When it comes to keeping water tanks clean and compliant, access is everything. Whether for routine inspections or emergency repairs, being able to reach the inside of a tank is crucial. But do all water tanks have an access hatch?
In short, no, not all tanks come with one as standard. But having a water tank access hatch or inspection hatch is often essential, especially if you’re following UK regulations around hygiene and safety. Below, we’ll explain why they matter, what to do if your tank doesn’t have one and how Covac can help.
What Is a Water Tank Access Hatch?
A water tank access hatch is a dedicated opening that allows entry into the internal space of a water tank. It’s typically built into the top or side of the tank and is designed to let engineers or inspectors safely look inside and, when needed, physically access the tank’s interior.
Sometimes you’ll also hear the term water tank inspection hatch. This term can be used by many interchangeably, but it may also just refer to a smaller opening intended for visual checks rather than full entry. Both serve the same goal: making it easier to maintain the condition of your tank and the quality of the stored water.
Whether you’re dealing with a GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) tank or a sectional steel tank, access hatches make inspections, cleaning and refurbishment much more straightforward.
Are Access Hatches Required on All Water Tanks?
Not every tank is manufactured with an access or inspection hatch. Older tanks may lack them entirely. However, for industrial tanks, the presence of an access hatch is highly recommended. They are also often necessary to remain compliant with UK health and safety regulations.
Guidance such as HSG274 Part 2 and ACOP L8 from the Health and Safety Executive stress the importance of regular tank inspections as part of a Legionella risk management plan. Without an access point, these inspections become far more difficult, if not impossible.
In many cases, facilities managers choose to retrofit an access hatch to meet modern compliance standards. It’s also a common upgrade when tanks are refurbished or relined.
Why Access and Inspection Hatches Are Important
Why are access hatches such a big deal? Here’s what they help with:
1. Regular Inspections
Visual and physical inspections are key to identifying risks like corrosion, biological growth or stagnation. Hatches make it easy to carry out checks without dismantling the tank.
2. Legionella Control
Legionella bacteria can thrive in poorly maintained tanks. UK guidance requires tanks to be regularly inspected and cleaned to reduce this risk. Access hatches are vital for proper monitoring under ACOP L8 and HSG274.
3. Safe Cleaning and Refurbishment
Without a hatch, cleaning inside the tank becomes significantly harder and may even pose safety risks. A secure access point allows Covac’s engineers to work safely and effectively.
4. Longevity of Your Tank
Access allows for early detection of faults, cracks or internal damage. Spotting issues early means less downtime, fewer repairs and a longer lifespan for your tank.
What If My Water Tank Doesn’t Have an Access Hatch?
If your tank doesn’t currently have an access hatch, don’t worry. There are safe, WRAS-compliant options available.
At Covac, we offer retrofitting solutions to install a high-quality access or inspection hatch. Our engineers assess your tank and carefully install the hatch without compromising the structural integrity of the unit. It’s a smart, future-proof upgrade that brings your system in line with modern standards.
Without an access hatch, maintenance often becomes reactive. You’re waiting for a fault before acting. This is costly and unsafe. With one installed, you can switch to a proactive maintenance approach, which is more cost-effective and reliable in the long run.
How Covac Can Help with Access Hatches and Inspections
At Covac, we’ve worked on hundreds of water tanks across the UK. From small sectional GRP tanks to large-scale commercial systems, we understand how to keep them safe, compliant and built to last.
Our services include:
- Installing and retrofitting water tank access hatches
- Carrying out internal inspections
- Refurbishment and relining using WRAS-approved coatings
All work is completed by our highly experienced engineers. Because we use WRAS-approved materials, you can be confident your tank meets all current water safety requirements.
Get in Touch With Covac
Not all water tanks come with an access hatch, but having one makes a big difference. Whether for compliance or ease of maintenance, access and water tank inspection hatches are a smart investment.
If you’re unsure whether your tank has one, or if it’s time for an inspection, get in touch with Covac.
Our team can assess your tank and recommend the best way to improve access, safety and long-term performance.
Call us or request a quote online to speak to one of our experts today.
