Repairing a leaking aquaplate tank.

[smallhouse]

Discovered our 4 year old 5000 gal aquaplate tank leaking around the seam today. :~
This is the seam where the first sheet jolins the second sheet about 750 mm above the ground.
The manufacturer wants $150 to repair it ( warranty expired. )
I have found this bluescope technical bulletin : http://steelproducts.bluescopesteel.com.au/files/TB-F9.pdf , and i might have a go at repairing it myself.
I'm wondering what product to use, and whether to reseal the whole seam, or just part of it?
Thanks, Mark.

[Danny]

Discovered our 4 year old 5000 gal aquaplate tank leaking around the seam today. :~
This is the seam where the first sheet jolins the second sheet about 750 mm above the ground.
The manufacturer wants $150 to repair it ( warranty expired. )


G'day Mark,

How long was the warranty? To have a warranty expire so soon is concerning as is their response to charge you for repairs. There is an implied warranty that goods sold must be fit for purpose and you should check out the protection that this affords you. A structurally defective large rainwater tank can present a significant safety and property damage risk in many circumstances.

$150 for repairs is not much money and it is not worthwhile attempting to do it yourself to save that amount. Did they say that the repair would be guaranteed and for how long? I hope that the current problem does not prognosticate further structural problems.

I have been hearing about a few aquaplate tanks failing lately and l will PM you something to look at re other peoples problems with aquaplate tanks that have suffered early failure. Short warranties seem to be a common theme here.

Tanks have been continually full lately but this is no excuse for early failure and l hope that other who are reading this and who have had similar problems will add their experience to this thread.

It is essential that galvanised tanks have a suitable flat base.

EDIT: Persons who have galvanised tanks should be aware that they should not scrub or pressure wash the film that builds up on the tank's inner walls as the film gives protection against corrosion.

[smallhouse]

Danny,
The manufacturer said i had 2 yrs warranty. Quite disappointed with this tank as our other aquaplate is 18yrs old with no issues at all. So it seems to me to be a manufacturing fault.
Good point regarding warranty, and yes i may consider getting them to do the repair if they will warranty it.
Unfortunately the tank needs to be 2/3 emptied to allow the repair.
Trying to decide whether to drain it now, or wait for the dry season when it will be down to that level anyway.
Thanks for the interest.

[Danny]

I take it that you are not around Cairns and are reliant on rainwater then. Huge falls up there the past few days.

A 2 year warranty for a rainwater tank is ridiculous. The link below concerns implied warranty.

Goods and services sold before 1 January 2011 - implied warranties and conditions (http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/8818)

[Oldsaltoz]

Discovered our 4 year old 5000 gal aquaplate tank leaking around the seam today. :~
This is the seam where the first sheet jolins the second sheet about 750 mm above the ground.
The manufacturer wants $150 to repair it ( warranty expired. )
I have found this bluescope technical bulletin : http://steelproducts.bluescopesteel.com.au/files/TB-F9.pdf , and i might have a go at repairing it myself.
I'm wondering what product to use, and whether to reseal the whole seam, or just part of it?
Thanks, Mark.

Hi mark.

Any repair work will have to include stabilising the area and preventing rust. A simple scratch during construction or a pin hole in the coating would be enough to cause this.

I doubt they will provide a warranty worth having but worth checking on.

I repaired a steel tank for mate a few years ago, being a waterproofer he thought I would do this sort of thing, how wrong can you be.
Anyway, I masked the area and cleaned with a Brass wire brush on a drill, then applied some rust converter and left for a few days. Then stripped off the old masking tape and applied mor about 50mm outside the treated area, washed it with Acetone and applied an epoxy pased putty used in the boating industry.

No sign of further leaks or rust to date.

Good luck. :)