A sectional water tank is only as reliable as the care it receives. Over time, even the best-built tanks can develop corrosion, leaks, or hygiene issues that quietly reduce performance. Regular maintenance isn’t just a formality, it’s what protects your water supply, prevents costly repairs, and ensures compliance with industry standards.
At Franklin Hodge, we’ve been designing, manufacturing, and maintaining sectional water tanks for more than five decades. We understand how critical these systems are to your operation, whether you’re managing a fire protection system, storing drinking water, or supporting industrial processes. Through our expert tank surveys and refurbishment services, we help you keep every tank performing safely, efficiently, and for longer.
What Is a Sectional Water Tank?
A sectional water tank is a modular, site-assembled storage solution designed to provide flexible, high-capacity water storage for commercial, industrial, and fire protection applications. Built from individual galvanised steel or marine alloy of aluminium panels that are bolted together on-site, these tanks can be configured to almost any size or layout, making them ideal for spaces where access or dimensions are restricted.
At Franklin Hodge, our sectional water tanks combine durability, versatility, and ease of installation. The galvanised steel or aluminium construction resists corrosion and harsh environmental conditions, while pre-engineered components allow for quick assembly with minimal disruption.
These tanks are widely used for firefighting systems, industrial processes, and drinking water storage, offering a reliable and cost-effective solution backed by more than 50 years of manufacturing expertise. With regular maintenance and inspection, sectional tanks deliver safe, efficient, and long-term water storage performance.
Why Regular Maintenance Is Essential for Sectional Water Tanks
Routine maintenance allows you to stay ahead of issues before they disrupt your system. Exposure to temperature changes, water movement, and environmental conditions naturally causes wear over time. When tanks go unchecked, problems like corrosion, seal damage, or sediment build-up can soon appear.
By investing in regular water tank maintenance, you:
- Maintain hygiene and water quality.
- Prevent leaks and structural damage.
- Reduce downtime from unexpected failures.
- Extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Our maintenance programmes are designed to fit around your operational schedule, providing minimal disruption while keeping your tanks compliant and performing as designed.
What Are Water Tank Surveys and Why Are They Important?
Water tank surveys are a vital part of any preventative maintenance plan. They give you a clear view of your tank’s condition and reveal issues that might not be visible during basic inspections.
At Franklin Hodge, our tank survey services combine hands-on expertise with the latest inspection technology. Our engineers carry out both internal and external assessments, checking for corrosion, joint integrity, and liner performance.
For more complex or full tanks, we use ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) underwater camera systems to perform internal inspections without draining the tank. This method saves water, prevents downtime, and provides high-definition video reports of the tank’s interior.
We also use drone inspections to assess external structures or hard-to-reach areas safely and quickly. This non-invasive approach reduces risk and captures detailed imagery to support accurate reporting and long-term maintenance planning.
Every Franklin Hodge survey ends with a detailed report and clear recommendations to help you take the right action at the right time.
How Tank Refurbishments Extend the Life of Your Water Tank
Even with regular maintenance, a sectional water tank will eventually show signs of wear. Instead of replacing it entirely, a professional refurbishment can restore performance and extend service life for many more years.
Our tank refurbishment services include:
- Replacing or upgrading linings to prevent corrosion and ensure watertight performance.
- Repairing or reinforcing structural panels.
- Re-coating and resealing to protect against future deterioration.
- Upgrading components, such as access covers, venting, and fittings.
Each refurbishment is tailored to your specific tank and site requirements, ensuring compliance, safety, and long-term reliability.
How Often Should Sectional Water Tanks Be Inspected or Refurbished?
Inspection frequency depends on the tank’s use, environment, and water type, but as a general guideline:
- Visual inspections: every six months.
- Detailed condition surveys: every two to three years.
- Refurbishments or re-lining: typically, every 10-15 years.
Regular inspections are the best way to catch corrosion, coating failure, or leaks before they escalate. Our engineers can advise you on the best maintenance schedule for your site, helping you meet UK compliance standards and ensure reliable operation.
Keep Your Sectional Water Tank at Peak Performance
Regular maintenance and professional inspections are essential to keeping your sectional water tank in top condition. At Franklin Hodge, we combine proven engineering expertise with advanced technologies like ROV cameras and drone inspections to deliver accurate, efficient servicing and refurbishment solutions.
Whether you’re responsible for a fire protection system, a drinking water tank, or an industrial installation, our team can help you protect your investment and extend the life of your equipment.
If your sectional tank hasn’t been inspected recently, now is the time to act. Contact Franklin Hodge today to arrange a professional tank survey or refurbishment and ensure your system continues to perform at its best.
