Water Tank Liners Explained: Materials, Cost, and How They Work
A tank liner is a custom-fitted membrane placed inside an existing tank to stop leaks without replacing the tank. Here is how materials, cost and ordering work.
Read moreCistern liners across Canada
Custom Cistern Liners: Stop the Leaks Without Replacing Your Cistern
Custom-made, food-grade cistern liners and waterproofing for leaking, aging and deteriorating cisterns. Shipped across Canada. Install it yourself or hire a pro.
- Made to the exact size and shape of your cistern
- Food-grade liner options, NSF/ANSI/CAN 61
- Honest advice: liner, coating or replacement
No exact measurements needed. Phone photos are fine.
- 5 years in businessHundreds of custom liners supplied
- NSF/ANSI/CAN 61Food-grade liner material
- 10-year warrantyManufacturer coverage, seams included
- Shipped across CanadaDIY or professional install
Two ways to restore a cistern
Pick the repair that fits your cistern
Most leaking cisterns don't need to be torn out. We'll help you choose between a custom liner and a liquid-applied coating.
Custom Liner Membranes
A fabricated, food-grade membrane installed inside your existing cistern. Best for cracked, porous or deteriorating interiors.
Explore cistern liners
Liquid-Applied Membranes
A seamless coating applied to prepared, sound concrete. A lighter option when the structure is in good shape.
Explore coating systemsWarning signs
Is your cistern losing water?
These are the most common reasons owners call us.
Unexplained water loss
The level keeps dropping and your usage can't explain it.
Visible cracking
Cracks in walls, floor, corners or joints.
Deteriorating concrete
Crumbling, porous or flaking interior surfaces.
Damaged or failing liner
Tears, failed seams, punctures or aged material.
Aging interior surfaces
Old coatings and patches that keep letting go.
How it works
Your custom liner in 4 simple steps
No technical drawings. No paperwork. Just a tape measure and your phone.
- 01
Measure & photograph
Grab a tape measure and your phone. Basic measurements and clear photos are all we need to start.
- 02
Send your details
Upload everything through our short online form. No paperwork or technical drawings.
- 03
We custom-make your liner
Once details are confirmed, your liner is fabricated to your cistern's dimensions, shape, depth and openings.
- 04
Install your way
Install it yourself, or hire a professional. Installation services are available for Eastern Ontario projects.
Why Cistern Liner Co.
Built for Canadian water storage systems
A leaking or aging cistern doesn't always need replacing. A custom liner creates a new containment surface inside the structure you already have.
Custom-made to fit
Every liner is fabricated from your confirmed dimensions, shape, depth, openings and fittings.
NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 food-grade liners
Liner material meets the North American standard for materials that touch drinking water.
Guidance at every step
From measuring and photos to installation, we help you through the process.
Shipped across Canada
From your photos to your door
- Send your cistern information
- We review your application
- Your liner is fabricated to fit
- We ship it to your project
On-site installation is available in Eastern Ontario. Elsewhere in Canada, ask us about product supply and installers.
Solutions for every property
Find the right liner for your cistern
Residential cistern liners
Rural homes, cottages and acreages.
Residential liners
Concrete cistern liners
Restore porous, cracked or aging concrete.
Concrete liners
Replacement cistern liners
Replace a torn, leaking or aged liner.
Replacement linersFarm, commercial or institutional storage? See commercial and agricultural liners.
Straight talk
Liner, coating or replacement?
We'd rather tell you the right answer than sell you the wrong one.
| Your situation | Best-fit option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sound concrete, no major movement | Liquid-applied coating | Bonds to well-prepared concrete as a seamless membrane. |
| Cracked, porous or deteriorating interior | Custom liner | An independent barrier that doesn't depend on the old surface. |
| Existing liner torn, failed or aged | Replacement liner | Re-measured and fabricated around the confirmed cistern dimensions. |
| Structure moving, collapsing or too small | Structural repair or full replacement | A liner holds water. It does not replace structure. We'll tell you if that's your case. |
Read the full liner vs. replacement guide
Our food-grade liners meet NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, the North American health-effects standard for materials that touch drinking water. Cistern construction itself is covered by CSA B126. If you drink from your cistern, test the water regularly, as Public Health Ontario recommends.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a cistern liner?
A cistern liner is a flexible containment membrane installed inside an existing cistern or water storage tank. It creates a new interior barrier that separates stored water from the original tank surface and provides a dependable water-holding layer.
Why install a liner instead of replacing the cistern?
If the existing cistern structure is still suitable, lining it can be a more practical option than complete replacement. A liner allows you to retain the existing structure while creating a new interior water-containment surface.
Can a cistern liner stop leaks?
A properly designed and installed liner can provide a new watertight barrier inside the cistern. This can be an effective solution when water loss is occurring through cracks, porous surfaces, joints, or other deterioration in the existing cistern.
Can every leaking cistern be lined?
Not necessarily. The cistern must be assessed for structural condition, dimensions, accessibility, configuration, and intended use. A liner is designed to provide water containment, but it is not a substitute for repairing a structurally unsafe cistern.
Are your liners suitable for drinking water?
We offer liner materials intended for potable water storage applications. The exact liner specification should always be matched to the intended use of the cistern.
Do you install the liner or just manufacture it?
Cistern Liner Co. can provide liner solutions that include professional installation. Contact us with your location and project details so we can determine what service is appropriate for your project.
From the blog
Cistern guides and advice
What Is a Cistern? A Plain-English Definition and Guide
A cistern is a tank that stores water for later use. Here is how cisterns work, what they are made of, and how they differ from wells and holding tanks.
Read more
Cistern Water Tank Basics: How They Work & What to Know
A cistern is a sealed, usually underground container that stores water without treating it. Its lifespan depends on material, sealing, and yearly inspection.
Read moreFree quote, no obligation
Ready to fix your cistern?
Send us your photos and rough dimensions. We'll tell you honestly whether a liner or coating makes sense.