The Maguire Podcast: 60: AWWA D102 Interior Coating Systems
February 24, 2026
The Maguire Podcast: 61: AWWA D102 Interior Coating Systems
March 18, 2026The Maguire Podcast: 60: AWWA D102 Interior Coating Systems
February 24, 2026The Maguire Podcast: 61: AWWA D102 Interior Coating Systems
March 18, 2026
Avoid costly repairs, reduce risk, and extend the life of your community’s most critical infrastructure asset.
Water towers rarely fail overnight, but many municipalities discover problems only after maintenance costs begin rising or inspection reports start raising concerns. The reality is that most elevated water tanks show clear warning signs long before major issues develop. Recognizing these signals early allows you to plan proactively, avoid emergency repairs, and protect long-term budgets.
If your tank is showing any of the following indicators, it may be time for a closer evaluation.
1. Coating Breakdown That Exposes Steel to Corrosion
Protective coatings are essential to preserving structural integrity. When coatings begin to blister, crack, or peel, moisture can reach the underlying steel and accelerate corrosion.
Early intervention through maintenance or recoating programs can significantly extend tank lifespan — but delayed action often leads to more extensive rehabilitation costs.
- If coating issues are visible from the ground, deterioration may already be advanced.
2. Rust Streaking or Persistent Discoloration
Rust streaks are more than a cosmetic issue. They typically indicate coating failure and active corrosion beneath the surface.
Left untreated, corrosion spreads and compromises structural components, making early identification one of the most cost-effective maintenance steps available.
3. Increasing Maintenance Calls or Recurring Repairs
A rising frequency of repairs is often a sign that a tank is entering a higher-risk phase of its lifecycle. Replacing individual components repeatedly can mask larger systemic issues.
Instead of addressing symptoms individually, a comprehensive evaluation helps identify root causes and prioritize long-term solutions.
4. Interior Coating or Structural Concerns
Interior conditions directly impact both structural health and water quality. Warning signs may include:
- Coating deterioration or delamination
- Corrosion at weld seams
- Sediment accumulation
- Surface pitting or steel loss
Because interior issues are less visible, regular inspections are critical to avoiding unexpected failures.
5. Outdated Safety Features or Access Systems
Many older water towers were built before current safety standards were established. Ladders, platforms, or access systems may no longer meet modern requirements.
Upgrading safety features improves worker protection, reduces liability exposure, and often aligns with broader maintenance planning.
6. Operational Performances Challenges
Changes in community demand or system requirements can expose inefficiencies in older tank designs. Indicators may include:
- Poor water mixing
- Inconsistent water quality
- Difficulty maintaining system pressure
- Increased operational complexity
Maintenance planning provides an opportunity to evaluate upgrades that improve long-term performance.
7. Inspection Reports Highlighting Accelerated Deterioration
Professional inspections provide critical insight into a tank’s condition. Recommendations related to corrosion, coatings, or structural wear should be evaluated strategically, not deferred indefinitely.
Inspection findings often signal the ideal window to act before costs escalate.
Why Acting Early Saves Millions Over the Life of a Tank
Reactive maintenance tends to focus on fixing visible problems as they arise, often leading to emergency repairs, higher costs, and increased operational risk. A proactive approach evaluates the entire asset lifecycle, allowing municipalities to:
- Extend service life through targeted maintenance
- Align capital planning with funding cycles
- Reduce unexpected downtime
- Improve long-term cost predictability
- Maintain compliance and safety standards
Early planning creates options — and options reduce risk.
Not Every Warning Sign Means Replacement, But Every Warning Sign Deserves Attention
In many cases, proactive maintenance can add years or even decades to a water tower’s life. In others, strategic modernization or replacement may provide better long-term value. Understanding the difference requires a comprehensive evaluation that considers structural condition, operational performance, and future community needs.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, or if it has been several years since a comprehensive evaluation, now is the time to start planning. A proactive assessment helps clarify priorities and ensures your infrastructure continues serving your community reliably for decades to come.
Contact Maguire to discuss your tank’s current condition and long-term maintenance strategy.
Faq's
Common early signs include peeling or blistering coatings, rust streaks, recurring repairs, and inspection reports noting deterioration. These issues often appear long before major structural problems develop.
Most water towers should be professionally inspected every 3–5 years, with more frequent check-ins if the tank is older or showing signs of wear. Regular inspections help catch small issues before they become expensive problems.
Corrosion typically starts when protective coatings fail, allowing moisture to reach the steel. Preventative maintenance like recoating and routine inspections is the most effective way to stop corrosion early.
It depends on the tank’s condition. Minor issues can often be repaired, while widespread corrosion or structural concerns may require rehabilitation. Replacement is usually considered when long-term costs outweigh repair benefits.
By addressing issues early, municipalities can avoid emergency repairs, extend the tank’s lifespan, and better plan capital expenses. Proactive maintenance creates more options—and significantly lowers risk.
