Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting tanks including supporting roof columns including the temporary installation of column support assemblies to those columns to permit cutting them at a sufficient distance from the bottom to allow a reinforced U-shaped support structures to be placed under the columns. A lifting device is placed below the U-shape support structure and in cooperation with wooden logs in criss-crossed arrangement, the structure is blocked up and down. The U-shaped support structures are interconnected to each other with rails that are soldered to the bottom of the tank thereby lifting the bottom simultaneously with the lifting of the columns and roof. The present apparatus and method is to be used in conjunction with lifting apparatus and methods associated with the outer peripheral wall of the tank.