Water Tank Inspection Areas of Focus

1. 1. Sanitary Conditions

   2. Structural Conditions

   3. Safety Conditions

   4. Coating System Conditions

   5. Security Conditions

The sanitary conditions of a water storage tank are paramount to keeping the water supply safe inside the water storage tank from outside contaminants. During a water tank inspection, the items that should be inspected to make sure that they meet all OSHA and AWWA standards are:

1. 1. Vents – “Frost-Proof” screened vent of sufficient size.
   2. Manways – 24” opening with 4” curb and 2” overhang.
   3. Overflow Pipe – Sufficient size, screened and/or flap-gate and 18-24” from the ground

*Check your specific state regulations to make sure your tank is in compliance.

The water towers structural conditions are critical to ensure that the entire structure is safe. The water tank inspection should ensure that the structure continues to meet the original engineers’ specifications. The items that should be inspected depending on the style of tank are:

1. 1. Anchor Bolts – Secured and tight with no gaps between the nut and foundation plate.
   2. Foundations/Grouting – No concrete deterioration and all gaps have proper grouting.
   3. Wind Rods – Turnbuckles properly turned to tanks engineered specifications.
   4. Metal Loss in Steel Plates – Ensure no metal loss has taken place in metal plates.
   5. Roof Structures – Have no metal loss, are properly secured and are structurally sound.

The water towers safety conditions are important for keeping anyone who is on or around the structure safe. The safety items that should be inspected during an annual water tank inspection based on the style of tank are:

1. 1. Railings – 42” high with a mid-rail and 4” toe plate.
   2. Ladders – 16” wide with 12” step, 3/4” non-slip rungs, 3/8” side rails and positive safety climb device.
   3. Manways – Confined space entry requires a minimum of two unobstructed 24″ openings during renovation.

The water towers exterior and interior coating conditions are critical to protecting the steel from corrosion as well as protecting the potable water from the steel. Many factors effect coating performance. That is why it is critical to inspect all aspects of the tank for coating failures, especially areas of the tank that are exposed to moisture, both internally and externally.

During a water tank inspection, proper coating adhesion and film thickness should be measured by a N.A.C.E certified coatings inspector to determine how the coatings are preforming and what the future needs of the coatings will be.

The security of a water tank is paramount for ensuring the safety and quality of the structure and the potable water that it stores. There are multiple best practices to keep your tank and site secure based on the style of tank:

1. 1. Terminate exterior ladders at least 12ft above grade.
   2. Properly fence site.
   3. All doors and access hatches have proper locks.
   4. Visit site on regular basis.
   5. Install alarm system.
   6. Install ladder gates to discourage ladder access.

Safe water is the number one purpose of a water storage tank. A proper inspection, performed by a trained professional in the five inspection categories can alert you to any current issues or give you information on future issues that need to be addressed.

At Maguire Iron, we provide a full range of inspection services and maintenance plans tailored to your water tanks specific needs and budget. You can learn more about Maguire’s Water Tower Maintenance here or you can contact your local Water Tank Expert. They can be found by clicking on the state you are located in on the maintenance page. Or, call us today at 605-334-9749 to schedule an appointment with one of our water tower experts to determine your tanks condition and the best way to manage one of your most important pieces of infrastructure.