CAUSES OF LEAKING WWTP TANKS

Wastewater treatment tanks are in constant contact with water and corrosive chemicals, so leaks are a fairly common problem. Effective treatment starts with identifying the real cause.

Common causes

• Honeycombed, insufficiently dense concrete from poor pouring and compaction
• Cracks from shrinkage, differential settlement or load changes
• Construction joints and pipe penetrations through tank walls that were not sealed
• Concrete corroded by chemicals and H2S gas, weakening the surface layer and exposing reinforcement
• Old waterproofing that has peeled or deteriorated after long immersion

How the survey is done

Technicians check the leak location, the water source, the condition of concrete and reinforcement, cracks, joints and pipe penetrations. From this they determine whether the leak comes from the concrete or from details, and only then choose a method.

Treatment approach

• Remove weak concrete and patch with repair mortar
• Stop active leaks with fast-setting mortar
• Inject cracks that carry water
• Apply penetrating crystalline waterproofing to concrete tanks under constant water

If the tank is exposed to strong chemical attack, an additional specialist protective coating may be needed. The specific approach is decided only after a survey.

Real experience

ANTINCORP waterproofed and repaired the MEN CHUEN factory wastewater tanks covering 4,320 m². See also the Projects page and the Waterproofing page.

Frequently asked questions

For the crystalline solution see PENETRON materials; featured project: MEN CHUEN WWTP tanks, 4,320 m².

See also