Water Tank Drain Valve

Every water storage tank needs a way to empty it. For routine maintenance, internal inspection, refurbishment, or end-of-life decommissioning, the drain valve is the small component that decides whether that’s a quick job or a three-day problem. Franklin Hodge supplies tanks with drain valves as standard, specified in a durable material that will still work reliably years after the tank is installed, when you actually come to need it.

Can Franklin Hodge Tanks Be Supplied with Drain Valves?

Yes, Franklin Hodge tanks come standard with a gate valve in gunmetal for efficient drainage. Gunmetal is a copper-based alloy with excellent corrosion resistance in water contact, which is why it’s the specification of choice for components that may sit unused for long periods and still need to open cleanly when required. The gate valve format gives full-bore flow when open, so large-capacity tanks drain down quickly rather than through a restricted outlet.

Why Gunmetal, and Why It Matters Over Time 

Most tank failure stories don’t start with the tank itself. They start with a component that couldn’t open when it needed to. Gunmetal solves for that in a few specific ways: 

• Copper alloys don’t rust in stagnant water conditions the way ferrous valves do 

• The material tolerates the pressure and temperature envelope of industrial water storage without degradation 

• It stays operable after years of sitting closed, rather than seizing or fouling internally 

• It’s compatible with potable water, which matters on our drinking water tanks including the WRAS-approved Liquistore® 

For a component you use infrequently but have to rely on when you do, specifying the right material at the outset is worth significantly more than whatever you’d save on a cheaper alternative.

When You’ll Actually Use the Drain Valve 

The drain valve serves different functions across the tank lifecycle. On waste and effluent storage installations, it’s a regularly used component for scheduled discharge cycles. On fire protection or drinking water tanks, it mostly sits closed, called on for planned maintenance, liner inspection, or condition surveys. And during tank refurbishment services, the drain valve is effectively the starting point of the job, because the tank has to come down through it. 

Each of those scenarios places different demands on the valve. Frequent-cycle use favours robustness. Infrequent use favours corrosion resistance. Gunmetal covers both, which is why it’s our standard specification across the range.

Replacement Drain Valves for Existing Tanks

If you have a Franklin Hodge tank in service and require a replacement drain valve, our team can support you directly. We’ll match the original specification using your tank records, ensuring the correct fit and full compatibility with your existing system.

When to Raise Drain Valve Specification with Our Team 

Whether you’re specifying a new tank, assessing an existing system for refurbishment, or simply verifying what’s installed on a Franklin Hodge tank you’ve inherited, a short conversation with our team will save time later. We can confirm the current specification, advise on upgrade options, or walk through any unusual requirements for non-standard applications. Contact us with the details and we’ll come back to you promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What type of drain valve comes standard on Franklin Hodge tanks?  

Our tanks come standard with a gunmetal gate valve, chosen for corrosion resistance and reliable long-term operation. 

Why is gunmetal used for the drain valve?  

Gunmetal is a copper-based alloy that resists corrosion and scaling, which keeps the valve operable after long periods of being closed. 

Are drain valves supplied on all Franklin Hodge tanks?  

Yes, a drain valve is supplied as standard on every tank we manufacture, specified to match the application and operating conditions. 

Can drain valves be upgraded during tank refurbishment?  

Yes, drain valve condition is assessed during tank refurbishment and replaced where required as part of the wider refurbishment scope.