Choosing a Cement Tank

Choosing the right cement tank is an important decision, and it is important that you find one that is suited to your needs. There are a number of factors to consider, including cost, durability, hygiene and repair.

Durability

Various factors affect the durability of a cement tank. For example, chemical attack, freeze-thaw cycling, abrasion and exposure to waterborne debris. These factors affect the structural strength of the tank, as well as its service life.

Cracks and spalls may also appear after years of service. Excessive cracking can lead to leaks and dangerous environmental conditions. In order to reduce these effects, it is important to ensure proper tightness of the concrete.

The concrete must also be protected from an aggressive environment. This can be achieved with epoxy-cement mortar. It can be applied to the concrete surface before an epoxy coating is applied. The moisture content of the concrete should also be checked periodically. If the moisture content is higher than four percent, the concrete may need to be dried.

The durability of concrete is affected by the quality of the cement used in the mix. In addition, the quality of the reinforcing materials is also important.

Another factor that can affect the durability of a concrete tank is the effect of water pressure. This factor should be considered in the design. The full effects of soil loads must also be taken into consideration.

In order to maintain its strength, the concrete should be kept at a pH level of about twelve. It is also important that the cement is not corroded by effluents. Sulfates are among the most destructive corrosive substances. The sulfates in water react with tricalcium aluminate in cement tank the cement to form an expansive compound called ettringite. This expansive compound causes internal stresses, which accelerates the deterioration of the concrete.

Costs

Among the various types of tanks, the concrete tank is the most popular. They’re durable and are often made to last for decades. However, they are prone to leaks and cracking. They can also be expensive to maintain.

The best part is that they’re cheaper than their steel cousins. A good 2,000-gallon concrete tank can cost between $800 and $1,250.

A smaller tank, such as a 2,500-gallon one, can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $4,500. Plastic tanks are also available and can cost less than concrete. The downside is that they’re lighter. They can break if the soil conditions change.

For those with a large budget, RCC or Ferrocement are good alternatives. These containment systems are designed to last longer than the average concrete tank. They are also less expensive to build. They’re also more environmentally friendly.

Despite the popularity of these types of tanks, it’s also important to note that they’re not always the best option. A septic tank may be more appropriate for your property, but it’s important to remember that it’s a large investment. It’s a good idea to consult a professional before attempting to install one yourself. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of land clearing.

There are a few other septic tank options, including plastic and fiberglass. Each has its own pros and cons, but they’re usually cheaper to install than their concrete cousins.

Maintenance

Performing maintenance on your concrete tank is important for the long life of the tank and for the quality of the water. Most tank manufacturers recommend that you perform inspections every three to five years. In addition, the best inspections happen when the tank is empty.

It is important to have a qualified engineer perform your tank inspection. This can help you to avoid serious problems in the future. In addition, a qualified engineer can explain the reasons for any failures.

Aside from inspecting your tank, you should also perform repairs. Some repairs can be quite costly. If you find cracks in your tank, you should repair them before they get worse. During this process, you should clean the tank’s interior with a wire brush and cut the bottom off 10 cm from the wall.

You should also check for grain bridging. This can penetrate the walls, leading to bin entry. If you do not detect this early, it can result in costly repairs.

In addition, if you notice corrosion on the bottom sheet, you should repair the areas with patches that are of the same thickness. It is also important to clean the tank’s interior and remove any stains.

When you have a paint coating on your tank, you should repaint it periodically. In some cases, you may have to perform additional repaintings, depending on the manufacturer. The cement tank quality of the paint should also be considered. It should be able to withstand at least 20 to 25 years.

Repair

Performing repairs on your concrete tank is important. Cracks can cause water loss and damage to the internal structure of the tank. Cracks can also be caused by extreme weather conditions like freeze-thaw cycles.

There are several methods to repair concrete tanks. One method involves mixing concrete to create a slurry that can fill cracks and prevent leaks. Another method involves using epoxy to fill cracks.

In addition to the above methods, a high-quality polymer-based cement coating is also a good option. These coatings are heavy-duty and flexible. They also have a high profile that can quickly correct damages.

The first step to repair a crack is to clean the crack. You can do this by using an electric drill or a trowel. It is also important to remove any dirt and debris from the area. This helps prevent further damage to the tank and also keeps the surface even.

Next, mix hydraulic cement with three parts water. You can make a test ball of the solution to determine if it is the right consistency. You can also use a trowel to press the cement into the crack. You should also check that it is smooth and even with the surrounding concrete.

The final step is to fill the tank with water. This will make the crack filler hard. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing the filler. You should also allow the filler to dry for a specified period.

Choosing between plastic and concrete tanks

Choosing between plastic and concrete tanks can be a daunting task. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Before you purchase, it’s important to be familiar with the differences.

Concrete is a material that’s been around for centuries, and it’s a durable and environmentally friendly option. It’s used to build other buildings and is frequently used for water tanks.

Concrete is heavy, and the installation process can be time-consuming. It’s also expensive. It may cost several hundred dollars more than plastic tanks.

Concrete tanks are more durable, but they can also be prone to leaks. It may be necessary to dig through the ground to repair a leak. Some owners will also install a plastic liner around the tank, which can further increase the cost.

Plastic tanks can be damaged during installation. They’re also prone to cracking. You’ll also need to make sure that your soil is not too acidic. This can result in algae growth in your stored water.

Concrete is also more durable than plastic. Although plastic may be easier to install, concrete can be buried up to three feet deep. It’s also heavier than plastic, and may break if you place it on a weighty surface.

Plastic water storage tanks can be purchased in many different sizes and styles. These are often used to store drinking water, but they are also used for agricultural purposes.

It’s important to consider the location of your water tank before you buy. If you live in a flood-prone area, plastic tanks are not a good choice. Also, you should not park heavy vehicles on plastic tanks.