Chemical storage tanks are essential to countless industrial processes—but without proper installation, they can quickly become liabilities. Leaks, equipment failure, or regulatory violations are just a few of the consequences of cutting corners.
Whether you’re storing acids, caustics, or water treatment chemicals, the success of your system depends on detailed planning, compliant setup, and smart design.
This guide highlights best practices for tank installation, piping layout, and long-term system health—based on insights from a recent webinar on proper tank and piping installation.
Plan Before You Pour
Before a tank ever touches your facility floor, you need a clear installation plan.
Understand Your Chemical
Different chemicals require different tanks:
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Flash Point: Dictates whether you’ll need polyethylene, FRP, or steel.
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Temperature Requirements: Impacts insulation or heating needs.
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Compatibility: Use chemical compatibility charts to confirm material safety.
Assess the Site
Every site has its own challenges:
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Indoor vs. Outdoor: Exposure to elements changes everything.
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Footprint: Measure space for the tank, containment, and service access.
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Seismic Zones or Wind Load: May require restraints or anchors.
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Access for Maintenance: Can your team safely service the tank?
Stay Compliant
Ensure you’re meeting:
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Local fire codes
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EPA and OSHA standards
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State regulations on secondary containment and venting
🛠️ Mass Tank can assist with system design and compliance consulting.
Installation Best Practices
The setup phase makes or breaks your system’s success. Here’s how to do it right.
Lifting and Handling
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Use appropriate lifting equipment.
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For tanks over 1,500 gallons, use side-mounted lifting lugs.
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Never drag or roll tanks across the floor.
Secondary Containment
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Must hold at least 110% of the largest tank volume.
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Separate reactive chemicals into their own containment areas.
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Consider double-wall tanks as an alternative.
Venting
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Tanks filled by bulk tanker or air padding require oversized vents.
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Inadequate venting = pressure buildup = cracked tanks.
Expansion Joints
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Must be installed on every sidewall connection.
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Prevents stress from tank movement (expansion, contraction, settling).
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Install expansion joints before pipe supports.
Piping Support
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All piping must be independently supported.
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Never hang valves or pumps directly from tank fittings.
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Isolate all heavy components to prevent cracking or leaks.
Tank Base
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Never place tanks directly on concrete.
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Use:
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Polyethylene sheets
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Tank stands
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Layers of roofing felt
This prevents abrasion and cold creep.
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Piping Installation: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Incorrect piping is a top cause of early tank failure.
What to Watch For:
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Rigid piping without expansion joints
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Over-torqued or misaligned fittings
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Unsupported pipes that shift or sag over time
Fitting Tips:
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Use flange fittings for larger connections
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Avoid bulkhead fittings for high-pressure or high-volume flow
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Follow the tank manufacturer’s torque specs exactly
Extend the Life of Your Tank System
Once installed, a tank system needs ongoing care.
Maintenance Tips:
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Annual flushing and inspection
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Remove sediment or residue from aggressive chemicals
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Check for signs of UV damage, stress cracking, or chemical attack
Protect from the Elements:
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Outdoor tanks should be UV-protected or shaded
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Use insulation or heat tracing for chemicals prone to freezing
Use Proper Filling Techniques:
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Avoid “splash” fill or overpressurized delivery
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Monitor tank levels during every fill
Don’t Forget the System Around the Tank
A well-installed tank system includes more than just the tank:
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Mixers and agitators
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Level monitoring systems
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Transfer pumps
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Heat tracing or insulation
Explore our tank accessories and components to round out your system.
Why Experience Matters
Partnering with experienced tank suppliers and installers can make or break your investment.
A good partner will:
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Guide you through compliance and permitting
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Design systems that anticipate growth or changing requirements
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Train your team on filling, venting, and inspection best practices
At Mass Tank, we offer complete support from concept through installation.
Final Thoughts
A proper tank installation protects your people, your product, and your bottom line. By planning thoroughly, following best practices, and choosing the right partners, you’ll maximize performance and minimize headaches.
Need expert help? Contact Mass Tank to start your next installation the right way.
