Repair of drinking water systems
Wiedemann offers a full range of services related to the repair and maintenance of drinking water systems and storage tanks—from technical condition assessments to complete renovations. We perform much of this work with our own team of specialists. Upon request, we can also manage projects from start to finish as a general contractor.
Operate drinking water systems safely
The repair of drinking water systems has been one of Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn’s core services since the company was founded in 1947. The company grew out of this field—and to this day, the renovation of drinking water tanks remains an essential part of our work.
Wiedemann is a DVGW W 316-certified specialist company for the repair of drinking water tanks. We work nationwide and internationally for operators of elevated tanks, water towers, underground tanks, waterworks, storage tanks, raw water tanks, and filter tanks.
With nearly 80 years of experience in concrete repair and approximately 35 drinking water systems repaired annually, we possess extensive expertise in the long-term rehabilitation and surface treatment of drinking water storage systems.
Our work ensures that drinking water tanks remain hygienically sound, leak-free, and operate reliably over the long term.
Our services for drinking water systems
Risks associated with neglected drinking water systems
Failure to repair damage to drinking water tanks in a timely manner risks more than just cosmetic defects.
Rough or damaged surfaces can promote biofilm formation and deposits, making it more difficult to clean the tanks. Leaks or cracks also allow groundwater or surface water to enter, which can compromise drinking water quality or result in the loss of valuable drinking water.
As a result of insufficient concrete cover and progressive carbonation, corrosion, concrete spalling, and structural problems can occur. Regular inspection and professional maintenance of drinking water systems help to detect such damage early and repair it cost-effectively.
Hygienic and durable interior coatings
The mineral-based interior coating of drinking water tanks ensures permanently smooth, low-porosity, and hygienic surfaces. This reduces deposits and makes cleaning easier.
Wiedemann uses mineral-based coating systems that meet the requirements for drinking water supply and are applied in accordance with relevant regulations—in particular DVGW W 300.
Our services in this area:
- Mineral interior coating for drinking water tanks
- Sprayed mortar technologies (dry and wet spraying methods)
- Professional surface preparation using compressed air or high-pressure water jetting
Ensuring the structural integrity of drinking water tanks
Cracks, spalling, or corrosion damage can compromise the load-bearing capacity of drinking water systems. Through targeted concrete repair and structural reinforcement measures, Wiedemann ensures the long-term structural stability of these structures.
The work is carried out in accordance with the technical requirements for drinking water systems and applicable regulations.
In addition, Wiedemann’s scope of services also includes the (partial) new construction of drinking water tanks in accordance with DVGW W 300-1. This includes the fabrication of structurally effective components/individual components to ensure structural stability, e.g., reinforced base plates and facing shells.
Our services in this area:
- Concrete repair/increasing the concrete cover
- Structural reinforcement using shotcrete
- Use of CFRP laminates or carbon concrete as needed to increase load-bearing capacity
- Crack preparation and injection to restore concrete bond
Protection against water loss and moisture ingress
Leaks or moisture ingress can compromise both the structural integrity of the facility and the quality of the drinking water. Wiedemann implements reliable waterproofing and insulation systems for drinking water tanks to provide long-term protection against external influences.
These measures ensure a permanently watertight structure and stable operating conditions for the drinking water supply.
Our services in this area:
- External insulation of drinking water tanks to reduce temperature fluctuations and condensation
- Waterproofing systems to prevent water loss and the ingress of surface water or groundwater
- Renovation and Waterproofing of Building Joints and Building Envelopes
Analysis of the structural condition as a basis for renovation
Every restoration project begins with a thorough analysis of the damage and the structure’s condition. Based on this analysis, Wiedemann develops cost-effective and technically sound restoration plans.
Our services in this area:
- Damage and Condition Assessments of Drinking Water Systems
- Assessment of the structural condition and development of renovation recommendations
- Development of property-specific maintenance plans
Our general contracting services
Upon request, Wiedemann can handle the entire project management process as a general contractor. We coordinate all trades involved and ensure a structured implementation of the work.
Our services in this area:
- Plant and piping construction
- Building services engineering (EMSR)
- High-pressure water jets
- Container cleaning and disinfection
A look at our projects: Drinking water systems
The Process of renovating drinking water systems: How Wiedemann works
Damage and condition analysis
Visual inspections, non-destructive testing, and, if necessary, sampling provide an accurate picture of cracks, leaks, voids, corrosion, and existing coatings in drinking water tanks.
Renovation plan and design
Based on the condition assessment, a renovation plan is developed in collaboration with the responsible engineering firm or designer. Wiedemann contributes its technical expertise and coordinates workflows, access, and construction phases with all parties involved.
Concrete repair and waterproofing
Damaged components are repaired and joints are properly sealed. The goal is to create a permanently watertight structure that prevents both water loss and the ingress of groundwater or surface water. Due to their design, drinking water structures must be permanently watertight. If necessary, a watertightness test is conducted after the substrate has been prepared.
Purely mineral interior coating
The interior surfaces of the drinking water tank are coated with a smooth, low-porosity mineral coating. This reduces deposits and makes cleaning the tanks easier.
Coordination and general contracting services
Upon request, Wiedemann will coordinate all involved trades. This includes logistics, scheduling, and coordination between planners, operators, and contractors.
Cleaning, disinfection & restart
Before refilling, the drinking water system is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The work is documented.
Restart and maintenance
Regular inspections and condition checks help identify damage early on. This ensures that the drinking water system remains reliable over the long term. We offer maintenance contracts for this purpose upon request.
Experience with drinking water systems since 1947.
The repair of drinking water systems has been a central part of Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn’s work since the company was founded in 1947.
With over 75 years of experience in the renovation of drinking water tanks, elevated tanks, water treatment plants, and water towers, Wiedemann possesses comprehensive expertise in the long-term repair of drinking water systems.
Numerous completed projects demonstrate that even severely damaged structures can function reliably for decades again through professional repair and upgrades in accordance with the standards of new construction.
For operators, this means having a partner who not only repairs drinking water systems but also keeps their entire lifecycle in mind.
Frequently asked questions about drinking water systems
Regular visual inspections and condition checks are recommended. Damage detected early can usually be repaired at a significantly lower cost.
Typical signs include hygiene issues, cracks, peeling coatings, damp spots, corrosion, or deposits on the tank surfaces. In such cases, a professional condition assessment should be conducted.
DVGW W316 is a set of standards established by the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) for specialized companies that perform work on drinking water tanks. The certification confirms that a company possesses the necessary technical qualifications, trained personnel, and appropriate procedures.
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