Each Wright water storage tank is manufactured to last, providing you with the longest possible life when installed properly and when well maintained. The instructions that follow are guidelines to help protect your water storage tank. Please perform maintenance checks as recommended in the following. Most of the inspections can be performed by the owner.
The following steps should be taken before your delivery:
A. Prepare a level pad for the tank. Our truck is equipped with a crane and can set the tank at your specific location as long as there is an accessible road.
B. The tank should be placed on a gravel base, a service we also provide.
C. Fill the ring with pea gravel.
The tank installation should be in conformity with Wright Tank (Manufacturer) specifications. Contact Wright Tank for any other questions about installation. (661) 948-1616
For more information on disinfecting your water tank, the link below shows California Department of Health instructions.
Any vegetation and soil which can trap moisture between concrete and steel should be cleared as soon as possible from the base of the tank. Tree limbs and shrubs can cause scratches in the coating, which could cause coating failure sooner than expected, so all brushes should be cut back.
The area should also be inspected for acts of vandalism by trespassers. Unauthorized access to the tanks will be a possible liability for the owner of the tank and is a possible threat to the water system security and the tank. All manholes and manways should be checked to ensure security.
The tank’s foundation should be checked on a regular basis for deterioration which can cause major problems. Careful observation of the foundation is key to the inspection.
The presence of the following factors can be cause for immediate repairs: abnormal growth of vegetation, settlement, cracking, gravel spillage, signs of leaking, or exposed reinforced steel. Some foundation repairs may require the use of a contractor, whereas other repairs may be done by those with fewer skills.
1. Examine foundation annually for any fractures that may have developed. Fractures may cause eccentric loading of water and could cause structural damage.
2. Check the base of the tank to ensure:
a) There is no space between the tank bottom and the foundation due to the settlement of the foundation.
b) That anchor bolts (if in use) are tightened appropriately.
1. Check annually for any signs of washouts that may have developed. Make sure that sufficient water drainage away from the tank is maintained.
2. Keep sight clear of any vegetation growth within 5’ of the tank.
3. Keep tree limbs clear from around the tank at least 3’ away from it.
Inspection of the foundation and the tank site should be followed by an examination of the water tank itself. Look for signs of leaking and corrosion; check connections and screens.
A leak may not be visible to the naked eye and can be detected by the presence of rust spots, saturated soil, mineral streaks, and coating bubbles. If a leak is found, contact the local dealer or the tank manufacturer. Taking photos of the area that is leaking can be helpful in assessing the situation.
Check the conditions of overflow discharge screening and vent screening. Search for signs of debris, holes, or gaps. Vent screenings can also be found on the tank roof. If the person inspecting the tank is trained to access heights and is equipped with the proper safety gear, the vent screen may be monitored. Any inspection of the welded tank roof should be handled with great care and caution.
NOTE: ENTERING THE WATER TANK SHOULD BE DONE BY A PROPERLY TRAINED AND EQUIPPED PERSON. EXTREME CAUTION NEEDS TO BE USED WHEN ENTERING THE TANK FROM THE ROOF MANWAY. WRIGHT TANK RECOMMENDS USING A GROUND-LEVEL SHELL MANWAY TO ACCESS THE WATER TANK. IF THERE IS NO SIDE-SHELL MANWAY, THEN CONTACT WRIGHT TANK FOR RECOMMENDATIONS OR ACCESS INSTRUCTIONS. (661) 948-1616
(Worker training is available to personnel through many sources, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.)
Clear the screen of any and all debris that may collect on or at the top of it. Check for deterioration and replace when needed. In colder climates, check for icing of screen and snow blockage.
Look for distortions in the tank wall connecting to the pipe. Distortion can be caused by a difference in settlement of the tank and the pipe; resetting the pipe supports may be required.
Check each of the following annually:
1. Check that the indicator goes up and down the line smoothly.
2. Clean the gauge board of any material that may cause obstruction.
3. Use a dry lubricant on the pulley shaft if necessary.
4. In extreme cold, make sure that no ice obstructs the gauge board.
Follow instructions of the manufacturer for the maintenance and inspection of the level indicator.
Inspect each annually for smooth operation and clean and repair as needed.
Inspect annually and tighten the bolts when needed.
An inspection of the tank should be done annually to ensure the performance of the tank and evaluate problems and damages that may have occurred. The inspection should look for any signs of rust, leakage, coating damage, equipment functionality, and any and all other items that are directly influenced by the performance of the water tank. All repairs should be made as soon as the problem is identified.
Level controls, overflow, and venting systems should be checked on a monthly basis to make sure the tank does not get plugged or equipment stops operating.
FAILURE TO INSPECT AND MAINTAIN THE WATER STORAGE TANK IN CONFORMITY WITH THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN THE VOIDANCE OF WRIGHT TANK’S GUARANTEE.
