A Guide to Buying Used Fiberglass Tanks
If you have any experience in handling or using fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks, you’ll know that they are highly durable and have a long service life. This makes them a great choice for secondhand use. Not to mention you can get used FRP tanks for a fraction of the cost of new ones.
However, if you’re in the market for used fiberglass tanks, it’s imperative to do your homework so you get exactly what you need without making compromises. For example, if a secondhand tank was used to store fertilizer, it’s probably good for storing fertilizer. If a turf company is selling a used FRP tank that was used to store pesticide, it makes sense to buy it for a turf operation. In other words, it’s recommended you buy used fiberglass tanks that have contained the same materials you intend on storing and using.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Before you settle on any particular fiberglass tank, make sure to ask the seller the following questions:
- What material or substance did tank hold before?
- Did it hold the material you intend to use it for?
- Is the manufacturer’s sticker still attached to the tank? If it is, make sure you call the manufacturer to get information on the tank.
- What resin was used to make the tank? In other words, what material is it made of?
- Can the inside of the tank be examined by taking the man-way off?
- What are the estimates for necessary repairs?
Inspect Used Tanks Carefully
Before making a purchase, you should thoroughly inspect the exterior and the interior of the used tanks. Here are some common issues you should be looking out for:
- Broken baffles inside the tank.
- Improperly repaired leaks.
- Both obvious and subtle cracks.
- Fiberglass itself being easily visible.
- Top or bottom seams of the tank separating from the sidewalls.
- Absence of gel coating to protect against UV damage.
Another important issue you need to consider is whether, or how much of, the stored material itself has penetrated the resin of the tank walls. It would prove risky to purchase a tank that was used to store 2,4-D herbicide if you plan on using it in your nursery or horticultural business. A good rule of thumb is to remember that the odds of a used FRP tank being suitable for your application decrease when it was originally used in another industry.
If you’ve bought a used fiberglass tank, it’s advisable to let professionals take a look and make recommendations with respect to tank and pipe inspection and repair.
We are a premium fiberglass tank repair, installation, and inspection service provider based in Lake City, FL. Our team of experts will conduct a thorough inspection of your tank and make any necessary repairs so that it’s as good as new.
Get in touch with us today for more information or call us at (386) 758-0057.
Learn more about fiberglass containments