Rainwater tanks are great for collecting water for toilets, laundry and the garden.
Some of us living on acreage only have tank water as our main supply, so it is important to have a maintenance plan to ensure your water remains as clean as possible.
Some maintenance tips are:
Have your roof checked to see what it is made of and painted with, to ensure that it is safe and not toxic.
Cover all openings with mosquito proof mesh.
Fit gutters and downpipes with traps to catch litter and twigs.
Every few years clean out the inside of the tank.
Ensure there are air vents to prevent the water from becoming stagnant.
If you have connections to laundry or bathrooms:
Regularly check that the pump and automatic switch to mains water are both working properly.
Check that the pump turns on when you flush the toilet.
Install a level indicator on the tank so you know how much water you have.
The mains switch should only switch to mains water if the tank is empty or the pump fails. It may be possible to check this if the tank empties during summer.
If your system uses a float switch in the tank to top up the tank from mains water instead of a mains switch, then check that the tank water level is correct.
Frequently check that the float switch has not failed and water is not overflowing to the stormwater drain (unless rainfall is causing the overflow).
If you are not confident cleaning the tank or checking that the system is operating properly then call a plumber to inspect and repair it.
Once a month
You should first begin by installing mosquito proof mesh over gutters as well as any above ground tanks. This will prevent bugs and animals from contaminating the water and will slow the accumulation of debris. To further decrease the build-up of rubbish, consider installing gutter guards or downpipe screens to prevent blockage and contamination.
Check and maintain mosquito proof mesh when needed. Mesh can often accumulate rubbish and can undergo damage in the form of holes or tears. Be sure to clear these as often as possible and repair any damage to the mesh.
A clean roof and gutter will prevent heavy debris in your water source and will increase water flow to your tank.
Make sure your water level is not running low, because you don’t want to run out of water.
Dead animals can contaminate your water and pose a health risk.
Check for signs of algae and mosquitoes. Algae can grow in waterways that are exposed to sunlight and can be harmful to your health. Mosquitos can also inhabit any areas where water has become stagnant.
If you have a filter, make sure it is not blocked by debris. Although a filter is only necessary for those who plan to cook and shower with their collected rainwater, be sure to check the filter often so that debris cannot contaminate your water supply.
Clean your flow restrictor. If your flow restrictor builds up too much rubbish, water flow can be slowed and your water could experience contamination.
Other precautions:
There are also certain precautions you should take every so often to ensure clean, healthy water. Try to thoroughly flush downpipes and drainage pathways every 12 months in order to decrease the build up of debris.
You may also want to hire a contractor to remove sediment within the storage basin every 2 to 3 years.