Fiberglass Tanks Installation and Maintenance

Properly installed and maintained fiberglass storage tanks last longer
By Denise Brown Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) water tanks are just one of the many types of fiberglass storage tanks available. Many tanks come with single-wall construction while others have double or even triple walls. Just as the size and style of fiberglass tanks varies, so does tank functionality. Fiberglass tank manufacturers have a fiberglass storage tank for almost every need.

As with any storage tank, you must install fiberglass storage tanks properly. By the nature of their composite construction, FRP tanks often last longer than tanks made from other materials. As you install and maintain fiberglass storage tanks, you should look for the following guidelines:

1. Fiberglass tank manufacturers have set standards to follow for construction, installation and maintenance.

2. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) also offer standards for construction, installation and maintenance.

3. Quality assurance programs from third parties, such as governmental entities and professional trade groups, often include fiberglass tank installation and maintenance as part of their standards.

Make sure your fiberglass tanks meet local code

Find out what the specifications are for the tanks you plan to install. Also make sure you have any and all pipefittings and connectors on hand as you prepare the tanks for installation. The ground must be properly prepared before you install a fiberglass storage tank. Not only must the hole or pit meet proper size specifications, but you may also need to install a lining before you can lower the fiberglass tank into the hole.
Try:  P.E.P. offers installation specs for fiberglass storage tanks, especially FRP water tanks. Darco gives you information on how to prepare for industrial fiberglass tank installation as well.

Learn how to install fiberglass storage tanks

Read the directions that come with the tank, and also read directions from other manufacturers. Make sure you know how to handle the tank during the installation process, and that you have all the right tools on hand as you install the fiberglass tank. If everything is in place before you begin, the actual installation should go quickly.
Try:  Fiberglass tank manufacturer, HEE Environmental Engineering, offers basic instructions for fiberglass tanks installation and maintenance. Another fiberglass tank supplier, Xerxes, offers specific directions for installing fiberglass storage tanks.

Periodically inspect your fiberglass storage tanks

Follow the specific guidelines set down by your municipality or the tank's manufacturer that outline the time frame for inspection. Be sure to check for any signs of leakage on a monthly basis. Take immediate steps to repair or replace the FRP tank if you see any damage. In most cases it's the fittings or pipes that leak, rather than the fiberglass tanks.
Try:  You can find out how to inspect a FRP water tank or fiberglass septic tank at InspectAPedia.com. The Fiberglass Tank & Pipe Institute offers tips for inspecting and maintaining FRP tanks.