Fiberglass Tank Solutions for Water Storage and Custom Tanks
Pipeco offers professional fiberglass (FRP/GRP) tank solutions for water storage and custom tanks. Learn about tank types, materials, manufacturing processes, applications, installation and maintenance.
Pipeco provides advanced fiberglass (FRP/GRP) water storage and custom tank solutions for municipal, industrial, agricultural and commercial projects. This guide explains tank types, materials, manufacturing methods, engineering considerations, installation, and lifecycle benefits — helping you choose the right FRP tank for your project.
Why choose fiberglass (FRP/GRP) tanks for water storage?
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP), often called GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), combines glass fibers and polymer resin to produce a tank material that is lightweight, highly durable, and corrosion-resistant. Compared with steel, concrete or polyethylene, FRP tanks offer several advantages that make them ideal for water storage:
Excellent corrosion resistance — FRP does not rust or corrode in contact with potable water, chemicals, or wastewater.
Long service life — well-built FRP tanks frequently exceed 25–30 years with minimal intervention.
Lightweight and modular — easier to transport and install; sectional GRP tanks can be assembled on site to fit constrained spaces.
Low maintenance — no internal coatings are typically required and cleaning is straightforward.
Design flexibility — FRP enables custom geometries, integrated fittings, and internal baffles for process requirements.
Types of fiberglass tanks Pipeco supplies
Pipeco manufactures a full range of FRP/GRP tanks for different installation types and capacities:
Modular panels are bolted together on-site to create large capacity tanks with flexible footprint. Ideal for rooftops, basements, hospitals and remote sites where large one-piece tanks cannot be transported.
One-piece molded vertical & horizontal tanks
Factory-molded vessels delivered as single units. Used for industrial process water, potable storage, rainwater harvesting and firefighting reserves. Available in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Underground tanks
Engineered and reinforced for subsurface loads. FRP underground tanks are corrosion-free and commonly used for rainwater capture, sewage holding and fuel/waste containment where ground conditions allow.
Custom tanks and process vessels
Tailor-made geometries, internal baffles, partitions, heating jackets, and linings to suit chemical compatibility, temperature or process flow requirements.
Engineering and manufacturing process
Pipeco applies strict engineering controls and quality systems in FRP tank production. Typical stages include:
Design & simulation — 3D CAD and structural analysis to confirm wall thickness, rib spacing, and connection points for the expected loads.
Material selection — choice of resin (isophthalic polyester, vinyl ester, or other specialty resins) and fiber architecture depending on chemical exposure and mechanical requirements.
Molding processes — filament winding for cylindrical tanks, compression molding for large shaped parts, and hand lay-up or spray-up for sectional panels and complex shapes.
Curing & post-processing — controlled cure cycles to achieve full polymer crosslinking and mechanical properties, followed by gel coat finishing for smooth, hygienic surfaces.
Testing & inspection — hydrostatic tests, visual inspection, dimensional checks, and NDT where applicable (vacuum tests, leak testing).
These processes ensure each tank meets the required standards and performs reliably in service. Pipeco’s production aligns with ISO 9001 quality practices and applicable regional codes.
Applications and industry use cases
FRP tanks are used across sectors. Common applications include:
Municipal potable water — clean, inert tanks for drinking water storage with NSF/WRAS-compatible finishes where required.
Rainwater harvesting — rooftop or underground systems for buildings, parks and industrial sites.
Industrial process water — corrosion-resistant storage for cooling water, softening systems and process feed tanks.
Wastewater treatment — clarifier tanks, equalization basins and sludge holding where chemical resistance is important.
Agriculture & irrigation — bulk storage for irrigation water, fertilizer solutions and livestock uses.
Firefighting reserves — reliable water supply for sprinklers and hydrants, designed to NFPA or local fire codes as required.
If you have a specific industry requirement, Pipeco’s engineering team can design a tank that meets both functional and regulatory needs — see Contact Pipeco to request a consultation.
Design and material selection: getting it right
Choosing the correct resin system, wall construction and fittings is essential for long-term tank performance. Key design decisions include:
Consideration
Recommendation
Stored liquid chemistry
Vinyl ester or vinyl ester with corrosion-inhibiting additives for aggressive chemicals; isophthalic polyester for general potable and wastewater use.
Temperature range
Specify resins and fibers rated for the maximum operating and cleaning temperatures.
UV exposure
Use UV-stabilized gelcoat or protective topcoats for exposed outdoor tanks.
Structural loading
Design ribs and reinforcement based on hydrostatic loads, wind, seismic or soil pressure for buried tanks.
Connections & instrumentation
Provide reinforced flange pads, manholes, and mounting arrangements for sensors and mixers.
Pipeco’s standard practice includes a design review and material compatibility assessment as part of every quotation.
Installation and commissioning best practices
Proper installation protects your investment. Pipeco recommends:
Prepared foundation — level concrete pad with bedding and edge control for one-piece tanks; reinforced support frame for sectional installations.
Controlled assembly — torque-specified bolting for sectional tanks and correct gasket materials to ensure leak-tight joints.
Hydrostatic testing — fill with water and monitor for leaks and behavior under normal loads before commissioning.
Connection integrity — properly support inlet/outlet pipes to prevent point loads on the tank shell.
Tip: Pipeco offers installation supervision and on-site technical support to ensure correct assembly and handover.
Maintenance, inspection and lifecycle management
FRP tanks require less maintenance than metallic tanks, but periodic checks will maximize life expectancy:
Visual inspections for gelcoat degradation, UV crazing or mechanical damage.
Regular cleaning and sanitization for potable water tanks (follow local sanitation codes).
Gasket and flange checks during scheduled shutdowns.
Hydrostatic or leak tests if the tank is moved or reconfigured.
With correct design and maintenance, expected service life is commonly 25+ years — Pipeco can provide a documented maintenance schedule tailored to your installation.
Sustainability, recyclability and lifecycle benefits
FRP tanks support sustainable infrastructure goals:
Lower lifecycle emissions due to lighter weight and reduced transport energy compared with steel and concrete.
Extended replacement intervals reduce material consumption and waste.
End-of-life options — some FRP materials can be repurposed or processed for secondary applications depending on local recycling facilities.
How to get started with Pipeco fiberglass tank solutions
Whether you need a standard GRP sectional tank, a one-piece vertical tank or a fully custom process vessel, Pipeco offers engineering, manufacturing and installation support worldwide. To request a quote or technical consultation:
Download technical datasheets and standards on our resources page (available on the site).
Project ready? Provide your required capacity, stored medium, site constraints and any regulatory requirements — Pipeco’s engineering team will prepare a fast feasibility assessment and recommended specification.
Pipeco stands at the forefront of the market, recognized as a premier manufacturer, supplier, and exporter specializing in top-tier GRP water tanks, stainless steel water tanks, and SMC manhole covers, FRP Water Tank, Fiberglass Tank, SMC Water Tank committed to delivering unparalleled quality and excellence.