The typical aussie water tank that we all remember is the galvanised steel water tanks. The most common material used in the manufacture of rainwater tanks till recently was galvanised steel. Galvanised steel is not inherently resistant to corrosion but it is available with rust resistant coatings such as zincalume or Aquaplate.
Galvanised Water Tanks Disadvantages
The initial corrosion of a galvanised water tank normally leads to the production of a thin adherent film that coats the surface of the tank and provides protection against further corrosion. It is important when cleaning such tanks not to disturb this film.
New tanks may leach excess concentrations of zinc which could affect the taste of stored rainwater. These galvanised water tanks may need to be flushed before use.
In the past the humble tin tank has been described as a “galvanised water tank”. Galvanising is the process of applying metal to metal and the “galvanised tank” is made from zinc galvanised to steel.
These “galvanised” tanks could be soldered. Solder consists of a combination of lead & tin which is melted with a hot iron and applied to a joint was prepared with spirits of salts.
Galvanised water tanks are made by a range of manufacturers however galvanised tanks are manufactured with Bluescope Steel.
Bluescope Water Tanks are also a manufacturer of a range of galvanised water tanks as is Stratco Water Tanks.