Water Tank Waterproofing: Types, Method, Products, Services

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Water tank waterproofing is a process of applying a water impervious layer on the interior and exterior surfaces of a water tank to prevent water leaks into the water tank. Water tank waterproofing helps to prevent the mixing of outside water and contaminants and prevents algae growth in the tank.

You should waterproof the concrete water tank by using cementitious waterproofing and epoxy while you can apply liquid rubber, epoxy and polyurethane for metal water tank waterproofing.

Overhead water tanks should be waterproof due to rainwater degradation, UV degradation, and thermal cracks due to heat while underground water tanks should be waterproofed due to groundwater infiltration through the concrete pores.

When you waterproof a water tank you should consider the toxicity of the material, customer feedback, thermal fluctuation, splattering over time and less maintenance and repair when you waterproof a potable water tank.

You can use waterproofing products such as Dr. Fixit LW+, SikaTop Seal-107, Fosroc's Brushbond, SmartCare Damp Proof and Berger's WeatherCoat for waterproofing projects. If you are not able to do water waterproofing DIY, you can use US Coating Solutions LLC. 

You can protect water tank waterproofing by avoiding sharp tools for cleaning, doing regular inspections, proper maintenance, avoiding overloading, using protective covering, using quality material, and hiring professionals.

What is Water Tank Waterproofing?

Water tank waterproofing is a process of applying a water impervious layer on the interior and exterior surfaces of a water tank to prevent water leakage inside the water tank. Water tank waterproofing helps to ensure the longevity and integrity of the water storage, protects the tank from structural damage, enhances its durability, safeguards the stored water from contaminants, reduces maintenance costs and extends the life of the tank.

What Waterproofing Methods can be used for Water Tank Waterproofing?

You can use cementitious waterproofing for concrete water tanks and epoxy for metal water tank waterproofing.

Cementitious Waterproofing for Water Tank.

Cementitious waterproofing is a method of concrete sealing that involves the use of cement-based materials to create a protective barrier against water penetration. Cementitious waterproofing is commonly used for concrete water tanks due to its durability and cost effectiveness, and application compatibility.

These are the two main advantages of using cementitious waterproofing for water tank.

1. Cementitious waterproofing provides a strong and seamless protective layer on the water tank surface that prevents water from seeping through the tank walls. This helps to prevent water leakage and potential damage to the tank structure. 
2. Cementitious waterproofing is highly resistant to cracks and can withstand high levels of hydrostatic pressure. This ensures long-lasting protection for the water tank, reducing the need for frequent repairs or maintenance. 

Epoxy Waterproofing for Water Tank

Epoxy waterproofing is applying epoxy based layer on the surface to stop water leaking through the surface. Epoxy waterproofing is mostly used for metal water tank waterproofing.

Epoxy waterproofing provides a robust and durable solution to water leakage and corrosion in metal water tanks. Applying epoxy on the metal tanks creates a seamless, impermeable layer that effectively prevents water from penetrating the metal surface, significantly reducing the risk of rust and corrosion, consisting of excellent adhesion properties, and ensuring long-lasting protection, and free of toxicity.

What Water Tanks Should You Waterproof?

You should waterproof water tanks that are made of concrete and metals. Concrete 

Concrete Water Tank Waterproofing

A concrete water tank is a storage container made of concrete and reinforcement that is used to hold and store water in residential, commercial, and industrial settings to provide a reliable source of water. You should waterproof the concrete water tank by using cementitious waterproofing and epoxy waterproofing in order to prevent mixing with outside water, and contaminants and prevent algae growth inside the tank.

Metal Water Tank Waterproofing

Metal water tanks are commonly used to store and supply water in residential and commercial settings. Metal water tanks should be waterproof due to loose connections and corrosion. Metal water tanks consist of nuts, bolts, and welded seams that can tend to leak the water easly. Metal can rust with the water. A metallic water tank can weaken the tank structure due to corrosion. Therefore you should apply suitable coatings and sealants to prevent water from leaking through the loose connections.

Underground Water Tank Waterproofing

An underground water tank is a storage container that is made of concrete installed below ground level to store or collect water. Underground water tanks are mostly used to collect rainwater or store water for irrigation purposes. Underground water tanks should be waterproofed in order to prevent groundwater infiltration into the water tank during the rainy season and water can leak out from the tank during the dry season.

You should apply epoxy waterproofing and cementitious waterproofing for the groundwater tank floor, walls, and top surface. Ground water tank waterproofing can prevent the water leaking and mixing the harmfull contaminants into the water tank.

Overhead Water Tank Waterproofing

Overhead water tanks are storage containers that are placed above ground level, typically on rooftops or elevated structures, in order to store and supply water for various purposes, such as household use, irrigation, or firefighting. Overhead water tank waterproofing is essential to prevent leakage and contamination outside. 

Overhead water tanks are made of concrete, metal or plastic. These water tanks are open to sunlight, rain, and wind. These can cause the deterioration of the water tank materials from outside due to UV rays, rainy water, snow, and wind. In order to prevent this, you should apply a waterproofing coating or sealts on the water tank's outer surface as well as the inner surface. 

What Should Consider Before Drinking Water Tank Waterproofing?

When waterproofing a drinking water tank, you should consider these important factors.

• Waterproofing materials are non-toxic
• Waterproofing materials are safe for potable water
• Waterproofing materials have high waterproofing capability and can be used in wide temperature fluctuation
• Waterproofing materials are not splitters with aging
• Waterproofing materials require less maintenance and repair
• Waterproofing materials have higher positive customer feedback

What Products Can Be Used for Water Tank Waterproofing?

You can use water tank waterproofing products based on these brands, such as Dr. Fixit products, Sika, Forsroc, Asian paints, Berger paints, Zinsser, BASF, and Dulux. 

