Domestic Hot Water Tanks

Hydrastone, a leading supplier of tank lining services and valued Steelcraft partner, has the following to say:

"The application of cement mortar linings has been the preferred method of lining tanks since the early 1900s and is the most common lining practice used in North America today. Alkrete linings applied to the interior raises the pH at the steel surface and moves the steel into a state of passivation. Thus, the cement mortar lining results in a very thin, stable oxide layer on the steel substrate, Fe3O4 or Fe2O3 that inhibits corrosion (Pourbaix, 1975). For steel passivation to be maintained, complete tank-wall coverage or cement bonding to the tank wall is not required and a moist tank environment is preferred for cement lining application and overall performance. Cracks or holes that develop in the cement mortar lining also have the ability to self-repair (autogeneous healing). Cement mortar linings can be field repaired or replaced to further extend the life of the vessel.

In contrast, epoxy coating or glass-lining is a relatively new lining practice introduced to North America in the late 1970s. Epoxy is a dielectric coating that prevents tank corrosion by creating an impermeable barrier between the steel surface and the water. However, for the coating to be effective it must fully adhere to the steel surface and be continuous. To ensure that the epoxy bonds to the tank wall, stringent preparation of the steel and application of the epoxy to a dry surface are essential. This is often not adequately accomplished, thus rendering the coating and the tank vulnerable to premature failure. Unlike cement mortar, epoxy / glass-linings cannot self-heal cracks or holes and epoxy / glass linings cannot easily be repaired when they begin to deteriorate."

Yes, Steelcraft offers stainless steel domestic hot water tanks for a variety of applications. With that said, carbon steel tanks with cement-linings are the most commonly specified units.

If available, Steelcraft can pull old drawings from our archives for an Administration Fee. In the event that a replacement tank is purchased as a follow-up to this same request, the Administration Fee will be deducted off of the purchase price of a new tank.

Steelcraft offers a wide variety of capacities, diameters, lengths, orientations, and pressures within our standard drawings such that customization should not be required. With that said, we can accommodate changes to fittings, flanges, tank exterior finishes, or pressure ratings over 150 psi through our Request a Quote feature. Please note that pricing and lead times could increase with each additional customization.