Rainwater tanks provide an ongoing, sustainable source of clean, fresh drinking water that helps to reduce reliance on mains water and saves money. But as you only get benefits like those with a well-maintained rainwater tank, it’s important to keep your tank clean and free of debris.
Many Australians overlook the importance of ongoing rainwater tank maintenance until their filters block up and the water becomes contaminated and is no longer suitable for consumption. Not only is it a hassle to remove the dirt and sludge which has accumulated on the bottom of the tank and remove it from the filters, it can also place unnecessary pressure on the tank.
Over time, if not removed and allowed to continue to accumulate, it can cause lasting damage to the tank, which will eventually need replacing. To keep your home water supply clean and healthy, regular cleaning is a must, but all homeowners should have their tanks ‘desludged’ at least every 2 to 3 years to prevent buildup and keep their tank in the best condition possible. Even if you keep your roof, gutters, downpipes and leaf strainer as clean as you possibly can, there will still be the inevitable build-up of dirt, droppings and other debris that you should remove from your water supply.
A Quick Guide to Rainwater Tank Cleaning
As the water flows down to the tank, start on the roof and work your way down to the tank. When the roof is clean and free of debris, there’s less that can make its way into the tank. Clear any overhanging branches away on an ongoing basis, as this is where most debris is likely to come from.
Working your way down, keep your gutters clean and clear of any debris. Not only is this important for keeping your rainwater supply as clean as possible, it’s also important for fire prevention in summer. Mesh guards are an excellent investment for all homes with a rainwater tank and reduce the time you spend cleaning the gutters.
You should also check drainage to the rainwater tank, so make sure all downpipes are free of branches and leaves. Depending on the immediate environment, you may find it necessary to flush out the downpipes on a regular basis.
The downpipes lead to a leaf strainer which needs to be checked and cleaned out more regularly than the other areas of the roof and drainage system as it’s a major contamination point. Keeping it clean will help to keep your drinking water as free of contaminants as possible.
Rainwater Tank Broken?
A lack of maintenance is usually to blame for a broken rainwater tank, so while you could get a long lifespan from your investment in a renewable water supply, if you don’t look after it you could be looking at buying a new tank sooner than you think.
If your tank is broken and you’re looking at your replacement options, Toowoomba Plastics offers a wide range of rainwater tanks, including streamline tanks, ranging in size from 1,000L to 25,000L. Contact us today for more information or buy direct from our online store. Free delivery within 120 kms of Toowoomba.