When a water storage tank starts acting up, many homeowners struggle to decide if they should take the do-it-yourself route or leave repairs to an expert. It’s understandable because professional maintenance usually comes with a price. But there are damages that you can’t fix with simple tools.
So to help you make an informed decision, we’ll discuss a few water tank issues that you can try addressing yourself and problems that you should never try to troubleshoot yourself.
When to Take the DIY Route
- The unit has cracks on the top or sides.
If the crack is small and visible, it can be dealt with if you find them in time. For water storage tanks, the tell-tale signs will be a loss of water pressure or loss of water level in the tank itself without use.
- There’s an algal bloom inside the unit.
Get rid of algae by using chlorine OR bleach. You may add 4 parts of chlorine to every 1,000,000 parts water. In this small of a ratio, your supply will still be safe to drink or irrigate with. Another option is to add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach to every gallon of water you store. Just be mindful of these ratios because too much chlorine or bleach in your water can be harmful.
When NOT to Take the DIY Route
- The water tank is creating weird noises.
Unusual noises may indicate sediment build-up inside your water storage tank. Once you hear rumbling, popping, or creaking noises, try to flush it. If the problem persists, call a technician who will run certain tests to assess the condition of your unit.
- The water tank is leaking.
This is a major issue that may cause substantial damage if you insist on repairing it yourself. When you spot leakages, turn off its power supply immediately and close the main shut off valve to stop the water flow. Then call a professional to address the matter.
- The water supply is discolored.
It is definitely a red flag when your tap starts to turn cloudy, orange, or reddish. Discoloration can indicate excessive mineral build-up or a rusty water storage tank. Inform your plumbing contractor to inspect different components to get to the root cause of the problem.
Repairing your water tank could be much less expensive and much more efficient if you were able to do those fixes yourself. But if handling the damage is obviously out of your grip, do not hesitate to get assistance from experts like Firstank Philippines. With more than three decades of experience, Firstank supplied and installed water storage tank in the Philippines for high profile clients in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
