Water tanks are our lifeline and we need to keep them clean and well-maintained to ensure the water being pumped into our home is safe to drink, once appropriately filtered or chlorinated.
By law, tanks must be cleaned at least every six years or, according to Government advice, “as often as necessary to prevent sediment accumulation.” This is because “studies have shown that most contamination settles out of the water, into the sludge.”
What is the sediment?
Sediment is usually the result of a build-up of debris such as dust, vegetation and faecal matter. Residents shouldn’t refill tanks which are low in water but high in sediment, because this could cause the contaminants to be reintroduced into the water. Having a low tank, therefore, provides an excellent opportunity to get it checked and cleaned.
Cleaning and maintenance
Draining, cleaning, inspecting and fixing a water tank is a big job and one that father and son duo, Tony and Jody Carreiro of JT Maintenance and Painting, have decades of experience doing. And, there are few scenarios they haven’t had to deal with.
“We have found dead frogs, birds inside of tanks,” Jody recalled. “A lot of mud in a tank if it hasn’t been cleaned to the government mandate.
“We find tree roots eight feet tall or longer in the tank,” shared Tony, adding: “I’ve been in tanks with three feet of mud.”
While there are a lot of variables to consider, the average tank takes between eight to 12 hours to pump out and clean.
“You would drain one side, clean that one side, pump the water from one side of the tank to the other side and then you could do the other side,” Jody said.
Cleaning involves pumping everything out, scrubbing the walls and floor, and rinsing everything down. While the tank is empty, they can also inspect it for cracks, holes and tree roots, as well as check the suction lines.
Should your tank require repairing, that will take longer depending on the required work. Once any cracks or holes have been filled, they recommended applying a tank coating to prevent leaks, then you have to wait for the product to dry and cure, which is when the material hardens. This takes around four days.
If you choose to clean your tank by yourself, they advised always having a second person with you in case you slip and fall, and to never take chemicals, such as Clorox, into the tank because of the build-up of fumes in a confined space.
Preventative maintenance
To keep your tank, and therefore your water, as clean as possible in between tank cleanings, government recommends the following:
- Roof Upkeep: Keep your roof and catchment clean to prevent debris finding its way into your tank. This includes trimming overhanging trees to keep leaves out and covering rainwater downpipes with wire screens, or ‘pineapples’.
Bermuda has white roofs for a reason and they need to stay this colour. Clean it using a power washer or wire brush to remove old paint and fungal growth, then wash with a 50/50 solution of regular unscented bleach and water before painting with approved roof catchment paint. To prevent tank contamination while cleaning, tightly seal all rain water down pipes and keep the seal in place until after the first rain shower.
- Stop the small stuff: Other ways to prevent debris getting in include making sure overflow pipes are four inches above ground and screened with fine mesh wire. Also ensure that the tank lid fits tightly.
