Are brand new tanks ever tested for leaks?

hi all .A while back I had a tank that was running for over 20 years,also had to move it twice to get new carpet,one day while im falling asleep I hear water flushing ,I went to the tank and noticed it sprung a leak! the silicone gave out being a old tank I thought some day it would give out,I didn't bother with resealing I just brought a brand new 65 gal.But I also hear a lot about brand new tanks leaking from quite a few people , imo a new tank shouldn't leak at all, my question is do any of these manufactures test the tank with water before shipping it ? or do they just put it together and just ship it ? im thinking of getting a 75 gal even though I can still test it, I was still wondering if these company's do any kind of quality testing before they sell them.

 

Good question. I never thought about it.
Its definitely possible that a new tank will leak, but its pretty rare.
Ive never tested a tank prior to using it, and never had any problems.
A lot of leaks that come from old tanks that have been sitting for a long time(years), and the silicone becomes dry rotted. Or leaks come from tanks that are unlevel, and puts extra pressure on the seals.

 

A friend of mine does about every kind of inspection he can on a tank besides a leak test before ever taking it to the checkout counter. I went with him once to haul a 75 gal from the store(drawbacks of owning a truck).

 

Well, mine leaked because of user error (the fake wooden table swelled up and broke the seal) so now i keep a thin kitchen towel under my 20 gal to absorb minor table changes. I haven’t heard much about brand new tanks leaking.

 

I wouldn't think they get tested

 

I doubt it since they make so many. My 55 also leaked after only 4-8 months of use. The issue could’ve been the stand but I’m pretty sure the silicone broke. It also only leaked when extra weight was on it so I’m guessing it had the leak from the beginning.

 

It does seem like you hear it a bit on here or read bad reviews online. But I’m sure the failure rate is pretty minimum when you consider the large amount of tanks that are sold every year. But when it does happen You’ll make sure to let everyone know.

I’m sure like anything you buy now. “It’s just not made like it used to be”

 

I highly doubt the main manufacturers leak test the tanks just because they make so many. Perhaps smaller companies or custom builds get tested but I'm just guessing.

 

Would think it wouldn't be hard. Just have to seal and pressurize it in a dunk tank. Same way wheels are leak checked. Least i would think so anyway.

 

I would also think it might have to do with the silicone also how much,and how strong it is and what kind.My tank that leaked had clear silicone,the new tank has black silicone, don't know if its any better but so far so good. I also agree a lot of things don't seem to be made as good as they used to.

 

Bathtub curve:

The Bathtub Curve and Product Failure Behavior (Part 1 of 2)