Relining a water tank is not a job you want to do twice. A good lining protects a tank for years, but a poor one can start peeling long before it should. More often than not, the difference comes down to who you hire.
Price matters, of course. However, a cheap quote soon becomes expensive if the lining fails or the tank stays out of action for weeks. Before you appoint a water tank relining contractor, ask these eight questions.
Checking the Credentials of a Water Tank Relining Contractor
1. Are your lining materials WRAS approved?
Because it will be in contact with drinking water, any lining must meet the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. Ask for proof that the system carries WRAS approval before work starts.
2. Have you worked on this type of tank before?
GRP, galvanised steel and concrete tanks all need different preparation. A corroded steel tank, for example, needs a very different approach to a leaking sectional GRP tank. Look for someone who knows your type of tank well.
3. What accreditations and insurance do you hold?
Schemes such as SafeContractor show that a company takes health and safety seriously. Also check they hold suitable public liability insurance, since their team will be working inside your building.
4. Will you survey the tank before quoting?
A reliable quote starts with a site visit. Without one, a contractor is only guessing at the condition of the tank and the access involved. Phone quotes also have a habit of growing once the job begins.
Questions About the Relining Work Itself
5. How will you keep water running during the work?
Relining means taking the tank out of service for a period. So ask how the contractor will keep your building supplied in the meantime. That could mean working on one compartment at a time or booking the work out of hours. Our guide to minimising downtime during water tank relining covers this in more detail.
6. How do you manage Legionella risk?
Draining and refilling a tank can encourage bacteria if a contractor cuts corners. A good water tank relining contractor will clean and disinfect the system before it goes back into use, in line with the HSE’s ACOP L8. If they cannot explain how, treat that as a warning sign.
7. What does your warranty cover?
A long guarantee sounds reassuring, but the small print matters more than the number of years. Check whether it covers materials, workmanship or both. Our article on what’s included in a tank relining warranty explains what to look for.
8. Can you show me similar projects?
An experienced contractor should have plenty of finished jobs to show you. Ask for case studies or references from buildings similar to yours, whether that is a hospital, hotel or school.
Final Thoughts
The right water tank relining contractor will welcome these questions. If a company gives vague answers or rushes you into a decision, keep looking.
At Echo Square, we are always happy to talk clients through the process, from the first survey to the final handover. Get in touch with our team to arrange a free site survey and a clear written quote.