Why Regular Water Tank Cleaning Matters

Water storage is part of everyday life for many Kenyan households, schools and businesses. If supply is rationed or comes from a borehole or bowser, your tank may be the source of the water you use for cooking, washing and bathing. Yet few people think about what is happening inside it.

What collects inside a water tank?

Even when water looks clear, it carries tiny particles. Over time, these settle to the bottom as sediment. Common problems include:

• Silt and sand from deliveries or supply pipes
• Mineral deposits from borehole water
• Algae, particularly in tanks exposed to light
• A slimy film on the walls
• Dust, insects and debris that enter through poorly sealed lids

When the tank is refilled, this sediment can be stirred up, and you may notice cloudy water or a strange smell.

Why it matters

Better water hygiene

A clean tank is an important part of water storage hygiene. Keeping sediment and film under control helps to maintain the quality of stored water.

Protecting your plumbing

Sediment can block filters, reduce pressure at showers and taps, and shorten the life of water heaters and appliances.

Clearer, fresher water

Many households notice that water looks and smells better after a clean.

How often should you clean your tank?

As a general guide, plan to clean a tank at least once or twice a year. You may need to clean more often if:

• You depend on borehole or bowser deliveries
• You notice cloudy water or sediment at the taps
• The tank has been unused for a long time
• There has been contamination or a problem with the lid
• The tank serves a school, hostel or food business

Signs your tank needs cleaning

• Brown or cloudy water
• Bad smells
• Visible sediment in buckets or toilet cisterns
• Green growth around the lid or inside
• Blocked filters or reduced flow

How a tank is cleaned

A professional clean is usually carried out in stages:

1. The tank is drained or drawn down.
2. Accessible interior surfaces are inspected.
3. Accumulated sediment is removed.
4. Suitable interior surfaces are scrubbed.
5. The tank is rinsed.
6. Appropriate disinfection is carried out.
7. A final inspection is done before the tank is refilled.

Methods depend on the tank type and the applicable water hygiene requirements.

A note on safety

Be careful about doing this yourself. Climbing raised tanks is risky, and entering a large tank can be dangerous because it is a confined space. Choose products carefully, as some are not suitable for water storage.

Remember, too, that cleaning a tank does not replace water treatment. If you drink stored water, boil, filter or treat it. If you are concerned about water quality, have it tested.

Keeping your tank cleaner for longer

• Keep the lid tightly closed
• Keep the area around the tank clean
• Fit a filter on the inlet if possible
• Use a darker tank or a shaded location to limit algae
• Clean gutters if you harvest rainwater

The best time to clean

Plan the clean for when the tank is low, ideally just before your next delivery. That way, you waste less water.

Plastic, steel and concrete tanks

Most homes in Kenya use plastic tanks, which are light and do not rust. Their smooth walls are fairly easy to clean, although algae can grow if light passes through a thin or light-coloured tank. Steel tanks can rust if their coating is damaged, so they should be checked for corrosion. Concrete tanks and underground sumps are rougher inside, which means sediment can cling to them, and they usually need extra care because of limited access.

The method and products should suit the tank, and that is why we ask about the tank type before quoting.

What schools, hostels and apartment blocks should consider

Shared tanks serve many people, so a problem can affect a whole building. Keep a record of each clean, and name someone who is responsible for checking lids and pipes. Tell residents in good time before the tank is taken out of service, and plan the work for a period when demand is low, such as a school holiday or a weekday morning in an apartment block.

Frequently asked questions

How long will my water be off?

This depends on the tank's size and condition. We will give you an idea when we plan the job, so that you can store enough water.

Why does my water smell after rain?

Runoff can affect supply, and debris may enter through gaps in the lid or gutters. If the problem continues, inspect and clean your tank, and consider having the water tested.

Can I add bleach to my tank?

Do not guess. The wrong amount can be harmful, and the right treatment depends on the tank and the amount of water. Seek advice from a qualified water professional.

Do new tanks need cleaning?

Yes. Rinse a new tank before first use to remove manufacturing dust and any debris from installation.

Macky Group offers water tank cleaning for homes, apartment blocks, schools and businesses in Nairobi, Ruiru, Thika and surrounding areas. Contact us for a free quote.