Posted on November 11, 2025 by Brent Phillips

Water asset managers and city water authorities recognize the crucial importance of selecting the appropriate welding methods for water tower construction and tank welding. The welds form the backbone of structural integrity, impacting durability, leak prevention, and regulatory compliance.

Due to AWWA standards and other municipal codes, welds in water tanks and towers must meet stringent quality control requirements, including correct welding procedure specifications, qualified welder certification, and rigorous inspection protocols such as magnetic particle and vacuum box testing. Environmental factors, such as outdoor exposure, temperature variations, and working at heights, further complicate the welding process, necessitating robust yet flexible welding techniques that are well-suited to these conditions.​

Water managers must prioritize weld strength, corrosion resistance, and adherence to inspection standards to ensure their assets provide safe, long-lasting water storage.

Comparison of the Three Methods

When evaluating welding methods, key decision factors include efficiency, weld quality, and ease of use in the field. Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), known as stick welding, offers portability and adaptability for repair work, excelling in remote or hard-to-access tank sites.

Submerged arc welding is preferred in new construction for large-scale, continuous welds, offering excellent penetration and minimal spatter due to its automated nature. The specialized three o’clock welding method focuses on precise positional welding around horizontal tank joints, essential for creating uniform, defect-free seams that withstand operational stresses. Each welding method has its niche in tank construction, with SMAW favored for versatility, submerged arc welding for speed and strength, and three o’clock welding for precision.​

Explanation of Three O’clock Welding

Three o’clock welding derives its name from the position a welder maintains to improve control and visibility during horizontal welds. It is critical in water tower construction welding for joining shell plates and circumferential joints, where maintaining a consistent weld bead and penetration depth is paramount. 

This method reduces the risk of molten metal sagging and helps produce welds that are resistant to cracking and leaks. However, it requires high skill and concentration to execute effectively, emphasizing the need for certified welders who are familiar with the specialized technique.​

Overview of Submerged Arc Welding

Submerged arc welding (SAW) is highly regarded as a tank welding method due to its deep welding penetration and minimal exposure to atmospheric contamination, achieved by shielding the arc beneath a flux layer. SAW enables rapid, high-quality welds suited for the large seam lengths in water tower panels.

Its controlled heat input reduces warping and distortion, increasing the overall stability and longevity of welded tanks. This mechanized process is ideal for fabricating the main tank shells, where consistency and structural soundness are required.​

Overview of SMAW

SMAW remains a cornerstone in field applications of water tower construction, welding, and tank repair, favored for its simplicity and reliability in challenging environments. This manual arc welding method uses coated electrodes producing protective slag and shielding gases as the electrode burns, shielding the weld from contamination.

SMAW excels in welding thicker materials and uneven surfaces, making it indispensable for maintenance and emergency repairs. Its portability allows welders to work in confined or elevated conditions, often present in water infrastructure projects.​

Cunningham Sandblasting

Cunningham Sandblasting specializes in applying these top welding methods to water tower and tank construction projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards and lasting results. Their expertise spans SMAW, submerged arc welding, and precise three o’clock welding techniques, tailored to meet the unique challenges of municipal water infrastructure. With rigorous quality controls and skilled craftsmen, Cunningham Sandblasting supports water authorities in safeguarding their critical assets for years to come.​