Sprinkler Tank

Can Relining A Sprinkler Water Tank Extend Its Lifespan?

Can Relining A Sprinkler Water Tank Extend Its Lifespan?

A newly installed sprinkler water tank will last for many years – often well over a decade. However, over time, it will show signs of wear and will eventually require refurbishment or replacing. Knowing when your tank needs remedial work is important, which is why experts recommend regular inspections – preferably by a fully trained independent expert.

Relining a sprinkler tank is in many cases the recommended alternative to going through the upheaval of replacing an existing one. So, yes, it can extend a tank’s lifespan. In fact, the best professional installers will give you an indication – or better, a guarantee – of just how much longer your tank will last after being relined.

While the motivations for relining a tank can be varied, the most common ones are outlined below.

 

Saves time

If you can’t afford the water supply to your sprinkler system being lost for longer than a couple of days, relining is best way forward. We have to point out, not all tanks will be suitable for this type of repair. You should only agree to a tank relining procedure if your existing sprinkler water tank has been properly assessed by an independent expert and found to be suitable. If it is not, you will have to go through the decommissioning process and have the old tank uninstalled and removed before a new once can be fitted and commissioned.

A lot will depend on the internal condition of the tank. If it can be relined, the time it takes to carry out this process will vary according to its size, design and siting. During the process, your sprinkler system will be impacted. Draining a tank can take more than 24 hours and refilling it the same amount of time, depending on its capacity. However, relining a sprinkler tank is still quicker than having to install a new one.

The process involved in constructing a new tank can require bespoke fabrication and other factors that all add to the time it takes to install. This can have safety as well as insurance implications.

 

Relining a sprinkler water tank saves money

Money is often a big factor when it comes to making a choice. The sprinkler water tank is no exception. Many businesses and municipalities now use tanks made from glass reinforced plastic, commonly referred to as GRP. In this case, relining is much more cost effective than investing in a brand-new tank. Even relatively old tanks can be relined, if their condition has not deteriorated to the point of no return.

There are obvious cost disadvantages of having to empty and remove an old tank. That is why more and more businesses are looking to extend the life of existing facilities.

Relining a sprinkler water tank saves hassle

Time costs money, as they say. In the case of the sprinkler water tank time can cost lives. So, in addition to avoiding the upheaval on a site, relining can reduce the hassle. It is worth noting that tanks designed when a site is first developed can be located in hard-to-access areas, adding to the time it takes to remove it. Often a tank will need to be dismantled and cut up to ensure it can easily and safely be removed. The guarantees given for relining make it a savvy choice, not just for saving time but for budgeting in the future. If you have a newly lined tank with a good guarantee, you can plan ahead and budget money for a new one when the guarantee runs out.

 

Other factors

It is better for the environment to reline a tank than remove it. Apart from saving non-recyclable components from landfill, it will help you to use what you have already got for much longer. People often assumed that corrosion or a small leak means a sprinkler water tank has reached the end of its life. This simply isn’t always the case.

Even splits below the water line can be remedied with relining – if they are deemed repairable. Sometimes, simply refurbishing a tank will extend its life. Strengthening weak points in the structure and applying fibreglass matting, as well as a multi-coat epoxy system can achieve the same desired results.

The shutdown period during works should be clearly specified in advance, so risk assessments can be carried out to cover a site while a sprinkler water tank is out of service. Some tanks can be relined or refurbished in just a few days while other can take up to a week.

 

Making the right choice for your sprinkler water tank

Sometimes, even badly leaking sprinkler tanks can be repaired. It all depends on the overall condition of the tank’s internal walls, along with a number of other factors. If you are not sure if your tank is suitable for relining, book an independent inspection. It will give you an accurate indication of the level of corrosion or deterioration.

Modern inspection techniques do not require a tank to be emptied, so there will be no disruption to the supply of water to your sprinkler system. Getting an expert’s opinion will help you make the right choice. An inspection report should clearly set out recommendations. If relining is an option, it will be noted in the report.

If you decide to book an inspection, make sure you use a specialist that will supply you with video or photographic evidence of his or her findings. You can refer to these images when going through the report to be totally certain of what you need to do to ensure your sprinkler system benefits from a fully compliant, reliable water source.

Sprinklers are important. Without them, lives and property are at a higher risk from fire. Ensuring a wet sprinkler system has the best possible chance of containing a blaze starts with a good supply of water. If you are not sure about the condition of your tank or need more advice after an inspection, always talk to an expert.

Relining a sprinkler water tank is cost-effective, safe and saves time. Importantly, it will extend the lifespan of your tank allowing it to deliver many more years of service.