Potable Water Tank Lining
South Essex College required a reliable solution to address a leaking GRP (fibreglass) water tank located above a stairwell at its Basildon campus. Despite several on-site challenges, including restricted access and the sensitive location, SGI Composites successfully delivered a high-quality GRP lining repair within just one week. The project was completed with minimal disruption to the college’s operations, restoring the integrity of the tank and ensuring a safe, long-lasting potable water storage solution.
The image shows the fully refurbished potable water storage tank following the application of the GRP lining. The finished surface provides a seamless, hygienic, and watertight barrier, extending the lifespan of the tank while ensuring compliance with water storage standards.
Unknown leaks
The large GRP potable water tank was situated in a difficult-to-access loft space above a stairwell, making inspection and repair particularly challenging. While leaks were identified at the joints, the exact source could not be pinpointed, despite the main body of the tank appearing to be in good condition. Additional complications included residual water remaining in the tank after draining and severe access restrictions, which ruled out conventional preparation methods such as grit blasting. These constraints required a flexible, specialist GRP lining approach to ensure a reliable and long-lasting repair.
The image shows the sectional water tank prior to lining, highlighting the complex internal structure and the challenging conditions faced before the repair works were carried out.
Hand preparation and baffle reinforcement
The SGI Composites team began by fully drying the tank, pumping out any remaining water and using extractor fans to remove residual moisture. With the environment prepared, the internal surfaces were mechanically abraded using hand-held grinders to ensure optimal adhesion, followed by the application of a specialist primer. The GRP lining system was then installed, including lamination, a resin coat, and a final top coat to create a seamless, durable, and watertight finish suitable for potable water storage.
To further enhance the integrity of the tank, the team filled and sealed a series of hollow baffles with foam, eliminating potential weak points and reinforcing the overall structure for long-term performance.
The image shows the hollow baffles being filled and sealed with GRP, ensuring a stronger, more reliable tank structure and reducing the risk of future leaks.
Fast, reliable, potable water tank repair
Despite the challenges of restricted access, internal baffles, bolts, and infill panels, SGI Composites successfully repaired the tank using a high-performance GRP lining system within just one week. The project was completed with minimal disruption to the college’s daily operations, delivering a durable, long-term solution. The client was extremely satisfied with the outcome, with the refurbished tank now fully protected against corrosion and leakage, ensuring reliable service for many years to come.
The image shows the final coat being applied to achieve a complete, seamless seal. Following a thorough quality inspection, the tank was safely returned to service, providing a watertight and corrosion-resistant solution.
Call our specialist team to discuss your requirements, quote and get a site survey: 01206 798 798.