How ROV Technology is Changing Tank Inspections

Published: September 1, 2025

Carrying out inspections on water storage tanks has always been an essential part of maintaining safety, compliance and performance. But let’s be honest, traditional methods aren’t always straightforward. Inspectors must drain tanks, enter confined spaces, and spend valuable time on a process that quickly becomes costly.

This is where Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are changing the game. In fact, these small, camera-equipped units can be deployed directly into your tank. As a result, they provide a safe and detailed inspection, and moreover, they do it without the hassle of emptying or shutting down your system.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how ROV technology is not only making inspections safer but also quicker, and furthermore, more effective than ever before.

Prioritising safety

In the past, tank inspections required entering limited spaces, which meant:

Risk evaluations and permits
Additional personnel on duty to provide rescue cover
Exposure to risks such as damaged structures, low oxygen levels, or slick surfaces

An ROV eliminates the need for people to enter. While the operator stays securely outside, the vehicle’s integrated illumination and high-definition cameras record every angle of your tank. By doing this, risk is decreased and everyone complies with health and safety laws. View our ROV Inspection Service for Underwater Sprinkler Tanks.

Time and Cost Savings

Traditional inspections often require a full drain down, which can take your tank out of service for days. This not only wastes water but also interrupts your fire protection systems or process operations.

Because ROVs are designed to operate underwater, inspections can take place while the tank remains full. This means:

Less downtime
No wasted water
Quicker, more accurate reporting

Any issues can be recorded instantly, helping you plan repairs or maintenance without unnecessary disruption.

Access Where Humans Can’t Go

Not every tank is easy to inspect manually. Narrow manways, awkward layouts and submerged fittings often limit what can realistically be checked.

ROVs are small and agile enough to navigate even the most confined spaces. They can:

Hover under roof panels
Move around internal supports
Zoom in on outlets, joints and fittings

This level of access ensures a truly comprehensive inspection, leaving no part of your tank unchecked.

Clear Reporting and Long-Term Insight

Another advantage of ROV inspections is the quality of the footage. For example, you can capture clear and detailed video along with still images. In addition, you can store these easily for your records. As a result, you build a reliable history of your tank’s condition over time. Over time, this allows you to:

Track the condition of your tank year on year
Compare previous inspections with current footage
Make informed decisions about relining, repair or replacement

Conclusion

ROV technology is transforming the way water tanks are inspected. By improving safety, reducing downtime, and reaching areas that humans can’t, ROVs provide a modern, efficient and cost-effective solution.

At ES Water Solutions, we use advanced ROV equipment to deliver thorough inspections with minimal disruption to your operations. Contact us today to find out how an ROV inspection could benefit your site.

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!