Three Essential Maintenance Processes for Rainwater Tanks
Proper maintenance of rainwater tanks is essential for optimal performance and prolonged service. If the tank is neglected, it will not perform as expected due to the build-up of sludge and debris. These materials could also compromise the water quality, making it unsuitable for the intended applications. Also, a neglected tank will be exposed to mechanical stress, increasing the chances of failure. If you have purchased a 10000 litre water tank recently, you should consider using these outlined guidelines to ensure continued excellent service from the container.
Clean the Water Tank
Cleaning the tank periodically is a critical maintenance process. In general, the container will collect some fine sediment over time even if you take precautions to ensure that the water flowing in is clean. Over time, the particles will build up at the bottom of the tank, forming a thick sludge. When the tank is full, you will not notice anomalies. However, as the level of rainwater reduces, you will see discolouration of water from your outlets. You should clean to prevent this phenomenon. You can drain out the water and wash the interior surfaces. Alternatively, you can engage a specialist to vacuum out the sludge to avoid losing the remaining water.
Clear the Rainwater Gutters
The gutters and connected pipes are essential components of your rain harvesting setup. Therefore, you must include them in your tank maintenance schedule. You should remember that if the gutters have dust and debris, your water quality will be lower because some of the waste will end up in the container. Also, a blocked channel will be more prone to damage and failure. Ideally, you should install a commercial leaf blocking products such as gutter screens to prevent the collection of leaves in the gutters. You should also dedicate some time to cleaning the gutters, especially before the rainy season. This practice should minimise sediment and debris problems.
Install and Check the Screen
If your rainwater tank is installed above the ground, you will need to install a tank cover. This element is a screen which covers the opening of the container. Its purpose is to stop the leaves which might flow from the gutters and downpipes. In simple terms, it will trap the debris. Also, this feature is useful for protecting the tank against vermin. The screen cover will collect waste materials over time. You should clear and clean the product for optimal performance of the filter. If your tank came with a bolted-in screen, you should install another removable alternative on top for ease of maintenance.