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DIY: Galvanized Square Water Tank

Galvanized steel is coated to resist rust and is made into many forms, including water tanks. Galvanizing steel is performed by applying a thin layer of zinc to act as a barrier to prevent moisture penetration. Making a water tank from pieces of square galvanized steel requires welding. However, this zinc coating can undermine the weld if it is not allowed to escape. To do this you need to properly prepare the steel prior to welding.

Things You'll Need

Galvanized steel plates
Saw horses
Angle grinder
Abrasive disc
Arc welder

Instructions

- 1
  Place one of the galvanized steel plates that will be used for the sides of the water tank on a pair of saw horses. Grind a small bevel on the bottom edge of the steel plate with an angle grinder. Repeat this step with the remaining steel plates that will be used for the sides.
- 2
  Grind a small edge onto the right side of each galvanized steel plate in Step 1. Grinding the edges of the plates allows zinc vapors from the coated steel to escape from the weld.
- 3
  Set the steel plate that will be used for the bottom of the tank on the ground. Place the first plate for the wall of tank on the one edge of the bottom plate. The beveled edge of the plate needs to face outwards.
- 4
  Secure the plate by using a brace. Get assistance from someone to help you keep the steel plate from moving.
- 5
  Apply a weld to the inside of the steel plate by using an arc welder. Weld the outside of the steel plate.
- 6
  Set the next steel plate in place. Apply an inside weld and then weld the outside of the plate. Repeat this step to weld the side plates to the bottom plate.
- 7
  Apply a weld along the inside corner where two plates meet and then weld the outside corner. Repeat this step to weld the remaining inside and outside corners of the water tank.

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