A new aluminum tank after 6 month develop pinholes. other in the area has same the same tank and water supply.

Question

why only i have pinholes holes on my tank, which suppose to last a lifetime. Can you please advice on how to carry out a complete investigation to find the root of my problem.

Answer 1

Possibly a cleaning agent was used that attacks the aluminum.

Need to test the water for contaminants. If the surface has white scale deposits the aluminum is corroding.

Answer 2

Pinholes can occur in the welds if aluminum welding procedures are not closely conformed to, or in the plates if the aluminum oxide coating is compromized by being in contact with some other material, or if it is scratched and for some reason the oxide coating cannot be re-formed.

If your tank which is developing the pinholes is in contact with he same liquids as others which are not developing the pin holes, look for contaminated welds or contamination of the plate material in contact with the fluid which could occur either during fabrication or during installation.