When it comes to water tank leakages, a single undetected crack in a tank can waste a massive amount of water. That is the source of structural damage, water loss, and potential liability, all due to one overlooked flaw. For architects, developers, and property managers, understanding tank failures is not optional but essential for protecting their projects.
This guide breaks down the technical realities of tank failures, including what causes them and how to identify problems before they escalate.
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Why Understanding Water Tank Leakage Matters
A failing water tank creates numerous problems. It not only disrupts operations but also compromises structural integrity and creates liability risks.
In multi-story residential projects, overhead tank leakage seeps into top-floor units. In industrial facilities, contaminated water stops production. For commercial complexes, visible dampness can damage their reputation and brand.
The cost extends beyond repair. There is water wastage, potential structural weakening of the building, and downtime during the repair process. Finding the right water tank leakage solution starts with understanding how and why tanks fail.
7 Types of Water Tank Leakages
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Porosity of Concrete
Porous concrete allows water to migrate through the pores via capillary action. This occurs when the concrete mix has excessive water content or inadequate cement, creating interconnected voids. Over time, continuous moisture passage weakens the concrete and initiates rebar corrosion.
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Honeycombs in Concrete
Honeycombing results from poor concrete placement practices. It creates visible voids and cavities in the concrete surface, providing direct pathways for water ingress, which significantly reduces the tank’s structural strength.
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Shrinkage Cracks in Concrete
As concrete cures, it loses moisture and contracts. Rapid drying or inadequate curing creates shrinkage cracks throughout the tank structure. While initially, these can be hairline cracks, they can widen under hydrostatic pressure and thermal stress, becoming major leakage pathways.
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Structural Leakage
This is mostly from concrete failures. Cracks develop due to flawed design, poor-quality concrete, or inadequate reinforcement. In RCC tanks, flexural cracks appear at wall-slab junctions under hydrostatic pressure. In exposed overhead tanks, temperature fluctuations create thermal stress cracks.
Structural leaks are dangerous because a small crack can progressively widen and lead to rebar corrosion and more severe damage without early intervention.
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Fitting and Joint Leakage
The weak points are often where pipes meet the tank. Inlet-outlet connections, overflow pipes, and level indicators can develop gaps or experience degradation of the sealant over time. Poor detailing during construction is a common cause here.
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Seepage Through Walls
This is not a crack, but a slow, steady migration of water through porous concrete. It is often caused by a high water-cement ratio during construction or inadequate compaction. In underground tanks, external water pressure can force moisture through the wall, making surface treatments ineffective.
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Corrosion-Induced Leakage
When the steel reinforcement inside the concrete rusts and it expands. This expansion cracks the concrete from the inside out, causing chunks to spall. This process can accelerate quickly, especially in tanks with chlorinated water or in harsh industrial or marine environments.
What Causes These Leaks?
Construction Defects
Cold joints from interrupted concrete pours, insufficient concrete over rebar, and poor curing cause microcracking.
Cracks
Structural cracks develop from inadequate design calculations, insufficient reinforcement, or excessive loading beyond design parameters. Thermal expansion cracks occur when temperature differentials create stress concentrations at corners and junctions.
Honeycombs
Honeycombing results from insufficient vibration during casting, which fails to remove entrapped air, and improper formwork that allows cement paste to leak out. Such errors create permanent weak zones in the tank structure.
Thermal Stress
Overhead tanks experience significant temperature cycles. The daily cycles of expansion and contraction cause fatigue in concrete.
Structural Settlement
Foundation movement affects tank integrity and creates unplanned bending moments.
Water pressure
Hydrostatic pressure creates constant stress. Cyclic filling and emptying weaken the tank’s strength, leading to the rise of small cracks with repeated loading.
Wear and Chemical Attack
Concrete can degrade, and the chemistry of the stored water can also affect its long-term durability. Even potable water with chlorination chemicals can affect long-term durability if concentrations are not properly monitored.
Poor Maintenance
Neglected tanks accumulate sediment and biological growth. Blocked overflow pipes cause unintended water escape. When inspections are skipped, problems go undetected until major repairs are needed.
5 Early Warning Signs of Tank Leakage
While understanding the causes helps to recognize the problems early, there are also five warning signs that demand immediate attention.
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Visible Dampness
Wet patches on walls adjacent to or below tanks indicate active leakage. It is essential to regularly inspect supporting structures for any signs of damp concrete.
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Musty Odour
Persistent dampness creates mould and mildew. Such smells signal ongoing moisture problems and indicate material degradation.
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Paint Discolouration
Wall and ceiling finishes show distress near tanks. Paint blisters and peels from moisture. Discolouration can appear as brownish stains, and damage patterns often reveal the leakage source.
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Mosquito Breeding
Stagnant water from leakage collects in low spots, providing breeding habitat. This indicates chronic leakage, with water loss lasting at least a few weeks to months.
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Unexplained Water Bills
Metered supply will show consumption spikes even without changes in usage. If occupancy remains the same but water bills rise, it may indicate a leak.
Finding the Right Water Tank Leakage Solution
Choosing the right water tank leakage solution depends on tank type and access constraints.
For comprehensive repair methods, explore our detailed guide on fixing concrete water tank leakage without draining.
POLYALK WP
- Ideal for overhead or underground water tanks
- Can be applied in moist and damp conditions
- High flexural strength and adhesion
POLYKOTE 2C
- Ideal for internal waterproofing in occupied buildings.
- Flexible, non-toxic, cementitious coating
- It is also suitable for potable water contact
Why Choose Sunanda Global for Water Leakage Solutions?
With over 45 years of expertise, Sunanda Global leads in innovation in construction chemical coatings. We invest 5% of annual revenue in R&D, focusing 60% of our efforts on LEED-compliant and eco-friendly products. We hold the unique ISO 9001:2015 certification among Indian construction chemical manufacturers.
As the best waterproofing company in India, our low-VOC, environmentally conscious water leakage solutions deliver top performance. Moreover, Sunanda Global provides full support: from technical advice to vetted partners. With us, you can expect reliable on-site execution through trusted waterproofing contractors in Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and other major cities.
Contact Sunanda Global for a free consultation on your water tank leakage and protect your infrastructure investment through lasting protection.
FAQs
Q1. What causes water tank leakage?
Water tank leakage stems from structural cracks in concrete, fitting and joint failures, seepage through porous walls, and corrosion-induced damage. Construction defects, thermal stress, foundation settlement, and poor maintenance are primary contributors.
Q2. How do I know if my water tank is leaking?
Look for visible dampness on walls near tanks, musty odours, paint discolouration or peeling, mosquito breeding around the tank area, and unexplained spikes in water bills despite unchanged usage patterns.
Q3. Can water tank leakage be fixed without draining the tank?
Yes, solutions like SUNPLEX can repair active pressurized leaks without draining. This shrinkage-compensating admixture works under hydrostatic pressure, making it ideal for emergency repairs in occupied buildings.
Q4. How long does waterproofing take for water tanks?
Waterproofing duration varies by tank size, leak severity, and chosen solution. Emergency repairs with pressure-resistant products can be completed quickly, while comprehensive treatments may require several days for proper application and curing.
