Maintenance tips for water tanks

Many homeowners forget about maintenance and cleaning of their water tanks, which can lead to the build-up of sediment or growth of algae. If these conditions are left unchecked, they can create health hazards. Some tips for maintaining your water tanks include:

Inspect the catchment area

The roof and gutters act as catchment areas for rainwater, and for this reason you should consider them for inspection and cleaning. The material of your roof and the paints used will affect the quality of rain collected. Also, any debris, such as leaves and bird droppings, should be removed.

Gutters are an inlet for rainwater into your water tank. To ensure the cleanliness of the water stored in the tank, you should inspect and clean your water tanks. Ensure you check your gutters every few months and remove any debris that may contaminate rainwater flowing into your tank.

Inspect the tank

You should inspect your tank at least annually for any evidence of mosquitoe breeding grounds, algae, other insects or sludge sediment. There are a couple of ways to remove sludge sediment from your water tank. Sludge can be siphoned without emptying the water in the tank. Siphoning involves the use of an inverted funnel inserted at the end of a hose moved across the bottom of the tank.

You can also hire a professional to pump the sludge from the tank using a motor-operated pump and pumping the sludge results in minimum water loss.

Inspection of the tank's exterior is also necessary to detect any gaps or openings. Holes allow light and dust to enter your water tank, and they require immediate sealing. Lastly, any outlets in the tank should be inspected for signs of blockage, leaks or damage.

Clean the tank

Cleaning is an essential aspect of maintaining water tanks. You can either clean the tank using DIY methods or hire a professional with better tools. For DIY cleaning, you can use chlorine to disinfect the tank. Note that chlorine is toxic; hence, you'll need to follow instructions carefully and wear protective clothing such as gloves.

Professional cleaning of tanks involves the use of high-pressure water jets and disinfectants. Before the cleaning process, inspection is necessary to assess the structural integrity of the water tank. Cleaning of a water tank will involve emptying the present water, and the process takes a few hours. A professional may also recommend replacing your water filters and chlorinating your plumbing system.