How Do I Repair a Fiberglass Water Tank?

Fiberglass has been used in the construction of water tanks for many years. The fiberglass is light and durable and will not rust. It also mitigates the potential for particles from the tank to enter the water and cause health and plumbing problems. A fiberglass water tank can become cracked, requiring repair. The repair is accomplished most efficiently using a fiberglass repair kit. The kit is purchased from most hardware or home improvement stores for around $15.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Fiberglass repair kit
• Coffee can
• Scissors
• Paint brush

Instructions

1. Stop the flow of water into the tank by turning off the shutoff valve on the supply side of the tank. If you can not find the shutoff, turn off the main water shutoff for the house.

2. Empty the water tank by fastening a garden hose to the bleed-out valve at the bottom of the tank and turning on the valve. Run the garden hose into the closest drain. Allow the tank to dry out thoroughly before attempting the repair. Overnight is ideal, but allow at least two or three hours.

3. Cut the fabric that came with the fiberglass repair kit into three strips slightly larger than the damaged area on the tank. Cut the fabric with scissors.

4. Pour the epoxy from the kit into a coffee can and add the hardening agent per the instructions on the kit.

5. Cover the damaged area with a coat of the epoxy mixture using a paint brush. Place a piece of the fabric on the area. Ensure that the fabric lays flat and completely covers the damaged area.

6. Brush on another coat of epoxy over the fabric. Lay the second and third piece of fabric on the damaged area, brushing on a coat of epoxy on top of each piece. Allow the epoxy to dry 24 hours to ensure it has a chance to harden. Close the bleed-out valve and open the shutoff valve and allow the tank to refill.