" on the surface, it is crucial to sand down the affected area to expose the good plastic underneath before beginning the repair process.
One method to repair cracks in plastic water tanks is to use a plastic welding kit. These kits are available online and typically include a heating tool and polyethylene sticks. Plug in the welder and allow it to heat up. Then, use the tip of the welder to melt the polyethylene on both sides of the crack, forming a "V" shape. Ensure that the polyethylene melts into the existing sides of the "V." After welding the outside of the crack, move to the inside of the tank and use the polyethylene sticks to fill in any remaining gaps.
Another approach to repairing cracks is to use a liquid rubber waterproofing solution. First, apply a layer of Liquid Rubber Primer and leave it to dry for approximately 12 hours, ensuring proper ventilation during this period. Then, use a brush or roller to apply a thin layer of Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant, coating the cracked area and extending slightly beyond the crack's edges. Allow this layer to dry before applying additional layers for better reinforcement.
By following these repair methods, you can effectively fix cracks in your plastic water tank, restoring its functionality and ensuring the long-term reliability and optimal performance of your water storage system.
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Sealing leaks
If the tank has a small crack or pinhole above the water level, you could use a sealant to stop dust and small insects from entering. However, note that although some adhesives or caulks adhere to polyethylene, the results can be unpredictable, especially for more serious damages.
For simple damages, such as small superficial scratches, a simple scraper, flap disc grinder, and small gas torch will allow you to clean up the tank to an almost new condition. Plastic scratches can be repaired by using a scraper and flap disc grinder and a small gas torch. It is important to note that scratches are displaced polymer and are superficial, so they do not affect the structural integrity of a poly tank.
If the crack is extensive, it is best to consult a professional poly welder who can fix the damage by extrusion welding. The process involves heating polyethylene and pressing or fusing the contact surfaces together (i.e., patching a defective area of the poly tank with another piece of poly). Welding can also be done using a welding rod to attach the pieces together. The best way to fix a hole in a poly water tank is with the use of a professional plastic extrusion welder. With a plastic extrusion welder, you inject molten polymer rod into the hole via a bull-nose tip (part of the machine).
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Patching holes
If your plastic water tank has sustained damage in the form of a pinhole leak, a large crack, or a puncture, there are several ways to repair it. Firstly, it is important to assess the extent of the damage and your own skill set and confidence in repairing it. Small cracks or pinholes above the water level can be patched using a sealant to prevent dust and insects from entering.
For larger holes or cracks, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional poly welder who can use an extrusion welder to fix the tank. This involves injecting a molten polymer rod into the hole, creating a strong and durable weld. Some companies offer mobile services, bringing the necessary equipment to repair your tank on-site.
If you choose to repair the tank yourself, ensure that the damaged area is clean and dry. Drain the water from the tank if the damage is below the water level and access to the inside of the tank is required. You can use a plastic extrusion welder to inject molten plastic into the hole, filling it and creating a strong repair.
It is important to note that some glues or adhesives may adhere to polyethylene, but the results can be unpredictable, especially for more serious damages. Always prioritize your safety when attempting any repair work.
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Colour matching
If you want to match the colour of your plastic water tank after welding, there are a few options available. Firstly, you can use strips of matching PE (polyethylene). These strips are designed to match the colour of common polyethylene applications, such as plastic water tanks, and can create an invisible repair. You can also purchase welding kits that come with stainless steel mesh and filler material in a matching colour.
Another option is to use a plastic welder that comes with coloured welding strips or filler rods. For example, Poly Welder Pro offers polyethylene welding strips in blue or green, which can match many polyethylene applications. Using the same type of filler material as the tank is crucial for a proper bond, and using the cut-out portion of the tank as filler material ensures an exact match.
Practising on a similar material before attempting to weld the tank can also help you perfect your technique and achieve a colour-matched repair. It is important to note that plastic welding can be temperamental, especially for novices, so take the time to learn the art of plastic welding and always follow safety precautions.
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Frequently asked questions
Welding a plastic water tank involves heating polyethylene and pressing or fusing the contact surfaces together. This can be done using a welding rod or an extrusion welder. It is important to note that plastic welding is best done by a professional.
Welding a plastic water tank is a more cost-effective solution than replacing it, and it also saves resources and energy that would otherwise be used to produce a new tank.
While it is possible to weld a plastic water tank yourself, it is important to assess your skillset and confidence level, as well as the risks involved. For complex issues, it is recommended to consult a professional plastic welding service.
