09 Sep Important Tips why to Clean Your Rainwater Tank
Have you purchased a rainwater tank? It is a good idea!
A rainwater tank helps you reduce your monthly water bills and the impact on the local environment. However, with the perks of a rainwater tank comes the responsibility to maintain it for its proper function. If you fail to maintain it the right way, it may lead to mosquito breeding and water contamination.
Today, we are sharing some important reasons why it is good to clean your tank! Take notes to keep your tank safe and functioning for years to come.
Why to clean your tank!
Clean the inlet strainer and overflow screens get cleaned
One lets the water in, the other allows it to get out! The inlet strainer is an excellent invention to keep unwanted debris out of the tank. Sadly, small debris can be pushed past the screen during rain and still end up in your tank. Remove these after it has rained and clean debris from the mesh (Note also a good chance to check your water and sediment levels).
The overflow screen is designed to keep out mosquitos, snakes and other unwanted inhabitants. They can become blocked whilst the tank is overflowing and restrict the water exiting from the tank. This can cause issues with the water inside, causing significant overstressing to the tank. Remove this and give it a clean, replace. Please do not glue or screw these fittings in.
Remove the sludge on the floor of the tank
When people think of tank cleaning, this is what usually comes to mind. Sales people love to market it as the doom and gloom of why to get the tanks cleaned.
Sediment build up is a normal occurrence in tanks. It is made up of the fine debris washed from your roof and gutter system (or big debris such as leaf and sticks if there is no screen). This debris settles to the floor of the tank and undergoes a natural cycle of breaking down. This process is primarily carried out by bacteria anaerobically and is an excellent growth environment for the bacteria. Although these bacteria work well to break down the organic matter, they are not very good for drinking and can have adverse health effects.
Leaf matter settling on the bottom of the tank can have a “tea bag” effect. Leaching into the water causing discoloration and altering the water composition.
Save Money! Save Water!
Cleaning your tanks regularly can save you money and water!
How?
Regular cleaning can significantly reduce cleaning times or intensity of clean required on the tank. A tank cleaned every 2 years can have sediments removed with minimal extra brushing, HP Cleaning or slower cleaning due to heavy sediment levels leading to water loss.
Also, small issues can be picked up during a clean which can be addressed such as damage to the tank or water quality improvements. If these are left, they can lead to very expensive repairs!
Look after your pumps and filters!
Pumps hate sediment!
Pumps are not designed to suck up sediment. The sediment can get into the seals of the pump, wearing them away and causing leaks. Generally speaking, most pumps become a throw away item at this point as the labor in rebuilding pumps can outweigh the value of the pump.
Also, filter life can be extended if they are not having to capture sediments in the water, leading to fewer changes and better quality water!
We hope these tips will help you. If you need rainwater tank maintenance assistance, reach out to Water Tank Rescue for water tank cleaning Brisbane services.
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