Professional Water Tank Refurbishment Company

When you are responsible for a water tank, you must ensure you take all necessary measures to keep it clean and free of bacterial growth. If you start to see signs of deterioration, it is imperative you take action immediately as this could lead to contamination and leaks, but who do you turn to in order to rectify the problem? When it comes to water tank refurbishment, the specialist team at COVAC are the number one company to call upon for a professional service.

Many believe that once a water tank shows signs of deterioration, the only viable solution is to replace the structure and that attempting to refurbish the existing tank is simply patching it up for the short term. When you choose our expert refurbishment service this simply isn’t the case and we use the very best methods and products to ensure an effective solution for the long term and back this up with a minimum 10 year guarantee.

Large Sectional Water Tank Before Repair & Relining

Large Sectional Water Tank After Repair & Relining

Before we begin the process of refurbishing a water tank, our highly trained team will carry out a thorough Risk Assessment of the tank to ensure that we are always working in full compliance with all regulations. We identify the problems that need addressing and provide the best long term solution.

There are many problems that can arise within water tanks. Often the tank substrate has no protective coating at all or if it does, it is usually a non (WRAS/DWI) approved bitumen type coating which has failed. Not only can this lead to extensive corrosion, it can also make the tank vulnerable to bacterial growth and leaking. To combat this, we use 3M™ Scotchkote™ Urethane Coating 165PW as it is the ultimate high performance coating to use when seeking a long-lasting, high quality solution and is WRAS and DWI approved for drinking and potable water.

Galvanised Water Tank Before Relining

Galvanised Water Tank After Relining

As the sole UK approved applicators of 3M™ Scotchkote™ Urethane Coating 165PW, we guarantee you the ultimate long term finished result as our knowledge of the product and application process is simply second to none.

If you would like to know more about the water tank refurbishment that COVAC are able to carry out, simply browse our website today and complete the simple contact form or give us a call.

Leaking From a Newly Installed GRP Water tank

COVAC were recently called into a University building in the north of England to survey a leaking GRP water tank that had only been installed for just over a year.  During the survey we discovered that the newly installed tank was leaking from various jointed areas on both tank compartments:

On inspection it was discovered that the initial tensioning of the panel fixings varied from loose to hand tight  and that the mastic used between the panels had already started to deteriorate and this, combined with the excessive structural movement of the plastic tank had led to leaking of the tank from these jointed areas.

Due to the poor quality of the existing mastic and substandard initial installation, COVAC recommended that the water tank fixings should be correctly tensioned and the internal of the tank fully relined incorporating specialist materials over the joints to prevent any future leaking.  As the one year guarantee from the manufacturer/ installer had just expired the Client gratefully accepted COVAC’s advice and we undertook the project issuing a full ten year guarantee on our labour and materials used upon completion.

Water Tank Coating Applicators

COVAC are specialists in the supply and application of a water tank coating as a protective method to help stop corrosion and erosion. It doesn’t matter what size your water tank is, we can provide a long term solution to help maintain your water retaining structures in prime condition. Our teams are all highly qualified and ensure that all work we complete is finished to the highest standards leaving our clients completely satisfied with our service.
We have a wealth of knowledge in this industry and having repaired many tanks throughout our 15 years in business, we know how important it is to use a cost effective, guaranteed solution for the coating of your water tank.

Problems can occur in all water tanks. Regardless of material it is manufactured from, each substrate has its own unique and common problems:

Steel:

Corrosion which provides food for micro aquatic bacterial growth (including Legionella), Pseudomonas and Biofilm. Larger, sectional tanks also suffer from a breakdown of the mastic used to join the panels together causing serious leaks.  If steel tanks have any coating/lining at all it is usually a non (WRAS/DWI) approved bitumen or a failed rubber/butyl type liner. See link below for more detailed information:-
http://www.covac.co.uk/metal-steel-tanks.php

GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic):

Black spore fungi and micro aquatic bacterial growth, even with regular cleaning, eventually breaks down the original gel coating of the substrate (sometimes in a matter of months) leading to osmotic blistering and fine cracks which in turn hide and protect further prolific bacterial growth.  Most GRP water tanks are made up in sectional panels and as with steel tanks, the mastic used for sealing the joints breaks down leading to extensive leaking.  Another common factor is corrosion, not of the substrate but the steel fastenings, bracings and bolts holding the panels together.  See link below for more detailed information:-
http://www.covac.co.uk/glass-reinforced-plastic-tanks.php

Concrete:

Over time, all unprotected concrete will absorb water and cause erosion of the substrate leading to blow holes and exposed aggregate.  An early sign of this is rust staining leaching through the concrete from the steel reinforcing bars.  Temperature changes will also cause the absorbed water in the substrate to expand and contract causing cracks, all these conditions are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.  Underground concrete tanks can also suffer from ingress of untreated ground water and potential contamination.  See link below for more detailed information:-
http://www.covac.co.uk/concrete-tanks-and-reservoirs.php

