Butyl Tape
Butyl Tape is used during the assembly of Hastings bottomless stock tanks to help create a watertight seal where galvanized-steel tank panels join together. Its flexible, tacky construction conforms between overlapping surfaces and around fasteners to help prevent water from escaping through panel seams.
Order the quantity required for your selected tank size and installation plan. Butyl Tape seals panel joints; it does not create or replace the tank’s watertight bottom, liner, concrete base, or bentonite sealing system.
Seam-Sealing Tape for Bottomless Stock Tank Assembly
A properly assembled bottomless stock tank depends on secure panel connections and careful sealing. Butyl Tape is installed between adjoining galvanized-steel panels to help form a watertight barrier along the tank’s vertical seams.
The tape remains flexible and compresses between overlapping panel surfaces as the connection is tightened. This helps fill small gaps and seal around fasteners where water could otherwise escape.
Intended Application
This product is intended for use when assembling compatible Hastings bottomless stock tanks.
Butyl Tape can help:
- Seal overlapping galvanized-steel panel joints
- Reduce water leakage through vertical seams
- Conform to minor surface variations
- Seal around panel fasteners
- Maintain a flexible barrier between connected surfaces
- Support a clean, properly assembled tank installation
It should be used as part of the tank’s prescribed assembly process—not as a substitute for correct site preparation or installation.
What Butyl Tape Does Not Seal
A bottomless stock tank does not have a factory-installed steel floor. Butyl Tape seals the joints between the tank’s sidewall panels, but it does not make the open bottom of the tank watertight.
A separate bottom-sealing system is still required. Depending on the installation, this may involve:
- A properly designed concrete base
- A suitable bentonite-clay sealing system
- A compatible heavy-duty watertight liner
- Another professionally specified sealing method
The appropriate method depends on the tank, soil, site conditions and intended application.
Installation Preparation
Before applying the tape:
- Review the instructions supplied with the bottomless tank
- Confirm how much tape the selected tank requires
- Inspect the panels and connection surfaces
- Remove dirt, moisture, oil and loose debris
- Make sure adjoining surfaces are clean and properly aligned
- Keep the tape clean and protected until it is installed
Do not apply the tape over dirty, wet, damaged or poorly aligned surfaces. Contamination or incorrect placement may prevent the joint from sealing properly.
Applying the Tape
Follow the tank manufacturer’s current assembly instructions for tape placement, panel overlap, fastener installation and tightening sequence.
Apply the tape continuously along the designated joint without unnecessary stretching. Avoid gaps, folds and contaminated sections. Assemble and tighten the panels as instructed so the tape compresses evenly between the adjoining surfaces.
Do not assume that adding more tape will correct damaged panels, incorrect assembly, loose fasteners or an unsuitable installation site.
Inspect Before Filling
After assembly and before placing the tank into regular service:
- Inspect every panel joint
- Confirm that all required fasteners are installed
- Check that connections are tightened correctly
- Look for gaps, displaced tape or damaged sealing material
- Verify that the bottom-sealing system is complete
- Test the finished installation for leakage
If a joint leaks, identify and correct the cause before the tank is placed into service. Do not rely on an exterior patch to compensate for an improperly assembled connection.
Plan the Complete Installation
Butyl Tape is one component of a bottomless stock tank installation. The complete project may also require:
- A properly prepared and level site
- Tank-panel assembly hardware
- A watertight bottom or lining system
- Water-supply and control equipment
- Overflow and drainage planning
- Appropriate labour, tools and lifting equipment
Unless specifically included in a written quotation, purchasing Butyl Tape does not include tank assembly, site preparation, plumbing or installation.
Confirm the Required Quantity
The amount of tape required may depend on the tank’s diameter, depth, panel configuration and installation instructions. Confirm the required quantity before beginning assembly so all panel joints can be completed without interruption.
If you are ordering Butyl Tape with a Hastings bottomless stock tank, contact Stock Tanks Canada with the tank’s diameter and depth. We can help confirm which product and quantity should be included with your order.