Testing a Tank for Leaks

First up you need someplace that is level, flat, not in anyone's way and that it won't be a problem if/when the tank leaks. Outside on a patio, path or driveway works well. Just make sure that the spot you pick has no harmful pesticides, detergents or cleaners of any kind.

NEVER just put a tank down somewhere and fill it. Always remember to sit the tank on its foam sheet to avoid tank stress which will result in glass cracking. (Yep been there, done that...)

Step 1: For the purpose of water testing a tank I set the foam up on a flat piece of concrete, lie an old white towel over it, then sit the tank on top, making sure that the tank is flush with the foam sheet underneath.

Step 2: Fill the tank till quarter full. Then dry off the glass on the outside.

*The idea here is to fill the tank in stages to reduce mess and possible structural damage*

At this stage I also add a healthy amount of food colouring to the water in the tank. (Blue works the best) That way when the tank starts leaking I can 1) see exactly where, from the colour of the towel or 2) can see water beads running down the joins.

This is the time I also grab my black texta marker and draw a line where the current water level is, and write the day and time.

Let the tank sit for 24 hours at a quarter full, checking on it occasionally.

*Remember some leaks are slow so have patience*

**If you do happen to find any leaks at any stage, mark the spot with the black texta marker and stop the testing process**

Step 3: If the tank is still not leaking add water till the tank is half full. Dry off the glass and mark in the new water line with the texta. Continue checking on the tank over the next 24 hours.

Step 4: If the tank is still not leaking add water till the tank is three quarters full, drying off the glass and marking in the new water line. Continue checking on the tank over the next 24 hours.

Step 5: If the tank is STILL not leaking fill the tank to full. Dry off the glass, add the new water line in texta and let sit for a couple of days.

__________________________

By doing the tank testing this way, we have dual visual confirmation of a tank leak, by watching the water line over time and colouration of the white towel underneath AND we didn't unduly stress the tank or waste water ;)

If the tank didn't leak after all of this - congratulations!

If it did leak you have to decide whether to repair it or replace it.

Here is a pic of a tank I recently tested - I had run out of blue food colouring so used green instead - unfortunately the colour barely showed up on the towel.