How often should steel tank interiors with corrosion protection be inspected?

Steel tank interiors that have corrosion protection need to be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that the protective measures remain effective. The frequency of these inspections is crucial because it helps identify potential deterioration or failures in the corrosion protection system that could lead to tank failure or contamination of the stored water.

Inspections every five years are recommended as this timeline strikes a balance between the necessary vigilance for maintenance and the practical aspects of scheduling. Regular inspections can help catch issues early, allowing for timely repairs that can extend the life of the tank and maintain water quality standards.

Longer intervals, such as every 7 or 10 years, may not provide adequate oversight and could risk undetected corrosion damage, while inspecting every 3 years might be excessive in terms of resource allocation for facilities with stable and well-maintained corrosion protection systems. Thus, a five-year interval is established as the standard to ensure effective monitoring without unnecessary frequency.