Tank Liner Materials

The material your tank liner is made from determines how well it protects your stored liquid, how long it lasts, and whether it meets the relevant compliance standards for your application. At Franklin Hodge, liner material selection is based on what the tank stores and the conditions it operates in, not a one-size-fits-all approach. 

What Materials Are the Internal Liners Made From?

The internal liners of Franklin Hodge tanks are made from materials like butyl rubber, EPDM, and PVC. We can also source other materials to fit different applications. 

Each of these is a flexible synthetic membrane, custom-made to fit the tank it lines. Here’s how they differ in practice: 

Butyl Rubber

Butyl rubber is our primary liner material for potable and drinking water storage. It is WRAS-approved and tested to BS 6920, confirming suitability for contact with drinking water under UK regulations. 

Key properties: 

• Completely impermeable, with a dense molecular structure that resists liquid and vapour transmission 
• Stretches to 300% of its original size without losing water-retaining properties 
• Maintains integrity across temperatures from -30°C to +120°C 
• Weather resistant, with no plastics or additives that degrade under UV or sunlight exposure 
• Can be repaired on-site using a heat and pressure process if damaged, without compromising the overall integrity of the liner 

EPDM

EPDM shares many of the same performance properties as butyl rubber and is particularly well suited to outdoor installations and applications involving temperature extremes. 

Key properties: 

• Highly flexible and elastic, stretching to 300% of its original size 
• Strong resistance to UV, ozone, and weathering 
• Durable under sustained exposure to cold and heat 
• Impermeable to liquid and vapour transmission
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PVC 

PVC is a versatile liner option used across a range of storage applications where butyl rubber or EPDM may not be required. It provides a reliable, durable barrier and is a practical choice for certain industrial and commercial tank configurations. 

Other Liner Materials

Where butyl rubber, EPDM, or PVC don’t suit a specific application, Franklin Hodge can source alternative liner materials. The right material depends on what’s being stored, the operating temperature, and any relevant compliance requirements for your sector. 

Liner Repair and Replacement 

If an existing liner becomes damaged or reaches the end of its service life, Franklin Hodge carries out on-site liner repairs and full replacements. For butyl rubber and EPDM liners, repairs are completed using a heat and pressure process that restores the membrane without affecting its overall integrity. 

Liner refurbishment is also available as part of our broader tank refurbishment services for tanks that are structurally sound but require internal restoration. 

Get in Touch With Franklin Hodge About Tank Liner Materials

If you’re specifying a new tank or assessing an existing liner, our team can confirm the appropriate material for your application. View our water storage tanks for more detail, or contact Franklin Hodge to discuss your requirements. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What liner material is used for drinking water tanks? 

Butyl rubber is our standard liner for potable water storage. It is WRAS-approved and tested to BS 6920 for use with drinking water. 

Are Franklin Hodge liners suitable for outdoor installations? 

Yes, both butyl rubber and EPDM liners are weather resistant and maintain their integrity under prolonged UV exposure and temperature extremes from -30°C to +120°C. 

Can a damaged liner be repaired rather than replaced? 

Yes, butyl rubber and EPDM liners can be repaired on-site using a heat and pressure process, which does not affect the overall integrity of the liner. 

Can Franklin Hodge source liner materials beyond butyl rubber, EPDM, and PVC? 

Yes, where a specific application requires a different material, we can source alternatives to suit your storage requirements.