How to Waterproof a Water Tank in Ghana — Polytank, Concrete & Metal

How to Waterproof a Water Tank in Ghana — Polytank, Concrete & Metal

A leaking water tank is more than just a nuisance — it wastes precious water, damages your home's structure, and increases your water bill. In Ghana, tank leaks are especially common during seasonal temperature changes when materials expand and contract. The good news is that most tanks can be waterproofed permanently with the right products. Here's how to do it for each type of tank.

Common Causes of Tank Leaks in Ghana

  • Cracks from thermal expansion — Ghana's daily heat-cool cycle
  • UV damage — plastic polytanks degrade under direct sun
  • Corrosion — metal tanks rust from the inside out
  • Settling cracks — concrete tanks crack as the structure shifts
  • Poor original waterproofing — many cement tanks aren't properly sealed when built

Polytank (Plastic) Tanks

Polytanks are the most common in Ghana, but they crack and leak after years of UV exposure.

For Small Cracks & Pinholes

  1. Empty the tank and let it dry completely
  2. Sand the area around the crack with rough sandpaper
  3. Apply our Waterproof Leakage Spray directly onto the crack
  4. For extra security, cover with Butyl Rubber Waterproof Tape
  5. Allow 24 hours to cure before refilling

For Larger Cracks

If the crack is more than a few centimetres, the polytank may need replacement — plastic doesn't bond well to coatings long-term under water pressure.

Concrete Water Tanks

Concrete tanks are typically used for ground-level or rooftop storage in larger Ghanaian homes. They leak through hairline cracks in the walls or floor.

Step-by-Step Waterproofing

  1. Empty and clean the tank — remove all debris and let dry
  2. Patch visible cracks — use cement mortar for cracks wider than 2 mm
  3. Apply polyurethane coating — our 5kg PU Coating works on the exterior. For tanks storing drinking water, check the product is certified safe for potable water contact, or apply only to the outside.
  4. Apply two coats — first coat horizontal, second coat perpendicular for full coverage
  5. Cure for 48 hours before refilling

Metal Tanks

Galvanized or steel tanks rust from the inside out. Once you see rust spots on the exterior, internal corrosion is usually advanced.

Exterior Waterproofing

  1. Wire-brush all rust until you reach clean metal
  2. Apply a rust converter primer (available at local hardware shops)
  3. Apply 10kg Polyurethane Coating in two coats
  4. The coating prevents future rust and seals existing pinholes

For interior rust, replacement is usually the better long-term solution.

How Much Coating Do You Need?

Tank Size Surface Area Coating Needed
1,500 L polytank ~8 m² 1× 5kg bucket
3,000 L polytank ~12 m² 1× 10kg or 2× 5kg
5,000 L concrete tank ~18 m² 2× 10kg
10,000 L concrete tank ~30 m² 3–4× 10kg

Get Help With Your Project

Not sure which products you need? Send a photo of the tank with rough dimensions to 0555548001 on WhatsApp. We'll recommend the exact materials and quantity for your tank.

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