When it comes to tank inspections, nobody wakes up excited about scheduling one. They’re disruptive, expensive, and honestly, kind of a headache to plan around. But here’s the catch: skipping or delaying them can cost you way more in the long run. That’s why API 653 internal inspection intervals matter so much—and why a lot of operators are quietly asking themselves right now, “Am I overdue?”
The short answer? Maybe.
Internal inspections under API 653 by tank inspection companies aren’t just some red-tape requirement. They’re designed to catch the invisible stuff—like corrosion on the floor plates, settlement issues, or tiny cracks that could eventually lead to catastrophic leaks. And with regulations tightening and aging tanks becoming more common, there’s less wiggle room than ever before.
The Big Rule: 10–20 Years
Here’s the gist. API 653 says you need an internal inspection every 10 years at minimum, or you might get up to 20 years if you meet certain criteria. The interval depends heavily on things like:
- What product the tank stores
- The condition of the tank from the last inspection
- Whether it has a corrosion prevention system (like a liner or cathodic protection)
- And sometimes, the judgment of the inspector
So if you’ve got a tank with a good history, proper protections in place, and no signs of major issues, you may be allowed to stretch that internal interval closer to 20 years. But if you’re dealing with saltwater, crude oil, or anything known to chew through steel, you’re definitely looking at something closer to 10 years—or less.
Why the Fuss About Timing?
Think of it this way: your tank is like a car engine. You wouldn’t wait 20 years to change the oil, right? The longer you delay, the more you risk silent problems stacking up. Same deal here. A tank might look fine from the outside, but inside? That’s where the real story plays out.
A late tank inspection doesn’t just raise the risk of leaks and environmental fines—it can also get you into hot water with regulators. And let’s be honest, once a governing body starts asking, “When was your last internal?”—you don’t want to be fumbling for answers.
The Balancing Act
Of course, there’s always a push and pull. Internal tank inspection services mean downtime, lost revenue, and often hefty repair costs. For some operators, the temptation is to delay as long as humanly possible. But here’s the kicker: a surprise failure will cost ten times more. Between cleanup, emergency repairs, and potential lawsuits, the math doesn’t work out in your favor.
Smart operators treat inspection scheduling like a balancing act. Yes, they try to maximize intervals. But they also plan ahead, budgeting for inspections and building downtime into their long-term operations. It’s not fun, but it’s a whole lot better than scrambling after the fact.
FAQs
Q: Can I really go 20 years without an internal inspection?
Sometimes, yes—but only if your tank is well-protected and your external inspections show no red flags. Most operators don’t get the full 20 years, though.
Q: What if my tank is overdue right now?
Then you need to act—quickly. Inspectors and regulators are paying closer attention to overdue tanks, and the longer you wait, the bigger the risks (financial and otherwise).
Q: Is there any way to extend intervals legally?
Yes. With the right engineering analysis, corrosion control measures, and documented inspection history, you might be able to justify an extension. But it has to be approved and defensible.
Q: How do I know when to schedule my next one?
Your last inspection report should include a recommended “next due date.” If you can’t find that—or you’re unsure—it’s a sign you need to talk to an API 653 inspector now.
Wrapping It Up
Nobody likes taking a tank out of service. It messes with production, eats into budgets, and feels like more red tape than reward. But ignoring API 653 internal inspection intervals? That’s like playing chicken with both regulators and Mother Nature—and neither one tends to blink first.
So if you’re asking yourself whether you’re overdue, take that little gut-check seriously. Because the truth is, these inspections aren’t just about compliance. They’re about protecting your assets, your reputation, and your bottom line. And waiting too long to do the right thing is a gamble most operators can’t afford to lose.
