Tank Relining Can Be a Valuable Water Heater Repair
Extend the service life of an ailing water tank with tank relining.
When it comes to water heater problems, one of the most serious you can face is the failure of the tank itself. In addition to ruining the unit, a tank failure can result in extensive water damage to your property as well. Fortunately, you can protect yourself against risk of tank failure and thereby extend the service life on an aging tank with tank relining. This option is particularly useful for large or specialty hot water tanks that would be cost-prohibitive to replace.
Kinds of Tank Relining
Two of the most popular tank relining products include:
HydraStone Alkrete: This is a cement lining system that can be applied to the inside of a hot water tank to halt corrosion and create a new surface safe for virtually all types of water storage. It needs to be applied in a layer at least 5/8 of an inch thick, and takes about 30 hours to cure completely. HydraStone Alkrete can be used for potable water, softened water, extremely hot water, and even pressurized water. This is not just a repair product many products come direct from the manufacturer with this cement lining system already in place.
DuraChem 580: This is a poly lining system sometimes called “Tupperware for Tanks” by industry pros. It can be sprayed onto to concrete, steel, or laminate tanks and creates a strong, monolithic barrier between the tank contents and the tank itself. This system is preferred for wastewater tanks that may contain harsh chemicals, but it also available in a formula that is safe for potable water.
Factors Affecting Tank Life
So how do you tell if your water tank is in need of tank relining? Many factors can affect the rate at which a tank corrodes, including:
- How much water you use
- How fast water flows through the tank
- The pH of your water
- Chemical additives in city water
- Hardness of the water (mineral content)
- Type of anode rod used
Because there is no magic formula to tell when a tank has reached the end of its lifespan, many people prefer to replace or reline their tanks as soon as the end of the manufacturer’s promised lifespan is reached. This would be the “better safe than sorry” approach. However, if you are careful to invest in frequent professional inspections, and also make a point of watching for any signs of leakage yourself, you can continue to use your water heater well beyond its expected lifespan. Just be sure you take the signs of an impending tank failure seriously and get the necessary water heater repair to correct them.