Spray Application

Large Concrete Tank Inspection

All of these problems can be eliminated with our water tank coating service, giving you a cost effective solution by maintaining rather than replacing your tank with the added benefit of a minimum 10 year guarantee. Our 3M Scotchkote Urethane Coating 165PW has been proven to be resistant against the growth of bacteria and will help to prevent any corrosion on your water tank. This coating has excellent elongation properties allowing it to accommodate the structural movement of all water tanks and will leave your tank with a smooth, tough yet easy clean finish. By using this coating, you will reduce the risk of contamination and increase the lifespan of your water tank.

If you would like further information or a no obligation site survey regarding water tank coating, get in touch with us at COVAC where we can offer you a professional and reliable service using the very best water tank coating in the industry.

Steps to Avoid Water Tank Replacement

When you are responsible for a water tank, it is prudent to do all you can to ensure its longevity and compliancy so that water tank replacement will not be necessary. Here at COVAC, we are committed to providing our customers with long term solutions that ensure water tanks remain in full working condition. If you are worried that your water tank may not be protected against the factors that cause deterioration and leaking, please read on as we take you through the necessary steps to avoid costly and time consuming replacement.

It is a common misconception that replacing older water tanks is the only solution to deterioration and leaking, but in fact we are finding that more and more of our business is repairing and relining newer water tanks, some of which are only a few months old.  Replacement GRP water tanks, for instance, often only usually come with a 1 year guarantee (if any) and when problems develop after this time further cost and inconvenience is incurred having the problems rectified.  Water tanks manufactured in steel concrete or GRP repaired and relined by our specialist teams are issued with a minimum 10 year guarantee which covers erosion, corrosion and leakage.

18 month old GRP tank. Mould growth and leaking

18 month old GRP tank. Mould growth and leaking.

Ensuring your water tank is cleaned regularly and chlorinated appropriately forms only a part of ensuring a healthy environment for water within the tank; the process of providing hygienic water and avoiding water tank replacement begins with a high quality coating.

As the UK supplier and 3M approved applicator of 3M™ Scotchkote™ Urethane Coating 165PW, we provide a product and service unrivalled by our competitors. Since developing this innovative coating, our customers have seen fantastic results that have led to avoiding the costly replacement of their water tank whether it is manufactured in steel, concrete or GRP.

Repaired and relined with a 10 yr guarantee

Easy clean, durable finish with a 10 yr guarantee

Once 3M™ Scotchkote™ Urethane Coating 165PW has been applied, cleaning and maintaining is much easier as it forms a smooth and highly durable finish ensuring a safe environment within the tank and promoting hygienic water for the years ahead.

Fully repaired and relined with a 10 yr guarantee

Choosing COVAC to carry out a full assessment is the perfect step towards avoiding the costly replacement of your existing water tank. Our experience and expertise means we are able to provide you with accurate information as to the action you need to take; we will always repair and reline a water tank and offer a minimum 10 year guarantee as opposed to suggesting replacement water tank wherever possible.

If you would like to know more about how to avoid water tank replacement, browse our website today and discover the options available to you.

Applications of Cooling Tower Refurbishment Products

Untreated cooling towers can pose potential, serious health risks. Because cooling towers are used to transfer heat waste into the atmosphere, it is vitally important that the tower is regularly maintained to reduce the risk of contamination to people within the surrounding areas. Here at COVAC we specialise in professional cooling tower refurbishment complete with a minimum 10 year guarantee against future leaking and corrosion to give you peace of mind that your company are not jeopardising the health of the local community via your cooling tower.

Such are the growing health and safety concerns regarding the serious implications of untreated cooling tower use, the government have introduced legislation designed to encourage companies to ensure the safe operation of maintained and sufficiently treated cooling towers in order to reduce potential health risks.

Health and safety concerns can arise from a cooling tower that does not have a professionally coated internal surface. Many cooling towers are often coated in non-approved (WRAS/DWI) paint such as bitumen or epoxy. These coatings can provide minimal levels of chemical resistance and corrosion is inevitable.

The internal steel substrates of the cooling tower are at genuine risk of progressive corrosion with continued use and micro aquatic bacterial growth soon occurs inside the cooling tower. One common bacteria that can be found within cooling towers is Legionella – the bacteria that causes the potentially fatal Legionnaires disease.

Legionella bacteria are common in natural water courses such as rivers and ponds. Since legionella are widespread in the environment, they may contaminate and grow in other water systems such as cooling towers and hot and cold water services. They survive low temperatures and thrive at temperatures between 20-45°C if the conditions are right, e.g. if a supply of nutrients is present such as rust, sludge, scale, algae and other bacteria.

