Closed Top Tank Lids

Plastic tank lids: replacing a lost or damaged tank lid

A tank lid may seem like a minor component until it is lost, damaged or no longer closes properly.

On tanks equipped with an 8" or 16" lid, a plastic retaining cord connects the lid to the tank to help reduce the risk of losing it. Over time or following improper handling, this cord can break. If the lid is then not properly tightened before the tank is moved, nothing will retain it if it comes loose.

This is a situation we encounter particularly with tanks used for transportation. A lid that has not been completely tightened can loosen due to vibration and vehicle movement and may be lost during transport. The good news is that many tank lids can be replaced without replacing the entire tank.

5", 8" or 16": diameter alone is not enough

Agrico Plastics currently offers 5", 8" and 16" tank lids, but the lid is specific to the tank and is not interchangeable from one manufacturer to another. The tank opening also cannot simply be enlarged to install a larger lid.

Several configurations are available depending on the lid diameter and tank model.

Compare tank lid configurations

The tank and original lid must therefore be identified before ordering a replacement. Two lids with a similar diameter should not automatically be considered interchangeable.

Selection should not be based only on measuring the opening. The lid configuration and the tank model it is designed for must also be verified.

Did you lose your tank lid during transportation?

Before ordering a replacement lid, first consider why the original lid was lost.

When a tank is moved or transported, vibration can contribute to loosening a lid that was not properly tightened. With 8" and 16" lids, if the retaining cord is already broken, the lid may then be completely lost.

When replacing an 8" or 16" lid, also check the condition of the retaining cord. Agrico Plastics offers a replacement retaining cord for certain tank lids.

Before transporting the tank, always make sure the lid is properly closed. On the applicable models, the cord provides additional retention but does not replace proper tightening of the lid.

Vented or non-vented: it is not a minor detail

A vented lid and a non-vented lid do not perform exactly the same function.

Tank venting must be appropriate for the tank configuration and application. A vented lid should therefore not automatically be replaced with a non-vented version, or vice versa, simply because the diameter matches. If a non-vented lid is used in a configuration that requires venting, an appropriate tank vent must be provided.

If you do not know which configuration was originally installed, identify the tank model before ordering. A photo of the tank, its opening and the previous lid can also help identify the required replacement part.

The lid is part of the complete tank system

Selecting a tank involves more than capacity. Shape, application, liquid, transportation, connections and accessories must all be considered together.

Agrico Plastics offers plastic tanks for storage and transportation, including vertical closed tanks, horizontal tanks, rectangular tanks, pickup tanks, cone-bottom tanks, double-wall tanks and IBC totes.

Our Tanks section brings together the different tank configurations and provides information on applications and points to consider when selecting a tank for the actual application.

Other components may also be required to complete the installation, including bulkhead fittings, valves, Camlock fittings and industrial hoses.

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace a tank lid that I lost?

Yes. Several tank lids are available separately as replacement parts. The diameter and configuration corresponding to the tank must be identified before ordering.

Why did my tank lid come off during transportation?

A lid that is not properly tightened can loosen due to vibration and movement. With 8" and 16" lids, the risk of completely losing the lid increases if the retaining cord is broken. Before transporting the tank, check that the lid is properly closed and, for these models, inspect the retaining cord.

Does the retaining cord prevent the lid from unscrewing?

No. On 8" and 16" lids, its purpose is to retain the lid if it becomes detached or comes free from the tank. The lid must always be properly closed before use or transportation.

Can I replace a vented lid with a non-vented lid?

Not automatically. Venting is part of the tank configuration. The tank model and its venting system must be checked before changing the type of lid.

How do I know which replacement tank lid to order?

Start by identifying the tank model and lid diameter. Then verify the required configuration: screw-on, vented or non-vented, hinged or equipped with a locking system. If you are unsure, contact Agrico Plastics before ordering.