How to Clean Rainwater Tanks
Rain barrels are a good way to collect run off water for use in gardening, pet care, cleaning and toilet flushing. The best way to keep a rainwater tank clean is to maintain the tank and keep it from getting dirty in the first place. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Avoid water contamination by placing a fence or other barrier around the tank to prevent human and animal contamination of the water. The harder it is to get near to the tank, the less chance anyone or anything will try.
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2
Detach the down spout from the tank before the first rain of the season to prevent accumulated winter debris from getting into the tank. The first heavy rain of the season will push sticks, mud and rotten leaves off the roof and down the drain pipes. Detaching the spout in advance makes cleaning out the tank at this point unnecessary.
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3
Consider adding half a cup of bleach to a full barrel or tank of rainwater to minimize odor and dissuade insect infestation. This small amount of bleach mixed with a full barrel of water will greatly improve the cleanliness of the water.
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4
Utilize pre and post water filtration systems. Filtration kits can be purchased at home and garden stores nationwide and be fitted to your tank to improve the quality of the water, remove debris and clean the water of impurities. The pre-filtration system helps maintain a cleaner water tank.
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Cover the tank with a mesh screen to prevent leaves and mosquitoes from entering the water. This is especially important for natural rain barrels that do not come with a air tight lid. Although the water may only be used for plant watering, it is important to avoid the buildup of mosquito larvae in any type of stagnant water.
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Clean the tank thoroughly once a year, either just before winter storage or spring setup. Draining, scrubbing and disinfecting the tank provides a clean container to begin the new season's collection. Professional companies exist that provide annual tank cleaning systems. Cleaning kits can be purchased at large home supply stores.
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Keep the rain barrel indoors during the winter. This will prevent the buildup of dirt and debris in the tank, avoid cracking of the plastic or warping of the wood and keep the barrel in a clean cool environment until its next use. Make sure the barrel is thoroughly drained and dry before storing.
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