How to Waterproof A Leaky Water TankUpdated 9 months ago

Water Tank Waterproofing Guide

Ensure your water tank is leak-free and safe for use with Liquid Rubber DIY products. This guide outlines the step-by-step process to effectively waterproof your tank, providing long-lasting protection and ensuring the water remains clean and uncontaminated.

Why Waterproof Your Water Tank?

• Prevent Leaks: Seals cracks, joints, and vulnerable areas.
• Improve Water Quality: Protects against contaminants and ensures clean storage.
• Extend Lifespan: Shields the tank surface from wear, corrosion, and damag

What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather the following materials and tools:

• Liquid Rubber DIY Waterproof Sealant
• Geo-Textile: For reinforcing cracks, corners, and joints.
• Rapid Cure Spray (Optional): Speeds up curing time.
• Cleaning Tools: Submersible pump, high-pressure water blaster, wet/dry vacuum.
• Ventilation Tools: Fan-forced ventilator for airflow during drying.
• Application Tools: Brush, roller, or LRDIY spray machine.
• Safety Gear: Gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Empty and Clean the Tank

   • Use a submersible pump to empty the water from the tank completely.
   • Wash or water-blast the entire interior surface to remove dirt, algae, old silicon/sealant and debris.
   • Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water.
   • Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding.
     
     

2. Reinforce Vulnerable Areas

   • Identify cracks, holes, corners, and wall-floor joins.
   • Pre-cut Geo-Textile to bridge these defects.
   • Apply a first coat of Waterproof Sealant to these areas using a brush or roller. While the sealant is still wet, embed the Geo-Textile into the sealant, ensuring there are no air bubbles or wrinkles. Brush out any air pockets for a smooth application.
     
     

3. Seal Key Areas

   • Apply Waterproof Sealant to pipe outlets and areas just above the maximum waterline (do not coat the roof of the tank).
   • Use Rapid Cure Spray to instantly set the product and accelerate the job. Ensure the Rapid Cure Spray is fully dry before proceeding to the next step.
     
     

4. Apply Additional Coats

   • Apply a second coat of Waterproof Sealant to all reinforced areas, including cracks, joints, and corners.
   • If fully encapsulating the entire tank interior, apply additional coats as needed to achieve a dry-film thickness of 1.5mm - 2mm (approximately 2 litres per square meter).
     
     

5. Cure Before Refilling

   • Allow the Waterproof Sealant to cure for a minimum of 7-10 days before refilling the tank. Longer curing times are recommended in colder weather to ensure proper bonding and durability.
   • Use a fan-forced ventilator to ventilate the tank and accelerate the drying process.

Additional Tips

• Drinking Water Safety: Liquid Rubber products are safe for potable water once cured. After the curing process, rinse the tank thoroughly before refilling to ensure no residual debris remains.
• Ideal Conditions: Apply products in dry weather and avoid temperatures below 10°C or above 32°C.
• Ventilation is Key: Always ensure proper ventilation during application and curing, especially when working inside a tank.