Frequently Asked Questions
See our special section on the maintenance of water tanks and water tank coatings - Click Here
- Why should we get our water tank inspected?
- Will our water tank have to be drained to inspect it?
- Could a scuba diver inspect the inside of my tank while it's full?
- How much does it cost to have the tank inspected?
- What if my tank needs to be repaired or repainted?
- Why do we have to have a licensed professional engineer design our rehabilitation projects?
1. Why should we get our water tank inspected?
The State of Texas requires annual inspections of all water storage tanks. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) states in Ch. 290.46 (M)-(1) that “each of the systems, ground, elevated, and pressure tanks, shall be inspected annually by water system personnel or a contracted inspection service.”
An inspection addresses water quality issues and maintenance concerns, which insures that your water is clean and safe. An annual inspection also prolongs the life of your tank by addressing small problems before they get out of hand!
2. Will our water thank have to be drained to inspect it?
The more the tank is drained, the more we can inspect. It is possible to inspect a tank even when it is completely full, and still meet TCEQ requirements. However, you get a better and more thorough inspection if the tank is drained. For example, when a tank is empty, we can see the weld seams on the floor and we can see how much sediment is left on the bottom of the tank.
3. Could a scuba diver inspect the inside of my tank while it's full?
We have certified SCUBA divers on our staff, but they prefer to dive in lakes! Seriously though, confined space diving introduces additional hazards to tank inspection that are unnecessary. Also most tank divers are certified divers, not engineers and corrosion specialists. All inspections performed by Dunham Engineering are performed by engineers and/or certified coating and welding inspectors that specialize in water storage tank inspection and rehabilitation.
TCEQ does not require your tank to be drained for annual inspections, regardless of whether the tank is dived or not, since most water quality issues and corrosion damage can be assessed at or above the high-water-level. If the tank is dived while in service, the diver (robotic or human) has very limited visibility and cannot adequately assess the condition of the tank and coatings below the surface of the water. Therefore, at least partial draining (1/2 to 2/3 full) is recommended if maintenance is expected to be performed on the interior of the tank within the next 12 months.
4. How much does it cost to have the tank inspected?
See Schedule of Fees
5. What if my tank needs to be repaired or repainted?
The inspection of your tank includes an Engineer’s Cost Estimate of repairs and repainting, so you can work your tank’s rehabilitation into your budget. Dunham Engineering is capable of servicing all your tank rehabilitation needs, in part or in full.
6. Why do we have to have a licensed professional engineer design our rehabilitation projects?
The State of Texas requires a Professional Engineer licensed in the State of Texas to design any structural, mechanical, or electrical project over $8,000 in a municipality. This is for the ultimate welfare of the public, as these projects have the potential to create dangerous circumstances if designed incorrectly.
PDF of the Texas Engineering Act - Chapter 1001, Texas Occupations Code, including diagram of whether to hire an engineer.
TBPE Policy Advisory Opinion Regarding Water Tank Rehabilitation