How to Clean a Home Water Tank

 When it comes time to clean your home water tank, many people think they need a company to do the job. The reality is that a typical homeowner easily performs many procedures required to clean a water tank properly. The most important thing to remember about a water tank is that it is there for a reason. It’s a safety device to store and distribute the water you need to survive. It can be tempting to put off taking care of the tank for as long as possible, but you should be aware that water tanks can be a breeding ground for germs and other potential contaminants. The best approach is to take care of any maintenance as soon as you know of any possible issues, as it minimizes potential risks. Otherwise, you might want to put off the inevitable task until it’s unavoidable! While it may be tempting to think that you need to hire a professional for water tank cleaning of your tank, this isn’t always necessary. If you have access to a water tank and can reach it, you can typically clean it by hand. With a little creativity, you can also use a simple cleaning kit to do the trick! 

 What Do I Need to Clean a Home Water Tank? 

You’ll need to remove the lid and edges to clean a water storage tank. Screws or bolts should hold the lid, and you may need to remove them to access the tank. You can also pull the lid off to access the tank.  

1. Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to use a bucket to fill the tank with room-temperature water. 
2. When cleaning your water storage tank, you’ll need a bucket to catch the suds. Use only unscented bleach. Avoid using chlorine bleach, as it can harm some metals.  
3. The bucket should also have an adjustable or angled mop head, allowing you to reach different parts of the tank more easily.  
4. A rag or sponge can also be used, but you’ll need something that can lift dirt and debris off the bottom without becoming encrusted with gunk. 
5. If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum, or something like a wet/dry vacuum with a floor attachment, you can use that to collect the dirt and debris from your tank.  
6. You’ll probably want to change the water in your bucket regularly as you clean so you can use the same bucket each time. 
7. Once you’ve cleaned your tank, you should rinse it with fresh water and let it air dry. 
8. Once dry, apply a sealant treatment which will help protect it from rust. 

When Do I Need to Clean a Home Water Tank?

It’s important to remember that your water tank is one of the major sources of bacteria in your house and is often the most neglected item when it comes to maintaining its cleanliness.  

1. The best times to clean your water tank are when you do a full system flush or change the water supply line. After that, please wait until the tank has been filled with new water before filling it again. If you notice any algae growing inside the tank, try cleaning the glass top ornaments with some diluted bleach solution or white vinegar to knock it off its root system. If you’d rather not have to worry about bleaching glass, keep your tank away from direct sunlight.  
2. When it comes time to sell your home, you may want to take the opportunity to clean your water tank before listing the place. Having a clean water tank may help you sell a home faster and for more money, but you will also want to disinfect it thoroughly so it doesn’t pose a health hazard to new residents. 
3. If there is a significant buildup of debris on the interior of your water storage tank, you should clean it out as soon as possible. A clogged water tank can lead to many problems, including low water pressure and an inefficient water heater. If you suspect that your water tank is dirty, you should check it with a clean rag or sponge before filling it up. 
4. It is vital to clean your home water tank when a new supply line has been installed. The new supply line may not have the same chemical and sediment buildup as the old one, so you must keep your water tank clean. If the chemicals from the old supply line seep into your water tank, they can leave behind metal deposits that can corrode your tank in the future. By cleaning your water tank regularly, you can prevent this from happening. 
5. A leaking water supply line can be dangerous and costly to repair. It is a safety hazard and can damage your home’s plumbing system and cause mold and mildew growth in the walls. Additionally, water leaking from the tank may increase your water usage, thus increasing your monthly utility bill. It is important to clean the water tank regularly as part of your routine maintenance routine. When you have any concerns about the condition of your water supply line, contact a professional plumber immediately. 
6. When your home water tank is unused or drained for several months, bacteria can build up in the tank and create a breeding ground for potential contaminants. The water in your home water tank can become contaminated with harmful microbes and disease-causing pathogens such as Legionella. A dirty or clogged home water tank can also cause the entire system to become less efficient and reduce the amount of water you can use daily. By regularly cleaning your home water tank and draining it when necessary, you can help prevent the buildup of bacteria in your system and keep your family safe. 

How Do I Clean a Home Water Tank?

1. You must drain the water tank of excess water, so it does not inundate the surroundings if you have a large tank. Alternatively, wipe away any remaining moisture with a towel. A dry tank will lead to a better outcome, so drain the water properly. 
2. Using a power washer, remove sand, dirt, or sludge from the tank walls to ensure a thorough cleaning. Because some tanks are too small to clean the inner walls effectively, power washers are a fine choice. Scum and silt accumulated on the tank since the last cleaning must be removed from every corner. If you do not have a power washer, use a strong brush, a mop with a flexible handle, or any other cleaning device with a slant. 
3. After scrubbing, rinse the dirty water accumulated in the tank using cold water. You don’t need to be as meticulous this time, as you will rinse again later in the cleaning process. 
4. Bleach the interior of the tank using a 1:1 ratio of bleach and water. Wear gloves and eye protection, and make sure to reach all surfaces. A pressure washer or mop can be used. 
5. The bleaching solution should be left for 2 hours to disinfect any bacteria. 
6. Run bleach solution through the water supply lines of your home to clean them. 
7. Rinse the tank. 
8. Fill the tank partially with clean, treated drinking water. 
9. Test the water lines for chlorine levels before proceeding to the next step. If the levels are high, rinse the interior until they decrease. 
10. Fill the tank with potable drinking water after cleaning, sanitizing, and rinsing it with bleach. 

Conclusion –

Home water storage tanks from Topline Industries are very easy to clean because the inner tank wall is made of high density polyethylene. This material does not absorb any dirt or bacteria and is easy to keep clean. The handles on these tanks are also made of BPA-free plastic, so they can be hand washed without worrying about leaching chemicals into your water supply. In addition, the smooth walls of these tanks allow you to easily remove any trapped sediment or debris before drinking or using your water. If you have any questions about Topline Industries home water storage tanks, please get in touch with us or visit us at our website.