FAQS - Tank Maintenance & Cleaning
How often is tank maintenance required?
What does a tank maintence service include?
How often should I have my rainwater tank cleaned?
What is sludge?
Why is sludge a problem?
Will a first-flush diverter prevent sludge build-up?
Will the inlet strainer prevent particles entering the tank?
Why is my tank water discoloured/have an unpleasant odour?
Will the tank have to be empty for cleaning?
How will I know the water is clean?
What happens if the tank contains mosquitoes?
How often is tank maintenance required?
We recommend at least an annual full maintenance service. However, some system components should be maintained regularly throughout the year e.g. first flush diverters, insect screens.
Our tank maintenance service includes:
- inspection and cleaning of system components - first flush devices, rain heads, strainers etc.
- water testing
- mosquito check and treatment
- tank sediment level testing (sediment generally needs to be removed every 2-3 years)
- pump operation check and filter cleaning
- checklist and report explaining all findings and recommendations
- automatic re-scheduling advice when the next maintenance and/or cleaning service is due
Visit our tank maintenace information page for more information and a recommended maintenance schedule.
How often should I have my rainwater tank cleaned ?
Most water authorities recommend removing the sludge from the bottom of the tank (de-sludging) every 2-3 years. However, many individual factors affect the tank cleaning requirements. We recommend that, to ensure optimum efficiency, you have your rainwater tank inspected and maintained annually. As part of our regular tank maintenance service, we test the water and will advise when your tank requires cleaning.
Visit our tank cleaning page for more information about our tank cleaning service.
What is sludge?
Sludge is a build-up of a variety of small particles at the bottom of a tank. It can consist of:
- vegetation debris from nearby plants and trees
- faecal matter deposited on water catchment areas by birds, possums etc.
- air-borne pollution - dust, smoke, chemical
- roof & gutter material breakdown, including flaking paint and iron
Why is sludge a problem?
Sludge can eventually build-up to such a level as to block the lower tank water outlet or be drawn out through the outlet, tainting the water. Sludge entering a pump can damage the pump and reduce its life expectancy. Sludge generally contains bacteria and can be a potential health risk whether you are drinking the water or using it in the garden or laundry.
Will a first-flush diverter prevent sludge build-up?
A first-flush diverter is installed to allow for the first few litres of water to be diverted away from the tank and is intended to minimise from the roof debris entering the tank system. However, sludge is built-up from minute particles which still exist in the water when flow returns to the tank. You will be surprised!
Will the inlet strainer prevent particles entering the tank?
The tank inlet strainer is designed to prevent large particles and mosquitoes from entering the tank. It is not a water filtration device and therefore does not exclude minute particles. Also, vegetation left on top of inlet strainers can eventually break down and enter the tank.
Why is my tank water smelly / discoloured?
Tainted water occurs for various reasons including growth of algae, bacteria or the presence of other pathogens in the water or sludge. Bird and animal droppings can make the tank water smell nasty! Tannins produced by various plants can be released into the water when broken down and ‘stain’ the water. In some cases, the tank may contain trapped or dead wildlife. It may be necessary to investigate the rain catchments and surrounding environment to identify the individual cause.
Will the tank have to be empty for cleaning?
No. Our business is saving water! We clean your tank by filtering the water after removing the sludge from the bottom of the tank. Our system has been specifically researched and designed to ensure minimal water loss. The only rare exception here is when the water has been so severely contaminated that it will be more cost effective to discard the water than to clean it.
Visit our tank cleaning page for more information about our tank cleaning process.
How will I know the water is clean?
We provide a report of the water condition, including sludge level and PH level (acidity/alkalinity). Our cleaning system aerates the water and if necessary will be treated with an approved, non-chlorine sanitising agent. In cases of signficant contamination we follow up with our customer a few days after cleaning to ensure you are satisfied with the result.
What happens if the tank contains mosquitoes?
Most peoople are not aware that they have mosquitoes present in the tank. The first step is to discover how the mosquitoes have entered the tank and to ensure the system is completely sealed. Tank cleaning/water filtering will generally remove mosquitoes and larvae. It may also be necessary to treat the water to ensure no larvae survive.
Information contained on this page is of a general nature and does not purport to be a difinitive or comprehensive guide