Cold water storage tanks sit quietly in attics and plant rooms, and many are only looked at when something goes wrong. A tank that is dirty, uncovered or warm can contribute to Legionella and other water quality problems, so it is worth knowing when a clean is needed and what the job involves. Our water tank cleaning service is built around that.
Signs a tank needs attention
- Sediment, scale, debris or slime visible on the base or sides.
- A missing, damaged or poorly fitting lid, or gaps where insects, dust or birds could get in.
- Damaged or missing screens on overflow and vent pipes.
- Water that is warm in the tank, or tank contents that look cloudy or smell unusual.
- No inspection record, or a tank nobody can remember checking.
Our guide to inspecting cold water storage tanks explains what to look for during a routine check.
What a tank clean involves
The detail depends on the tank, but in general the work covers inspecting the tank and its fittings, removing sediment and debris, cleaning and rinsing the interior, and checking that lids, screens and insulation are intact before the tank goes back into service. Where the situation calls for it, the tank may also be disinfected. Because a tank usually supplies the building, the clean needs to be planned so water supply is interrupted for as short a time as possible.
How it fits with Legionella control
The HPSC National Guidelines for the Control of Legionellosis in Ireland (2009) treat storage tanks as part of the system that should be inspected and kept clean, as part of an overall water safety approach. A clean tank is not a substitute for a risk assessment or sampling, but it removes a common risk factor. Employers also have duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to manage risks from the workplace, and record keeping helps show that you have done so.
Keep a record
Note the date of each inspection or clean, what was found and what was done. Those records belong in your Legionella logbook.
Talk to us
If you are not sure when your tank was last cleaned, or want it inspected, call 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie. We work across Ireland, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.