Leaks in tanks are usually caused by corrosion. Sometimes, a safety valve may fail to open and the pressure developed will spring a leak.
While a leak may occur at only one place in the tank wall, the wall may also be corroded thin in other places. Therefore, any repair should be considered as temporary, and the tank should be replaced as soon as possible.
A leak can be temporarily repaired with a toggle bolt, rubber gasket, and brass washer, as shown in [figure 6]. You may have to drill or ream the hole larger to insert the toggle bolt. Draw the bolt up tight to compress the rubber gasket against the tank wall.
Figure 6.—Closing a hole in a tank: A, The link of the toggle bolt is passed through the hole in the tank (hole is enlarged if necessary). B, Side view of tank edge (nut is drawn up tightly to compress washer and gasket against tank). C, Outside view of completed repair.