Keeping your plastic water tank clean is essential for ensuring the water is free of bacteria, dirt, bugs and other pollutants while reducing wear on the water tank components. This is especially important with tanks used for drinking water. At Poly Water Tanks, we specialise in designing, manufacturing and delivering high quality food-grade polyethylene water tanks across Australia. Below we detail the proper process for cleaning a water poly tank.
How Often Should I Clean My Water Tank?
Clean your water tank once a year or once every 2 to 3 years. The appropriate frequency depends on the circumstances. For example, if your tank is fed by a rainwater source (roof and gutters) located under a tree or in a location where dust build-up is common, more sludge will build up faster at the bottom of the tank. Meanwhile, water tanks in warmer, tropical areas are more prone to algae build-up and mosquito larvae.
Draining Your Tank
Wait until the end of summer to clean your water poly tank as the water level will be at its lowest compared to any other time in the year. If you have an electric pump, turn the power off and pull the plug out of the socket. Use up any water remaining in the tank in your garden, for laundry or outdoor washing. Use your garden hose to run water through the water tank inlet to flush dirty water out until it runs clear.
Removing Sludge
Even with quality strainers, eventually dust, dirt, plant material, waste and sediment will find their way to the bottom of your tank, turning into a layer of sludge. Once your tank is empty, clean out the sludge using a high-pressure hose and sweep out the bottom if necessary. Keep in mind that working inside a poly water tank can be dangerous, so consider a professional tank cleaner if you’re not confident doing the job yourself.
Reducing Cleaning with the Right Tools
Reduce sludge build-up and the overall amount of cleaning required for your plastic water tank with occasional maintenance and the right tools. Ensure the leaf strainer is kept free from debris to reduce foreign organic matter and sludge build-up and adding a dust cover to prevent leaves from entering the tank.
Install gutter guards to further reduce organic matter reaching the strainer. Meanwhile, adding a first flush water diverter prevents the first flush of water from guttering from entering the tank, preventing built-up dust and dirt from entering the tank.
Enquire About a Premium Australian Water Poly Tank
For more guidelines on maintaining your plastic water tank, read our general maintenance article. Poly Water Tanks supply premium water tanks in a range of shapes and sizes across New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Victoria. Request a quote today by calling us on 1800 077 178 or get in touch online.