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Repairing a slow leak on a stainless water tank

  • April 19, 2013 8:37 AM
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    Message # 1272946
    Deleted user

    Prior to reinstalling the stainless water tanks that came with our W32 I leaked tested them and there was no indication of a problem.. Of course the moment I installed them one of the tanks had a small leak. Visually the tanks look vey good with no indication of corrosion.

    I would like to know if any of the members know of a  product similar to a caulk that will allow running a large bead of material over the seams on the bottom of the tank to stop and prevent any future leaks. The product will have to be approved for potable water tanks.
  • April 19, 2013 10:52 AM
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    Reply # 1273039 on 1272946
    Anonymous member
    J-B Water Weld is widely available.  http://www.jbweld.com/product/j-b-waterweld/  The web site specifically mentions potable water tanks.

    Remove your tanks so that you can see the leaks.  Warm the water weld in your hand to soften it. Then press it hard with your thumb and you can force it into even pinpoint size leaks.   Works on wet surfaces and even under water.

    I always carry J-B Water Weld and a wax ring for seating toilets for emergency hull repairs.  Small, compact, and cheap, both of them.

    Good Luck



  • April 19, 2013 11:28 AM
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    Reply # 1273090 on 1272946
    Kevin Donahue

    I don't know if it's approved, but I have solved the same issue successfully with 3M5200.  It's sorta my duct tape in a tube.  The surface has to be clean and dry when you apply it but it can be pressed into small cracks and along broken weld seams.  It takes a few days to completely dry/set, but once it's set its there for life.  The last tank I used it on is still holding water after almost 15 years.

    Kevin
  • April 20, 2013 2:57 PM
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    Reply # 1273631 on 1272946
    Anonymous member
    Be careful, I found the following.  "Just found out that the FDA does not approve 3M 5200 for any potable water applications"  on the site http://www.koi-bito.com/forum/pond-construction/8106-tank-water-leak-repair.html
  • April 22, 2013 5:06 PM
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    Reply # 1275271 on 1272946
    Deleted user
    I am looking for a product that comes in a cartridge and can be gunned along the length of the seam. One of the sites I looked at said there is NSF approved silicone suitable for potable water.
  • April 26, 2013 9:21 AM
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    Reply # 1279453 on 1272946
    Anonymous member
    My experience is that silicone does not stick very well, and is soft so it will easily wear and tear.  An epoxy putty would work better.

    Chris, I also sent you an email.
  • July 10, 2013 9:17 PM
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    Reply # 1337873 on 1272946
    Deleted user
    If your water tanks are made of stainless steel they will eventually leak because the sheet metal will "pit". Have someone weld a plastic tank for you. KelTech in Tacoma Washington will fabricate one for you. I have not done one yet, but had that pitting problem too. My next drinking water tanks will also have inspection ports built in to clean out the crud. I pulled my tank out from underneath the cabin sole where I had them foamed in (mistake- Stanless Steel has to "breathe"). What kind of epoxy does the Rheem water heater manufacturer use for their home water heater ? Their glass fiber and epoxy tanks are FDA approved and have a 50 year warranty but are very pricey. I would never make one out of Poly Esther resin unless one wants to get poisoned by the "Poly Esther mite".
  • July 12, 2013 3:01 PM
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    Reply # 1339186 on 1272946
    Anonymous member
    My supplier of rotationally molded polyethylene tanks made a mold to the exact dimensions of the original Westsail 32 water tanks.  I have probably purchased 300 or 400 of them in the past 20 years for Westsail owners.  Have not heard of a problem with them.  They are made from food grade polyethylene, the same as used in some of your milk and water bottles, except about 3/8" thick. Each tank weighs about 35 lbs.

    They can put in cleanout ports if requested.  And the price is much lower than having a tank custom fabricated, considering the labor involved.
  • July 13, 2013 5:07 AM
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    Reply # 1339398 on 1272946
    Anonymous member
    I will attest to the quality of Bud's water tanks.  I replaced the original tanks 9-10 years ago when I bought my W32 with Bud's and they still look new today.

    Plus, the advantage of food grade polyethylene is there is no 'flavor additives'
    Last modified: July 13, 2013 5:11 AM | Anonymous member
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