Removing a galvanised water tank...

BertieUK

We are intending to move to a smaller bungalow within the next 10 months and have been clearing out rubbish in the loft.

The previous owner left a galvanised water tank along with its supporting stand.

The piping had been disconnected but still left it connected to the tank. I have managed to remove all the piping and wooden supports ready for disposal, but the tank which looks to be around 50 gallon size is causing me a problem, it would just fit in the door opening but is quite heavy to handle.

My question is would it be possible to cut the tank in half with a Bosch Jigsaw with a T118 A or B blade.

Leaving it in the loft would be the simple solution but I want to try and remove it.

Has anyone any experience of cutting up galvanised tanks please?

regards

Bob

phill99

You could have a go although I would use an angle grinder.

27col

I don't think that a jig saw is the answer. Agree with phill that a disc cutter would be the best bet. Although, if it was me, I would probably just leave it in situ, unless there was a compelling reason to remove it.

BertieUK

phill99 and 27col thanks to you both for your input. I agree that a disc cutter looks the best choice but I dont really want to go through the extra expence of hiring or buying one. If I was a lot younger I would certainly purchase one but in my 70s I think that I will give it a miss.

I thought that, in theory that is, if I went slowly it might work but need the advice of your goodselves on this forum.

I agree that it might be best just to leave it as it is only a defacement in the loft and I dont like leaving it for someone else to clear up, the last owner was a lady on her own so its understandable that I was not narky with her.

Regards

BobUK

netti

my parents had a similar dilemma - only their tank had been used to store well water before they were attached to the mains and is huge - the roof must have been built around it. They were told cutting with an angle grinder would create sparks and be a fire risk so it is still there - waiting for the day the roof is removed!

Canucklehead

Hi.

Jigsaw slow and steady would be my preference (having done it both ways).

Grinder is a bit of a fire risk.

Ear defenders essential!

GSR.

BertieUK

netti Your parents were really met with a major problem there, and I agree that they made the right choice. Grinders certainly create sparks that could pose a fire risk at worst, ok in the open air, but in the confines of an attic I certainly do not want to create a danger that is why I wished to obtain expert advise here. I have used up my three score and ten at the moment and I am on quality time.

Canucklehead I think that I will take your idea and go slowly, with steady pressure in order not to overheat the blade(s)

May I thank you both for your time and advice

Regards

BobUK

mikey72

Jigsaw would be best, an angle grinder would ceate sparks as has been said. I don't think I've worked in a loft where the old tank has been taken out if it was repplaced at some stage though, so I wouldn't feel bad about just leaving it.

BargainGalore

I did two tanks in loft with a B&D jigsaw. It did job I had to cut each tank into 4 sections to get it through hatch and hatch isnt very small. Its very slow job and noisy as hell though. I had to keep stopping every minute to allow blades to cool down as they got very hot. I think I went through at least 2 blades too

BertieUK

mikey72 and BargainsGalore thanks for both your inputs. I will certainly give the jigsaw a try and see how it goes, but if the worst came to the worst I will just place the tank where it will be leased problematic.

regards

BobUK

adonis

I had the same problem, in the end I used a sling off a lorry although a heavy duty rope would do and lowered it down the hatch opening in one piece.
Perhaps try that first if you have a couple of strong lads to help.