Tank Cleaning 101: Signs Your Tank Needs Service Before It Becomes an Emergency

If you own or manage an industrial facility, you know that preventing workplace complications is essential. This means having the proper tools, streamlining processes, and managing waste appropriately. At Sun Environmental Corp., our team of trained professionals is ready to help, offering industrial tank cleaning and other comprehensive environmental services in New York state, the Greater Philadelphia area, and beyond. Here, we explore the signs your tank needs cleaning, how it works, and how proactive maintenance prevents emergencies.

Key Takeaways

Industrial facilities, including manufacturing plants, oil refineries, and factories, rely on specialized tanks to store waste and other materials until they are ready for proper disposal
These tanks require regular cleaning by highly trained professionals to keep them working effectively and to help avoid major issues
Tank cleaning involves evaluation, preparation, and thorough cleaning
The team of experts at Sun Environmental Corp. have the tools, training, and equipment needed to manage industrial tank cleaning jobs

What Is Industrial Tank Cleaning?

Industrial storage tank cleaning is a service that thoroughly cleans these tanks, helping ensure long-term use and preventing damage that could affect the tank, the surrounding environment, and employees.

Industrial facilities generate large amounts of waste. This happens through the company’s manufacturing processes, which may result in debris or waste materials. In many cases, these facilities have large storage tanks that house these materials until they are ready to be disposed of. These tanks come in several different styles, including above-ground storage tanks (ASTs), underground storage tanks (USTs) that are buried nearby, and oil-water separators.

Tank cleaning services are useful for a wide range of industrial settings, including:

Manufacturing plants
Oil refineries
Processing plants
Power plants
Pharmaceutical facilities
Municipalities and government facilities
Food and beverage processing plants
Water treatment facilities

What Does the Tank Cleaning Process Typically Include?

The industrial tank cleaning process may vary based on the scope of the project, but professionals will typically start by evaluating your tank and any other necessary areas to develop a plan. They will then isolate the tank to permit access. This means the space will be separated from other equipment, requiring the removal of lines, pipes, and ducts and the disconnection of mechanical linkages to ensure safety.

Once the tank is ready for access, professionals will put on protective gear and use specialized industrial tank cleaning equipment, including vacuum systems, high-pressure hoses, and chemical cleaners, to remove the contents and clear the space of stubborn materials that might create problems if left unaddressed. In some cases, they may need to enter a confined space to manually clean. Once cleaning is complete, waste will be taken away and disposed of properly, leaving you with a clean slate.

Why Do Tanks Need to Be Cleaned?

You might think your tank is perfectly fine if it hasn’t broken down. However, routine maintenance, regular inspections, and cleanings can help prevent disaster before it’s too late. These tanks are large and durably constructed, but consistent use can take a toll. Sludge and sediment can begin to build up, and, if not addressed, can reduce the tank’s lifespan.

These units may also experience damage due to water intrusion and the growth of microbes. In the right conditions, this can lead to mold growth. These tanks are generally made from metal, which is strong but susceptible to corrosion, another potential hazard that can cause it to wear more quickly.

Putting off tank cleaning until something is wrong will have several negative impacts. First, the tank itself may suffer damage. Due to the high cost of these essential pieces of equipment, repairing or replacing them is an expense you’ll want to avoid. Neglected tanks can cause spills, which can endanger your surroundings, hurt your reputation, incur fines, and possibly leave you with a bigger (and more costly!) cleanup. Lastly, depending on the location of the tank, damaged tanks that require extensive service may force you to close areas of your work environment. This leads to a reduction in your overall productivity.

What Are Some Signs That Indicate a Tank Needs Cleaning?

While industrial storage tanks can cause big problems if not properly cared for, there are certain warning signs that business owners and managers can look out for that signal cleaning is needed. They include:

Reduced capacity: These tanks are built to store large amounts of materials. If you notice that your tank’s capacity doesn’t seem as full as it should be, there’s a good chance that cleaning or maintenance services can help fix the problem.
Filter/strainer/drain clogs: Clogs are a sure sign that the contents of your tank need to be dealt with. Whether there are stuck materials or an excess of waste or buildup, thorough cleaning can help.
Noticeable odors: If a storage tank is doing its job, no odors should be escaping. If your team notices unpleasant odors in the area near your storage tank, call a professional to take a look.
Leakage: A leak in your tank can spell disaster as potentially hazardous materials enter the surrounding environment. Leaks in underground tanks may even result in a discoloration of soil and vegetation above.

How Does Preventive Tank Maintenance Help Prevent Emergencies?

Cleaning services should be a regular part of your schedule. However, you should keep an eye out for issues that may need more intensive work. If you notice any damage, don’t delay in getting it repaired, and if your tank is beyond repair, have a replacement installed as soon as possible.

To help prevent complications like replacements, you should schedule routine preventive maintenance. Generally, this should be done every one to five years, depending on how old the tank is and how much use it endures. Visual inspections of the exterior should be done even more frequently, especially for above-ground tanks that are easier to evaluate.

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to ask questions either before or during a visit from a professional. These units can be overwhelming to think about when you have a business to run, but expanding your knowledge about them will help in the long run.

Find Expert Industrial Tank Cleaning Near You in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey

If you are looking for experts to handle industrial tank cleaning or other services around your facility, Sun Environmental Corp. is here to help. Our professionals are highly trained and have years of experience, making it easy for us to find the right solutions and adapt our services to your needs. We even offer emergency response services 24/7/365, allowing our customers to trust we’ll be there when they need us most.

We are happy to provide support for those in upstate New York and the Greater Philadelphia area. Our team has decades of combined industry experience, and our unwavering focus is on exceptional customer service, safety, and having some of the best and brightest professionals on staff. For more information on industrial tank cleaning near you in New York, Pennsylvania or New Jersey, contact us today.

Industrial Tank Cleaning FAQ

What can build up in an industrial tank that requires cleaning?

Industrial tanks often hold hazardous and non-hazardous materials, which can result in the buildup of sludge, sediment, chemical residues, and more.

Are vacuum trucks used for industrial tank cleaning?

Yes, vacuum trucks are often used for industrial tank cleaning to remove liquids, sludges, and solids. They use powerful pumps to suction materials from inside tanks, helping to clean them out.

Can industrial tank cleaning be done without professionals?

While it is technically possible for in-house employees to clean industrial tanks, it is highly discouraged because it has severe safety risks, strict regulatory requirements, and the need for specialized equipment.

What tank services does Sun Environmental Corp. offer?

Our teams are ready 24/7 to service your tanks of all sizes with: