When evaluating a water storage tank, the conversation often begins – and ends -with purchase price and installation costs. However, the true cost of a storage tank extends far beyond the initial investment. Materials, coatings, structural design, and long-term maintenance requirements all play a critical role in determining the total cost of ownership over the life of the asset.
Several tank technologies are commonly used across utility, fire protection, commercial, agricultural, and industrial applications. These include welded steel tanks, traditional bolted steel tanks, glass-fused-to-steel tanks, concrete tanks, and bolted steel tanks with internal liners. Each technology offers distinct advantages, but their long-term performance and maintenance requirements can vary significantly.
Welded steel tanks are widely used by utilities due to their strength and monolithic construction. However, because the interior surface is typically coated steel, periodic inspection and recoating programs are required to prevent corrosion. Over time, these maintenance cycles can be costly and often require tanks to be taken out of service during rehabilitation.
Traditional bolted steel tanks, typically manufactured from galvanized or powder-coated plate steel, provide a modular alternative that allows for faster installation. However, the interior steel surfaces remain in direct contact with stored water, which can lead to corrosion over time. In addition, thousands of structural bolts must be sealed during construction to maintain water-tightness. As foundations settle or structural movement occurs, these seals can degrade, increasing the potential for leaks and ongoing maintenance.
Glass-fused-to-steel (GFS) tanks use a coating created by bonding glass to steel at high temperatures, providing strong corrosion resistance. While this technology can offer excellent protection, the coating is inherently brittle and can be susceptible to damage during transport, installation, or from structural stresses over time. Repairs to damaged panels can be complex and costly.
Concrete tanks are another widely used option, particularly for large water storage applications within utility systems. Concrete tanks offer durability and long service life but typically require longer construction schedules and greater site preparation. Over time, concrete structures can also experience cracking, joint degradation, or liner rehabilitation requirements that must be addressed to maintain water-tightness.
One approach to reducing lifecycle costs is to focus on tank designs that minimize corrosion exposure and simplify long-term maintenance.
SBS Tanks are manufactured from high-tensile steel coated with Galvalume, a material known for providing superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional hot-dip galvanizing and other common steel coatings. This coating helps protect the tank shell from environmental exposure while supporting long-term structural durability.
In addition, SBS Tanks incorporate a reinforced internal PVC liner that separates the stored water from the steel tank shell. By eliminating direct metal-to-water contact, the liner significantly reduces the risk of internal corrosion and eliminates the need for periodic recoating programs that are often associated with welded or traditional bolted steel tanks.
Maintenance requirements are another important factor in total cost of ownership. Because the internal liner contains the stored water, SBS Tanks do not rely on sealing thousands of structural bolts to maintain water-tightness. Only penetrations through the liner—such as fill and suction connections—require sealing, typically resulting in fewer than 100 sealed bolts.
These penetrations utilize specialized flanges with O-rings and gaskets designed to provide durable, long-term sealing performance. By reducing the number of potential leak points, SBS Tanks help minimize the likelihood of leaks caused by foundation settlement or structural movement.
Routine maintenance is typically limited to periodic external inspections and basic site upkeep, helping reduce operational disruption and long-term service costs.
Another important lifecycle consideration is the ability to repair a tank efficiently if damage occurs. SBS Tanks are designed with serviceability in mind. Should the tank shell or liner experience damage, repairs can typically be completed using straightforward patching methods by trained personnel. In cases where liner replacement is required, the process can often be completed within a short timeframe, helping minimize downtime and disruption.
Environmental conditions such as wind loads and seismic activity must also be considered when designing water storage tanks. SBS Tanks undergo a site-specific engineering review before manufacturing to ensure the design meets the wind and seismic requirements of the installation location. Manufacturing and shop drawings are then developed based on these conditions, providing confidence that the tank is designed to perform reliably in its operating environment.
When water storage tanks are evaluated through the lens of total cost of ownership, factors such as corrosion protection, maintenance requirements, serviceability, and structural design become increasingly important.
While different tank technologies may suit different applications, solutions that minimize corrosion exposure, simplify maintenance, and provide reliable long-term performance can deliver significant value over the lifespan of the tank. By combining corrosion-resistant materials, liner technology, and site-specific engineering, SBS Tanks are designed to provide dependable water storage while helping reduce lifecycle ownership costs.
About SBS Tanks
SBS Tanks designs and manufactures modular steel water storage tanks used across utilities, fire protection, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and rainwater harvesting applications. The company offers a wide range of storage capacities—from smaller capacities ranging from 5,000 gallons to tanks exceeding one million gallons—and configurations designed to meet varying site conditions, including high-wind and seismic environments. With thousands of installations globally, SBS Tanks provides water storage solutions focused on durability, reliability, and long-term performance.
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SBS Tanks® is a leading manufacturer and supplier of modular steel panel water storage tanks fitted with an internal liquid storage liner. SBS Tanks USA, our office in the United States, services the USA, The Caribbean and Central and South America market directly from Conroe, Texas. With ISO accreditation (ISO 45001 and ISO 9001), collaborating with a trusted supplier like SBS Tanks USA, can offer professional advice and a variety of premium tank alternatives to satisfy your various commercial needs.
Contact Brian or Allan today and simply Request a quote here.
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