When water carrying heat waste passes through the contaminated cooling tower, potentially deadly bacterium is carried through and transferred into the atmosphere posing a serious risk to the welfare of people living and working in the surrounding areas.

At COVAC we can help you to maintain your cooling tower to ensure you are not putting lives at risk. Our specialists can refurbish your cooling tower using the specially formulated 3M™ Scotchkote™ Urethane Coating 165PW. This WRAS and DWI approved solvent-free technology provides a long-lasting cooling tower coating with an easy clean, ceramic tile-like finish, meaning that future cleaning and maintenance is much easier and quicker thus preventing the build up of the nutrients that feed the potentially fatal bacteria.

If you would like to learn more about our professional cooling tower refurbishment services, please don’t hesitate to call our team at COVAC today on 08000 484609.

Cooling Tower Refurbishment with Guarantee

When a problem occurs within your cooling tower that requires expert attention, you need assurance that the refurbishment work carried out will not only initially restore the tower to optimum conditions, but will also provide a superior level of protection for the years ahead. The best way to ensure this is by choosing a company that offers a guarantee on the service and product they provide, which is why COVAC are the very best team to call upon for cooling tower refurbishment.

As the solely approved applicator for 3M™ Scotchkote™ Urethane Coating 165PW, we are industry leaders in the refurbishment of many different types of cooling towers. This is fully backed by the long term guarantee we issue on completion of the project, a guarantee that is completely endorsed by 3M.

The most common problem we encounter with cooling towers is extensive corrosion, even if an existing coating is evident. Coatings such as bitumen and epoxy are frequently found within cooling towers, both of which are non-approved (WRAS / DWI) and do not possess the chemical resistance or elongation properties required for the long term protection of a cooling tower.

The initial aesthetic difference we can make to your cooling tower can be seen for yourself through our extensive ‘before and after’ photos located within our website. These images highlight the level of proficiency we are able to work to so when coupled with our long term guarantee, you can rest assured the services we provide are simply second to none.

The 3M™ Scotchkote™ Urethane Coating 165PW coating we apply carries a host of advantages to cooling towers. Not only is it a solvent free technology which reduces the environmental impact, but it also benefits from a high degree of flexibility, long life performance and has an easy clean, tile like finish.

If you would like to know more about the cooling tower refurbishment we are able to provide complete with a long term, 3M approved, guarantee, simply browse our website today and discover the many benefits of making us your preferred choice.

Durable Cooling Tower Refurbishment

It is of paramount importance to ensure that the interior surface of cooling towers is both clean and bacteria free to reduce the risks of Legionella contamination. At COVAC our professional team of experts can provide reliable and efficient cooling tower refurbishment in order to ensure your cooling towers are in the best possible condition and are easy to clean during future maintenance.

Even if the cooling tower has an existing coating it may not have the chemical resistance or elongation properties required and we often see existing coatings delaminating from the substrate leaving it vulnerable to further corrosion and contamination. The internal surfaces of cooling towers can also come into direct contact with chemicals that pass through it making the internal substrate even more susceptible to corrosion and subsequent deterioration.

If this corrosion is neglected, eventually the internal steel surface will be at risk of progressive corrosion that will lead to the growth of micro aquatic bacteria such as Legionella. We are all now under legal obligation to ensure that we adhere to regulations set in the practical guidance of ACOP L8, designed to prevent such contaminations from spreading from the surfaces of cooling towers.

Another ongoing problem with cooling towers is the mastic between the joints which, over time, begins to deteriorate and lose its elasticity and this, coupled with the movement associated with this type of structure, can cause leaks that can be catastrophic.

With the pressure of eradicating such serious dangers in mind, it is vitally important that you seek the services of a professional team like the one in operation at COVAC, to provide efficient and reliable cooling tower repairs and refurbishment.

COVAC are the only UK supplier and approved applicator of 3M™ Scotchkote™ Urethane Coating 165PW, a solution designed to protect interior surfaces of cooling towers from corrosion. This industry approved solution is proven to resist the growth of micro aquatic bacteria and has excellent elongation properties to cope with structural movement, whilst providing a long life performance and minimal maintenance solution.

For further information about the range of professional services we can provide at COVAC, including our reliable cooling tower refurbishment that incorporates industry approved solutions, contact our team today on 08000 484609.

Water Tank Repair Approved Applicators

Your water tank requires careful maintenance from industry professionals to ensure it remains in full working condition and complies with the latest water regulation guidelines. If you are looking for a supplier of such maintenance, it is important you choose a professional team that are fully approved to carry out the necessary work, which is why we at COVAC are the ideal choice. As the UK’s only approved applicator for 3M™ Scotchkote™ Urethane Coating 165PW, you can rest assured the water tank repair we carry out is second to none.

