How to Properly Check Your Storage Tanks and Prevent Leaks

September 19, 2018 5:23 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Inspections of your storage tanks should be a high-priority aspect of your tank maintenance in Colorado. These inspections help you uncover potential issues that will in turn make it easier for you to prevent leaks. Preventing leaks is a crucial part of avoiding contaminating the tank’s surroundings and the costs that come with repairing the issue and rejuvenating the area.

Here are some of the items you should have on your checklist as you go through your storage tank maintenance inspections with the goal of preventing leaks:

  • Containment: Check and see if the condition of the containment structure itself is compliant with all applicable regulations. As part of this process you should inspect all valves and drainage pipes. If you do not have any secondary containment, you should visually inspect the tank at least once per month.
  • External coating: The coating you have on your tank should be able to hold up to the elements, including wind, rain, snow and direct sunlight. If the coating is starting to lose its effectiveness or chip away, your tank will be at greater risk of a leak, so it could be time to recoat the tank.
  • Foundation and supports: Analyze the integrity of the foundation, carefully looking at the structure to see if there is any cracking or spalling in the wing wall or concrete pad. Any structures that support the tank should also be in good enough condition for safe operation.
  • Roof: Take a look at the roof of the storage tank. If there is any standing water on top, you’ll want to make sure you get rid of it and figure out ways to prevent it from pooling up in the future. You should also look for any signs of damage or flaws in the roof.
  • Vents: You must check all vents on the storage tank to make sure there are no obstructions blocking them. The lift and emergency vent on your tank should function appropriately.
  • Overfill prevention: Check and see if the overfill prevention equipment and fuel gauge for your tank are working as they should. If you have a double-walled tank, your inspection should include a check to determine if the interstitial monitor that allows you to see between the two walls is also working properly.
  • Manways and piping: Your secondary containment can help you protect against possible leakage, but your inspection must include processes that ensure any bolts that connect the tank to the secondary containment are corrosion-free and sufficiently tight.
  • Electrical equipment: The tank’s electrical equipment, including the grounding lines and control boxes, must all be in good operating condition.
  • Insulation: Your tank should have an appropriate amount of insulation to help you protect against leaks. Be on the lookout for any signs of mold, damage or moisture in your insulation.

For more information about the steps you should take when inspecting your tanks, contact the experts at DJC Enterprises Inc. to discuss your approach to tank maintenance in Colorado.

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