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Answers for engineers, facility managers, and contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are trying to fix freeze-ups, air in the water, or messy make-up water setups, these FAQs will help you plan with confidence.

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General questions

What does Upton Tanks, Inc build?
We manufacture centralized indoor sump tanks for evaporative cooled systems. They are designed to support multiple condensers and coolers from one sump, while helping solve common pain points like freeze protection and aerated water. Tanks are built from carbon steel or stainless steel plate, fully welded, reinforced, and tested before coating.
Most customers are industrial and commercial facilities running evaporative condensers or evaporative coolers, especially when there are multiple units on the same water system. We also work with mechanical contractors and engineers who need a reliable sump solution they can specify and install. If you are tired of constant heater issues, pump problems, or hard-to-service outdoor basins, you are in the right place.
It can reduce or eliminate the need for costly basin heaters and extra freeze controls, since the sump is indoors. It also helps de-aerate water, which can improve pump performance and reduce cavitation-related headaches. On top of that, a centralized setup makes maintenance simpler because you have one main place to work instead of multiple basins scattered around.
Yes. We serve customers across the Continental USA and Canada. Tell us your location and any delivery restrictions (dock access, forklift, crane needs), and we will help you plan the safest way to receive the tank.

Design and build details

Can you manufacture a tank to my exact dimensions and connections?
Yes, custom manufacturing is what we do. You can specify dimensions, nozzle locations, flanges, drains, overflows, pump suctions, make-up water tie-ins, and access needs. If you are not sure what you need yet, we can talk through your system layout and what has caused problems in the past.
We build with carbon steel or stainless steel, depending on your water chemistry, site standards, and budget. If corrosion has been a problem for you, we will ask a few questions about water treatment and operating conditions before recommending a direction. The goal is a tank that holds up and stays easy to maintain.
Leak prevention is a big deal with indoor equipment, so we take it seriously. Each tank is 100 percent welded, structurally reinforced, and completely leak-tested before interior and exterior coatings are applied. That process is part of why many customers choose Upton Tanks, Inc for critical installs.
Yes, when the piping and flow are designed correctly, a centralized sump can serve multiple pieces of evaporative equipment. It reduces duplicate components and can simplify the whole water loop. We will ask how many units you have and what the flow demands look like so the sump fits the real load.

Pricing and purchasing

How much does a custom sump tank cost?
Pricing depends on size, material (carbon steel vs stainless), thickness, nozzle count and type, access features, and coating requirements. Shipping and rigging needs can also affect the total. The fastest way to get a solid number is to send a sketch, a schedule, or your equipment list, then we will quote from that.
A simple drawing or spec list is usually enough to start. Helpful details include overall dimensions, connection sizes and locations, expected flow, pump suction needs, make-up water approach, and any jobsite constraints. If you do not have drawings yet, we can still talk and help you build a clean request for quote.
Once you approve a quote and place an order, the tank goes into production based on your project requirements. Before that point, asking questions and requesting a quote does not lock you into anything. If you have concerns about changes, bring them up early so we can set expectations before the build begins.
Yes. If you have a project spec, we can review it and confirm what is included so there are no surprises later. We would rather clarify details upfront than make assumptions that cause delays in the field.

Process and timeline

How long does it take to manufacture a tank?
Lead time depends on the complexity of the tank, material availability, and current production schedule. Simple builds can move faster, while highly customized tanks with many connections or special coatings take more time. Call us with your need-by date and we will give you a realistic timeline.

It usually goes like this: you share requirements, we confirm details, then we provide a quote for approval. After the order is placed, a drawing is generated for the customer to approve. Once the drawing has been approved, we manufacture, leak-test, coat, and prepare the tank for shipment. We stay available for questions during install so your team is not left guessing.

Changes happen, especially on retrofit jobs. If something shifts, call right away and we will tell you what can be adjusted and what may impact cost or schedule. The earlier we know, the more options you typically have.
We build to prevent problems, starting with fully welded construction and leak testing before coating. If you run into an issue, we want to hear about it quickly so we can help troubleshoot and figure out the next step. Clear photos and a short description of the operating conditions usually help us move faster.

Comparison and fit

Why choose Upton Tanks, Inc instead of an off-the-shelf basin or heater setup?
Off-the-shelf options often treat symptoms with extra heaters, controls, and patch fixes, which can add cost and maintenance. A centralized indoor sump is a more direct solution for freeze protection and service access, especially when you have multiple condensers or coolers. Our tanks are custom-built, reinforced, and leak-tested before coating, so you get a purpose-built piece of equipment, not a compromise.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If freeze issues, aeration, or hard-to-reach maintenance are costing you time, a centralized indoor sump can still pay off even with one unit. We will talk through your system and be honest about whether it is a good fit.
In many systems, yes, because you are servicing one main sump indoors instead of several outdoor basins. It can also make make-up water management and cleaning more straightforward. The exact impact depends on your layout, but the goal is fewer headaches and fewer repeat fixes.

Ready to move forward? Tell us what you are running and what problems you want to stop, and we will help you spec the right tank.

Get a Quote
or Call (717) 597-9366