Tank maintenance
How often should you clean your water tank?
There is no single cleaning interval that suits every tank. Here are the factors that matter and how to judge the right schedule for your property.
3 min read
Service
Water Tank Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is the most thorough option for a domestic or building water tank. The tank is emptied, settled sediment and loose deposits are removed, and the internal walls, floor and lid area are cleaned and rinsed before the tank is returned to service.
What the service involves
- Inspection of the tank, lid and access before work begins
- Isolating the inlet and draining the stored water
- Removing settled sediment and debris from the floor
- Scrubbing internal walls, floor and the underside of the lid
- Rinsing and removing rinse water
- Reconnecting the supply and refilling
Our process
- 01
Assessment
We confirm the tank type, capacity, access route and the condition of the lid and fittings, and agree the plan with you.
- 02
Isolate and drain
The inlet is closed and the tank is drained. We agree beforehand where drained water will go and how long supply will be off.
- 03
Sediment removal
Settled silt, sand and debris are lifted out of the tank rather than flushed down the outlet into your plumbing.
- 04
Surface cleaning
Walls, floor, corners and the underside of the lid are scrubbed to remove deposits and biofilm.
- 05
Rinse and refill
The tank is rinsed, rinse water is removed, the supply is reconnected and the tank is refilled.
- 06
Handover
We tell you what we observed, such as damaged lids, cracks or gaps, so you can decide whether any repairs are needed.
Why sediment matters
Most tanks slowly collect fine particles carried in by the supply. Over time these settle into a layer on the floor of the tank. Sediment can be disturbed when the tank fills, which may cause cloudy water at the tap and can make it harder to keep the tank clean.
Deep cleaning removes that layer completely and gives you a clean baseline. Regular inspection afterwards helps you judge how quickly sediment returns in your property.
Cleaning the tank and sump together
If your overhead tank is filled from an underground sump, sediment left in the sump can be pumped straight back up after the tank is cleaned.
Where there is a sump, we recommend cleaning both on the same visit. Mention it when you book and we will plan the work together.
Before you book
- Know the approximate capacity of the tank (often printed on plastic tanks, for example 1,000 L).
- Check how the tank is reached: roof access, a ladder or an internal hatch.
- Plan for water supply being interrupted during the clean; store some water for essential use.
- Let us know if the lid, ladder or access area is damaged.
Read our preparation guide for more detail.
Questions about deep cleaning
How often should a water tank be cleaned?
There is no single interval that suits every tank. It depends on the quality of the incoming supply, how much sediment builds up, whether the tank is well covered, and how many people use the water. Regular visual inspection is the best guide; many owners plan a clean at least once a year and adjust from there. We can suggest a sensible interval after seeing your tank.
How long will my water be off?
It depends on the tank's size, condition and access, and on the service. We confirm the expected interruption before work begins so you can store water for essential use.
What kinds of tanks do you clean?
We clean domestic and building water storage tanks and sumps. Tell us the tank type (for example plastic, concrete or steel), its approximate capacity and how it is accessed when you book, so we can plan the work.
What do I need to do before the cleaning?
Make sure the tank or sump can be reached safely, know where the main valve and any pump switch are, and store some water for drinking and essential use. Our preparation guide covers this in more detail.
Helpful guides
Cleaning explained
Understanding sediment in water tanks
What the layer at the bottom of your tank is made of, how it builds up, why it matters, and what you can do to slow it down.
2 min read
Cleaning explained
How to prepare for a water tank cleaning
A short checklist to help the day of your tank or sump cleaning go smoothly, from storing water to clearing access to the tank.
2 min read
Book deep cleaning
Tell us about your property and tanks. We will review your request and contact you to confirm the details, the quotation and a date.