Posted on July 31, 2024 by Brent Phillips

Corrosion is a costly repair and a financial burden that can lead to expensive tank and tower replacements. These replacements impact service downtime and health safety, significantly straining a municipality’s budget.

In today’s blog, we’ll delve into the hidden costs associated with corrosion. We’ll also discuss why investing in protective coatings and regular inspections is a smart move with real-time savings that:

• Combats Corrosion
• Prevents Costly Damage
• Safeguards Precious Water Resources

Understanding the Cost of Corrosion

Corrosion is more than just an unsightly blemish on water towers and tanks; it’s a costly problem that can significantly affect the lifecycle costs of these critical assets. The global cost of corrosion is estimated to be in the trillions of dollars annually, encompassing not just the material cost but also the cost of downtime and maintenance.

For water asset managers, understanding these hidden costs and implementing effective corrosion solutions is crucial for maintaining water quality and ensuring infrastructure longevity with fewer shutdowns and shorter outages.

The Role of Corrosion Resistant Coatings

Corrosion-resistant coatings act as the first line of defense against corrosive conditions. They provide a protective layer that shields metal surfaces from environmental and chemical exposure.

By applying a corrosion-resistant coating, water asset managers can significantly extend the life of their infrastructure. The initial capital cost of implementing a protective coating system is relatively low compared to the cost of extensive repairs and replacements required due to unchecked corrosion. It’s been suggested that realized savings could be as high as 30% with a state-of-the-art corrosion system.

Life Cycle Costs and Long-Term Savings

When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of corrosion-resistant coatings, it’s essential to consider the asset’s life cycle costs. Protective coatings prolong the life of water towers and tanks and reduce the frequency and severity of maintenance required.

That translates into lower overall costs over the asset’s life span, making it a cost-effective solution. Additionally, municipalities can save costs associated with downtime and minimize impacts on water quality by coating the flow path.

Preventive Maintenance and Regular Inspections

Preventing corrosion isn’t just about applying a protective coat; it’s a comprehensive strategy that also involves regular inspections and maintenance. These scheduled inspections are not just routine tasks, but crucial interventions that detect signs of wear and tear, allowing for timely actions before problems escalate.

Cost-Effectiveness of Corrosion Solutions

Investing in corrosion-resistant solutions is not just about mitigating immediate risks; it’s about making a prudent financial decision. The material cost of high-quality coatings is a fraction of the cost associated with corrosion damage.

Moreover, the ease of replacing and maintaining these coatings adds another layer of cost savings. When water asset managers weigh the cost of protective coatings against the potential expenses of corrosion-related damage, there’s greater control over an infrastructure’s future.

Take Control of the Future of Your Water Assets

In conclusion, water asset managers can take control of their infrastructure’s longevity and reliability by understanding and addressing the hidden costs associated with corrosion. This proactive approach, involving routine inspections, regular maintenance, and corrosion-resistant coatings, mitigates the financial burden and results in substantial long-term savings for municipalities.

To begin protecting the future of your water assets, contact the water storage tank and tower experts at Cunningham Inc. by calling (620) 848-3030.