Common Water Tank Failures and How They’re Fixed

Published: May 1, 2026

Water tanks are built to last, but like any piece of infrastructure, they are not immune to wear and tear. Over time, even well-maintained systems can develop faults that affect water quality, safety, and overall performance. Knowing what to look out for and how these issues are resolved can help prevent costly disruption.

In this guide, we cover some of the most common water tank failures and how they are typically fixed.

1. Leaks and Structural Damage

Leaks are one of the most obvious and urgent problems. They can occur due to ageing materials, poor installation, or physical damage to the tank.

Small leaks are often repaired using specialist sealing techniques or patch repairs. In more serious cases, sections of the tank may need to be reinforced or replaced. Acting quickly is important, as even minor leaks can lead to water loss and structural weakening over time.

If you suspect a leak, it is worth arranging a professional assessment through a water tank repair service

2. Corrosion and Material Breakdown

Metal tanks are particularly vulnerable to corrosion, especially if protective coatings have worn away. This can lead to contamination risks and compromise the strength of the tank.

The fix depends on the severity. Early-stage corrosion can often be treated and sealed, while more advanced cases may require internal lining systems or partial refurbishment. Preventative maintenance plays a key role in avoiding long-term damage.

3. Contamination Issues

Contamination can occur when debris, bacteria, or foreign objects enter the tank. This is often caused by damaged lids, poorly sealed access points, or a lack of regular cleaning.

The solution usually involves a full tank clean and disinfection, followed by repairs to covers, seals, or vents to prevent the issue from recurring. In some cases, upgrades to more secure lids or screening systems may be recommended.

Routine water tank cleaning is essential to maintaining water hygiene and preventing these issues

4. Faulty or Damaged Components

Internal components such as ball valves, overflows, and inlet systems can fail over time. This can lead to problems like inconsistent water levels, overflow issues, or restricted supply.

These components are typically replaced or repaired during routine maintenance visits. Keeping these parts in good working order helps ensure the entire system operates efficiently.

5. Cracks in GRP Tanks

Glass reinforced plastic tanks are widely used due to their durability, but they can still develop cracks, especially if exposed to stress or temperature changes.

Minor cracks can often be repaired using specialist GRP repair methods. Larger structural issues may require panel replacement or reinforcement to restore the integrity of the tank.

Preventing Future Failures

While many of these issues can be fixed, prevention is always the best approach. Regular inspections, cleaning, and maintenance help identify problems early before they escalate.

At ES Water Solutions, we provide professional water tank inspections, cleaning, and repair services to keep systems running safely and efficiently. If you are concerned about the condition of your tank, it is always better to have it assessed sooner rather than later.

Ross St John

14:43 23 Aug 24

Great Company to use, very efficient and detailed. Highly recommend

Anjo

05:29 22 Jul 24

We manage a large residential block and recently reached out to Echo to quote to reline two water tanks that were failing. An absolute fantastic service all round. A quote was received within a day or so. Works were booked in and communication was excellent. We were really impressed with the engineers on the day. They communicated well on the day in terms of the plan of action. Once the work was complete, they ensured all areas were left clean and tidy. A follow up report post works was sent very soon after the works.

We look forward to working with Echo again. If you need honest, reliable contractors who will get the job done and to a high a standard, don't hesitate to get in touch with them.

Thank you.

Shaun Medlin

08:38 13 Aug 23

I contacted Echo Square on behalf of a client of mine who urgently needed her Victorian underground Cistern re lined. The work was quoted for promptly and the work carried out to a high standard by the engineers who were courteous and friendly despite their long drive to site. My client was very impressed and so grateful to have her Cistern back in working order. I would highly recommend this company and will most definitely approach them again should I have another client with tank issues in the future. 5 star service!

Terry Stevens

15:03 27 Jan 23

Echo Square attended site after we water jetted a concrete tank, they tank lined the entire tank in just a few days, fantastic job

Jessica Neil

08:01 14 Jun 22

Echo Square Services team assisted in helping with the refurbishment of two very difficult to access steel water tanks located at a VIP client’s head office.

Their team did a fantastic job.

I was especially impressed by the comprehensive photo report at the end.

Highly recommend!

Laurence Green

11:05 13 Jun 22

** Highly Recommended!**

Echo Square Services were assigned to reline two cold water tanks at a presdigious Law firm in Farringdon. The job was carried out successfully and on time with zeor disruption to the business operation. James and his team were a pleasure to work with, taking extreme care with all aspect of communication, health and safety and workmanship.

Thank you James and the team!!

Rae Nunn

13:17 26 Feb 19

Having used other companies in the past I can wholeheartedly say that our dealings with Nationwide Tank Relining have been a breath of fresh air. We have had tanks relined, water hygiene assessments and floor coatings. All work was carried out in a timely manner and the quality of work has each and every time been exemplary. My bosses are thrilled with my decision to switch to Nationwide Tank Relining and a tank that was relined 10 years ago by them still looks good as new internally, and the money we've saved from choosing the right supplier has proven to be a very smart business move. Highly recommended!