Buyning a House with Asbestos Water Tank. Is it worth it?

Shall I buy a house with asbestos water tank?

Buying a property with a small asbestos tank included can be work for you at the time of the purchase. You probably ask why is that? Ok, let me explain. When you know asbestos is present in the property you are going to buy, that is a perfect negotiation opportunity refer to asbestos water tank. Any asbestos containing material, staring from pipe insulation through textured coating to floor tile you are in a great position to lower the asking price. Asbestos material can heavily devalue properties. For how much? It is a matter of different angle we should examine the question.

How to identify asbestos water tank?

Asbestos water tank is one of the rare item amongst all asbestos containing material that easily can tell by the look it contains the deadly fibre. But to make sure of it asbestos testing needs to be carried out. Asbestos survey taking place on the site and the result usually available on the next day. The cost of the survey around 150£ average.  

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How to prepare asbestos water tank for disposal?

The shape of the tank is very different from other asbestos cement product(s) and to dispose of such a bulky item, make people to think. There are two ways to do asbestos water tank removal:

1. Intact - Tank Removal | This is a method where the tank will be disposed as it is with connecting screws and connected plumbing and fittings. All has to be wrapped in a thick 1000 gauge polythene sheet, double bagged carefully and place the asbestos warning stickers on it. This way of the tank removal requires more space but ends up a safer transport and possibly less asbestos exposure. I almost forgot to mention, before double bag the tank, using duck tape to cover the edges and the damaged part and fitting areas.
2. Non-Intact - Tank Removal | The tank has to be treated with wetting agent so the dumped tank won't create asbestos dust. Wrap the tank with 1000 gauge polythene sheet and use a hammer to break the tank down to smaller pieces. All the pieces are going through a double bagged solution just like the previous example.   

How much to remove asbestos water tank?

The cost of asbestos water tank removal mainly depends on the size and the condition of the item. Asbestos removal cost regarding the average size of the tank cost is around 200£ + VAT. Water tanks are made with cement and it has around 10-15% of white asbestos (chrysotile) bonded in the cement just like rainwater pipes and asbestos cement sheet. Unlike other asbestos material that works for the sole purpose of thermal insulation like sprayed coatings, insulating board and any other highly hazardous waste that include in electrical equipment(s), and even asbestos paper, they are more likely to become a part of the group of friable asbestos. Airborne asbestos fibres can be easily release in the atmosphere mostly from friable asbestos materials. Friable means the item can be crumbled or disturbed easily and it is resulting in life threatening consequences.  

Is asbestos water tank friable?

Asbestos water tank is made with strong and rigid asbestos cement where asbestos fibre is bonded into cement and it is not considered friable asbestos. Although non friable building material can become friable due to deterioration as the tank too. But water tanks in good condition are still considered non friable asbestos. And if it is taking care of under the asbestos removal process, it should not releade asbestos dust.

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Do I need a licensed asbestos contractor to remove asbestos water tank?

Asbestos water tank still an asbestos waste when it has to be removed. And considering the fact that disposal and safe removal is not an everyday activity for a regular person. It is a potentially hazardous risk to you and your family if you are doing iy yourself. Asbestos removal requires professionally trained and experienced manpower to avoid unnecessary asbestos exposure. A licensed contractor is able to carry out the job from A-Z the quickest and smoothest way possible. Plus after the asbestos removal process you will receive an asbestos certificate that tells you the com[any cleaned up the site from asbestos waste.