Header tank tie downs corroded

Causes

Air-borne salt, dust or dirt accumulating on tie downs or straps

Listed under: metal, plumbing, Roof, durability, corrosion, rust, fixings and hardware

Cause

Air-borne salt, dust or dirt accumulating on tie downs or straps

Repair

  • header tanks must be securely tied down to roof framing so they do not move around during an earthquake. This is especially the case where header tanks are in the roof space – if they were to fall through the ceiling they would be a serious danger to anyone below them
  • even if a header tank is no longer used after the plumbing was upgraded to a mains-pressure system, if it is heavy and still in the roof space, it should still be tied down if it cannot be removed
  • first, check that the tank sits on a secure platform that is well braced or tied into the roof structure
  • remove all corroded fixings and fittings. Install 25 x 0.75 mm or similar galvanised or stainless steel restraining straps, fixing the tank to roof framing to prevent it overturning or falling off the roof in an earthquake. Use 2 straps for cylinders of up to 200 litre capacity and a third strap in the centre for larger tanks. The top and bottom straps should be no more than 100 mm from the ends of the cylinder
  • some ready-made kits are available that include galvanised or stainless steel straps, screws, tensioning devices, earthquake brackets and bolts for header tanks up to around 700 litres

 

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