How to Clean Water Tank Nozzles

Water tanks can be used for many things, from drinking water to their role in crop-spraying machinery. Regardless of its use, it's important to keep your water tank's nozzles clean. These gateways from the interior of the tank to the outdoors can harbor mold and mildew and contribute to the cross-contamination of crops if you use your tank to irrigate or spray things.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh water (twice the volume of tank)
• Mild detergent
• Microwave or stove
• Large boiler or gallon jug

Instructions

1. Empty the water tank completely.

2. Fill half the tank with fresh water. If you want, you can heat the water first to help kill any mold inside the nozzle.

3. Add mild detergent to the water. The amount depends on the size of your tank. Make sure the water is soapy. Shake the tank to mix in the detergent.

4. Empty the tank, using the nozzle. This will send a large volume of the cleansing agent through the nozzle. However, it will also leave a soapy taste in your tank water.

5. Heat a gallon or so of water to boiling.

6. Run the boiling water though your tank via the nozzle. This will clean out the soap and kill any bacteria that may have survived.

7. Run clean water through the tank via the nozzle. This will clean out any remaining soap aftertaste.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to empty your tank where detergent runoff is legal. If the tank is small enough, you can let the water run down a drain.

References

• How to clean crop sprayers.
• Understanding uses and construction of water tanks.
• Water cooler tank types and construction.