Our commitment to the industry has resulted in a reputation for superior customer service and a finished result that never fails to impress. We work diligently to ensure your water tank is restored to its prime condition, giving you peace of mind for many years to come.

The skill we possess is highlighted in our many affiliations and accreditations and further to being the only UK approved applicator for 3M™ Scotchkote™ Urethane Coating 165PW, we are proud to have attained the Platinum Award from the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) meaning that over 90% of our workforce work under this scheme (100% of our workforce on site carry CSCS cards). Additionally, we have met the criteria and have been entered onto the Utilities Vendor Database, Achilles and the UK register of pre-qualified construction services, Constructionline.

3M™ Scotchkote™ Urethane Coating 165PW carries a host of benefits to those seeking to repair their water tank; it has a long life performance with minimal maintenance required and provides a level of flexibility ideal for coping with structural movement. The coating employs solvent free technology whilst providing excellent adhesion to steel, concrete and glass reinforced plastic (GRP).

As the only approved applicator of the coating, choosing us as your provider of water tank repair gives you immediate access to the economic, environmental and technical benefits of the product with the knowledge that it has been professionally applied by official specialists.

If you would like to know more about the benefits of choosing the skilled and approved team here at COVAC for your water tank repair, simply browse our website today for a wealth of further information or call one of our friendly team on 08000 484609.

M&S Gift Vouchers Giveaway to Celebrate COVAC’s 15th Anniversary

To  celebrate 15 very successful years in business COVAC are offering M&S vouchers worth £50 for every new quotation request received during the month of September that develops into an order.

COVAC were established in September 1996 with a clear goal in mind;

“to provide a long term anti-corrosion / erosion system for water retaining structures which provides a clean environment for the water to be stored, whilst helping maintain a high degree of water quality”.

Over a thousand projects later this is still the prime objective of the company.

Adrian Emmett and Craig Phillips are the co-founders of COVAC and first met during their engineering apprenticeships at Jaguar Cars in the early eighties.  With a common interest in maintenance, they formed COVAC in 1996 in order to provide an unsurpassed service focusing on the repair and relining of water tanks.

Adrian in 1996

Craig in 1996

Fifteen years later and with over forty years between them in their chosen field, their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm has inspired the equally dedicated management team, administration staff, site supervisors and technical operatives.

Adrian Emmett said “We strongly believe that our Company excels not purely because of the excellent service that we offer but also because we genuinely enjoy what we do, every project has its own challenges and we strive to meet these demands whilst still offering real value for money and long term guarantees”.

COVAC

To qualify for the M&S vouchers please quote ‘COVAC15’ when requesting a quotation either by telephone or through our website.

Alternatives to Water Tank Replacement

If your company’s water tank is damaged or contaminated before looking into water tank replacement which can prove to be an unnecessary and expensive option, consider a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.

Leaking GRP Tank

Often, Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) replacement tanks are thought of as the ideal solution. At  COVAC, we know that whilst Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) is widely used in water tanks, it has many more problems than benefits, in fact, a large percentage of our business is relining GRP tanks that are often only a couple of years old.. GRP has been proven to promote bacterial growth, which in turn leads to various problems in a very short space of time.

Leaking GRP Tank

Despite continual cleaning and chlorination of GRP tanks, bacteria can continue to multiply in air-filled cavities and cracks in the lining that are often undetected. Soon bacteria develop into an acidic chemical which then bursts, contaminating the water within the tank. This contamination not only leaves the water bitter tasting, but can also be toxic.  Consequently, GRP is not approved or recommended by the Drinking Water Inspectorate for drinking water storage tanks.

Leaking GRP Tank- Plant Room Floor

A further problem with GRP tanks is corrosion of the steel fastenings that hold tank panels together which, in turn, leads to contamination and possible leaking. But, the major cause of leaking with GRP water tanks is the deterioration of the mastic used between GRP tank panels and the results of this are often disastrous.

GRP Tank- Failed Mastic

At COVAC we are the only UK suppliers and approved applicators of 3M Scotchkote Urethane Coating 165PW; a material specifically formulated for water tank coating and relining. Relining your water tank with our specifically designed coating is a cost-effective solution to water tank problems that we highly recommend.

Failed Mastic on GRP Tank

The main reason for adopting the use of this specifically developed material when re-lining a damaged tank is because 3M Scotchkote Urethane Coating 165PW has been proven to resist bacterial growth, preventing any of these major problems from occurring. It has a ceramic, tile-like finish making it easy to clean and maintain, but also has extremely high elongation properties which means it will accommodate the structural movement of the tank and the mastic between the joints.

GRP Tank Fully Coated with 165PW

So before considering water tank replacement, don’t hesitate to contact the COVAC team as we are more than happy to offer you advice as well as a free, no obligation quote. Contact us on 08000 484609 for further information.

GRP Tank Fully Coated

Repaired and Relined using 165PW