1. Dr. Fixit LW+: This is a popular brand known for its waterproofing products including solutions for water tanks.
2. Sika: Sika offers a range of waterproofing products, including SikaTop Seal-107 can be used for water tank .
3. Fosroc: Fosroc's Brushbond provides a seamless, waterproof coating suitable for water tanks.
4. Asian Paints: Their SmartCare Damp Proof product is designed to provide waterproofing for overhead water tanks.
5. Berger Paints: Berger's WeatherCoat Long Life is a durable waterproof coating suitable for water tanks.
6. Zinsser: Zinsser's Watertite is a waterproofing paint that can be used on concrete water tanks.
7. BASF: The MasterSeal range from BASF provides a robust waterproofing solution for water tanks.
8. Dulux: Dulux's Aquatech Waterproof Basecoat is a high-performance waterproofing solution for water tanks.

What are the best Water Tank Waterproofing Services?

Best water tank waterproofing services have been chosen according to their service availability, past projects, reviews, warranty, and user experience. You can use these 5 USA waterproofing companies for your waterproofing project.

1. US Coating Solutions LLC: Based in Florida, US Coating Solutions offers water tank waterproofing services. Their speciality is in waterproofing and protecting various types of water tanks to prevent leaks and other damages.
2. Waterproofing Specialists LLC: Located in Seattle, Washington, Waterproofing Specialists LLC provides a wide range of waterproofing services, including water tank waterproofing. They use high-quality materials and advanced techniques to ensure the longevity of the water tanks.
3. Tank Industry Consultants: Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Tank Industry Consultants is a firm that specializes in the design, inspection, and maintenance of water storage tanks. They offer waterproofing services to help maintain the quality of the water and extend the lifespan of the tank.
4. AmTech Tank Lining & Tank Repair: Located in New Hampshire, AmTech offers tank lining and repair services across the USA. They specialize in water tank repair, lining, and waterproofing, offering solutions for both concrete and metal water tanks.
5. Chicago Waterproofing Inc: Based in Chicago, Illinois, this company provides a wide range of waterproofing services, including water tank waterproofing. They are known for their professional and reliable service.

How to Protect Water Tank Waterproofing?

You can protect water tank waterproofing by avoiding sharp tools for cleaning, doing regular inspections, proper maintenance, avoiding overloading, using protective covering, using quality material, and hiring professionals. 

1. Do not use any sharp tools for water tank cleaning: Do not use any sharp tools such as scapers, wires, or brushes that can damage the waterproofing layer on the water tank. 
2. Do regular inspection on the waterproofed water tank: Conduct regular inspections on the water tank surface to check for any signs of damage or wear and tear. This will help you to identify and fix any problems at an early stage, which can prevent more significant damage in the future.
3. Do Proper Maintenance and repairs on the waterproofed water tank: Maintain and repair the water tank regularly to ensure that it remains in good condition. This includes cleaning the tank to remove any dirt or debris that may damage the waterproofing layer.
4. Avoid Overloading on the underground water tank: Avoid putting too much pressure on the underground water tank because this can cause the waterproofing layer to crack or break. 
5. Use Protective Covers on the waterproof tank surface: You should use protective covers or shields to protect the water tank from harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or strong winds. This can help to prevent damage to the waterproofing layer.
6. Hire Professionals during the water tank waterproofing: If you are not confident about doing the water tank waterproofing your self you should hire a professional. They have the necessary skills and equipment to ensure that the waterproofing layer is properly protected.

How to Damage Water Tank Waterproofing?

The water tank waterproofing layer can be damaged due to human activities and environmental activites mainly. A waterproofing layer can be damaged due to reasons, such as physical damage, using harsh chemicals, UV radiation, temperature fluctuation, and poor maintenance.

1. Heavy physical Damage on the waterproofed water tank: Any physical force or impact on the water tank can damage the waterproofing. This can occur due to accidental collisions, falling objects, or improper handling during maintenance or installation.
2. Improper Water tank Cleaning using harsh chemicals and sharp tools: A waterproofed water tank can be damaged by using abrasive cleaning materials, harsh chemicals, or scrubbing the tank surface vigorously can damage the waterproofing layer.
3. Open to water tank surface to UV Radiation: Water tank waterproofing can be damaged due to Prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV radiation. That can degrade the waterproofing material over time. This can result in cracks, blistering, or peeling of the protective layer, allowing water to seep through.
4. Extreme Temperature Fluctuations in the water tank area: When the water tank area temperature is frequently and significantly changed that can cause the water tank materials to expand and contract. This continuous expansion and contraction can stress the waterproofing layer, leading to cracks or fissures that compromise its effectiveness.
5. Poor Maintenance in the water tank: Neglecting regular maintenance and inspections can contribute to the deterioration of the waterproofing. Failing to address minor issues, such as small cracks or leaks, can allow them to worsen over time, eventually causing significant damage to the waterproofing system.

How to Waterproof Watertank DIY?

You can waterproof a water tank DIY using the these 7 steps. Aqviz help you to conduct your concrete, and metal water tank waterproofing project step by step with essential tools and materials.

6 steps for water tank waterproofing

1. Select suitable tools and materials for water tank waterproofing.
2. Identify the water tank leakage.
3. Clean the water tank
4. Choose the waterproofing membrane for the water tank 
5. Apply the waterproofing membrane on the water tank
6. Let the water tank waterproofing cure

Can you Waterproof a Hot Water Tank?

Yes, you can waterproof a hot water tank by using a liquid rubber waterproofing membrane. You should apply the liquid rubber waterproofing on the water tank floor and walls. After waterproofing is done, you should apply a Thermo top coat on the surface.