Asbestos Water Tank Removal Berwick-upon-Tweed

The short answer is: it depends. Asbestos water tanks themselves, if undisturbed and in good condition, are not inherently dangerous. However, there are several factors to consider:

Asbestos Content and Type

• Older tanks typically contain 5-10% asbestos, which is non-friable, meaning the fibres are tightly bound within the cement and not easily released.
• Newer tanks may have less asbestos, but this material could be friable, meaning the fibres can be easily released when disturbed.

Condition of the Tank

• Undamaged tanks pose minimal risk, as the asbestos is contained within the cement.
• Cracked, chipped, or leaking tanks can release fibres, especially during maintenance or repairs.

Exposure to Asbestos Fibres

• Inhaling asbestos fibres is the primary concern, as it can lead to serious health problems like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
• Drinking water from tanks is 'unlikely' to expose you to asbestos, as the fibres are too large to pass through the tank walls (see below for more details).

Therefore, the risk associated with asbestos water tanks depends on a combination of factors. This risk is significantly increased if the following conditions apply:

• There is a high asbestos content
• The asbestos is friable
• The tank is damaged in any way
• Activities have taken place or a planned for the future (like renovation or refurbishment work) that could disturb the tank

Here are some additional points to consider:

Replacement

If the tank is old or damaged, or you're concerned about the asbestos content, consider replacing it with a safer alternative.

Professional Inspection

If you suspect asbestos in your tank, don't attempt to remove it yourself. Hire a certified asbestos removal specialist like Asbestos SOS for inspection and safe removal.

Regulations

Asbestos removal and disposal are heavily regulated in the UK. Proper procedures must always be followed, and relevant authorities need to be kept informed at all times.

While undisturbed asbestos water tanks may not pose an immediate danger, they can become hazardous if damaged or improperly handled. It's crucial to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and well-being.

With around 5,000 deaths in the UK from asbestos exposure-related conditions, it's safe to say that this issue needs to be taken seriously.

Most of these illnesses appear several decades after the first contact, and it's expected that cases will fall in future as the risks are eliminated due to work carried out by companies like Asbestos SOS.

In the meantime, asbestos is known to cause conditions such as asbestosis and several different types of cancer. This is usually due to prolonged exposure over several years, but it is still possible to contract these conditions even if you are exposed to disturbed asbestos only once.

It's not easy to identify them as asbestos cement water tanks look much the same as most other concrete tanks. One possible clue is the age of your property, as older properties are more likely to have asbestos tanks.

However, the only way to be 100% sure is to have an asbestos survey carried out by our Asbestos SOS experts in Berwick-upon-Tweed.

We will inspect, test and assess all possible asbestos materials on the premises and provide an asbestos survey report that recommends a particular course of action.

Read more on “what does asbestos look like”.

For the most part, this will be water tank removal as it is the safest option.

While asbestos cement water tank removal is usually straightforward, we are prepared, skilled and trained to deal with this material.

We would never recommend that anyone try to do this job themselves, as the risks, while small, are very real. Aside from this, you would not be able to dispose of the asbestos waste without a hazardous waste carriers licence.

The cost of having an asbestos water tank removed will depend on its size, condition and accessibility. We also need to consider whether the tank can be removed intact. If there is not adequate space for removal without breaking the tank, we will need to dismantle it safely.

The following table gives you an idea of the minimum costs involved:

Size No dismantling required Price including dismantling

• Small (less than 500mm²) £200 £300
• Medium (500 - 1000mm²) £270 £360
• Large (1000mm - 2000mm²) £330 £420

These prices include VAT, but they are only an indication of the possible cost. Please get in touch for an accurate quote for your asbestos water tank removal project.

Read more on “asbestos water tank removal cost” & general “asbestos removal costs”.

At Asbestos SOS, we fully understand your concerns about asbestos, and we offer a comprehensive service that you can count on.

This includes:

• Asbestos survey
• Asbestos testing
• Asbestos removal
• Asbestos disposal

So, whether you need us to handle an asbestos garage roof or asbestos water tank removal, our team can help. With our extensive experience, training and knowledge, we use tried and tested methods and the latest safety equipment to ensure that all asbestos materials are identified and removed safely, or sealed securely so they don't present a hazard.

Our aim is to bring you peace of mind and keep you and your loved ones, employees, customers, and the general public safe from asbestos exposure. We strive to keep abreast of new laws, regulations and developments in order to offer a reliable service that puts the customer first.

Whatever your asbestos management needs, call our Berwick-upon-Tweed team today, and we'll devise a plan to get your property asbestos-free.