Let’s get something out of the way — if you’re in charge of tanks, you already know the stakes. A small leak? Could turn into a massive environmental headache. Missed corrosion? That’s a shutdown waiting to happen. So the big question isn’t whether to call for tank inspection services or not— it’s how.
Do you stick with your own team? Or do you bring in the pros?
Honestly, there’s no universal answer. It’s kind of like asking, “Should I cook dinner myself or hire a chef?” It depends on your budget, your skill set, how fancy the dinner is, and whether you’re okay washing the dishes afterward.
So let’s talk this out — the pros, the cons, the what-ifs. By the end, you’ll have a better sense of what actually makes sense for you and your facility.
The Case for In-House Inspection Teams
Alright, so maybe you already have a team. They know the tanks. They know the site. They’ve been there through thick and thin, maybe even since the tanks were installed. That kind of familiarity? It’s gold.
In-house inspection teams can be incredibly efficient — especially for routine checks or basic maintenance. You’ve got control over their training, their schedule, and their process. If something pops up unexpectedly, you don’t have to call anyone — just walk down the hall and get it handled.
And hey, cost-wise? At first glance, having an internal team seems cheaper. You’re paying salaries, not invoices. There’s no need to budget for a third-party vendor.
But (and there’s always a “but”)…
Where In-House Can Fall Short
Let’s be real: tanks don’t just sit around looking pretty. Over time, they develop issues — some of which need specialized tools and eyes to catch. That’s where in-house teams can hit a wall.
Maybe your crew isn’t trained on the latest acoustic emission testing. Maybe they don’t have access to high-end drones or robotic crawlers for confined space entry. Maybe they just haven’t seen enough variety in tanks to know when something looks “off.”
And if you’re working with aging infrastructure? You’re probably dealing with more complexity than your in-house team signed up for.
Also, let’s not ignore the human side of it — when you’re too close to something, it’s easy to miss things. Familiarity can breed blind spots. Not always, but enough to raise an eyebrow.
Why Tank Inspection Companies Might Be the Better Bet
So what about the folks who do this all day, every day?
Fiberglass tank inspection companies live and breathe this stuff. They’ve seen it all — bizarre cracks, rogue corrosion, mystery sludge. Their gear is often top-of-the-line, their team’s certifications are up to date, and their knowledge base is massive.
Plus, there’s a certain peace of mind that comes from having an outside set of eyes. No bias. No pressure to “pass” the tank. Just straight-up facts, backed by experience and data.
And let’s not forget documentation. Most inspection companies know how to write reports that satisfy regulators, insurers, and even your most skeptical board member. That alone can be worth the investment.
But…They’re Not Always Perfect Either
Of course, outsourcing isn’t flawless. Scheduling can be tricky. Costs can add up. And if you pick the wrong company? You might get generic service from someone who’s more focused on volume than quality.
There’s also the learning curve — every facility has its quirks, and third-party teams might take a bit to get up to speed. That’s why communication and onboarding matter. Big time.
The Sweet Spot: Maybe It’s Not Either/Or
Here’s a thought — what if it’s not a battle? What if the best answer is both?
A lot of facilities are finding success with hybrid models. You keep an in-house crew for the day-to-day stuff: visual checks, pressure readings, general maintenance. Then you bring in a specialist firm once or twice a year (or when you need to meet compliance) to handle the deeper diagnostics.
That way, you get the continuity and familiarity of your own team plus the insight and objectivity of outside experts. It’s kind of like going to the gym regularly but still seeing a personal trainer every now and then to make sure your form’s right.
So, Which One’s Right for You?
At the end of the day, it really comes down to this: how complex are your tanks, how skilled is your internal team, and how much risk are you willing to carry?
If your setup is relatively simple, your team is well-trained, and your tanks are fairly new — cool, in-house might cut it for now.
But if your tanks are mission-critical, aging, or you’re staring down a mountain of regulatory requirements… it might be time to call in the pros. Or at least, start building a relationship with one.
Because when something goes wrong — and eventually, something always does — it’s not about whose fault it was. It’s about whether you saw it coming.