T&T: Stainless Steel Fresh Water Tanks

[Rudy and Jill Sechez]

Hi Michel-
 
One product that I've seen and have used, on stainless steel water tanks, with
great results is called MicroSeal (Rome, NY, 315-337-2720).  A brush on
product with long lasting results... just reading about it doesn't do it
justice.  What constantly amazes me is how big the hole can be and still be
sealed with this product.
 
With this product you do need access to the inside of the tank, at least in
the area of the leak, but it can be sprayed, rolled, or brushed. 
 
Other products may also work well, particularly some of the epoxy formulas. 
Howvever, one advantage that the MicroSeal product has is that you can apply
it to the entire inside of the tank, preventing other almost-ready-to-leak
holes from giving you problems.
 
If the tanks are difficult to gain access to, starting off with an "easier"
approach may very well work and if not, not much is lost and you can then
progress to a more difficult or more costly approach.
 
The welds may not have failed because of the flexing of the tank.  Stainless
steel welds will have carbon that migrates to the surface of the weld, even if
low carbon rods are used and the tank is purged during the welding process. 
The carbon then rusts which then can result in a hole and a leak.  So
rewelding the tank may not necessarily solve the problem in the long run
either.
 
Good luck.
 
Rudy and Jill Sechez
Briney Bug, Port St Joe, Fl.