How to Clean a Portable Water Storage Tank
Portable water storage tanks are designed to hold drinking water when traditional water lines are not available. Portable water storage tanks are available in a variety of sizes, from water heater size tanks to silos. Because water storage tanks are enclosed, they can grow mold, mildew and other bacteria that are harmful to humans if ingested. For this reason, drain the tank regularly, and thoroughly clean the inside of the tank before refilling it. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate the main valve on the portable water tank. Turn the valve until the water shuts off. Portable water storage tanks vary by design, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper water shutoff procedures. A knob is usually located near the valve to shut the water off.
-
2
Open the drain valve on the water storage tank to allow all the water to drain out of the tank. If there is a large amount of water left inside the tank, attach a drainage hose to the tank and drain the water into the sewer. Drainage hoses are available at hardware stores, plumbing stores or home improvement stores and attach to the tank just like a garden hose.
-
-
3
Lift the top of the portable water storage tank, or open the hatch, depending on the model and size of the unit.
-
4
Fill a pressure washer with plain water, and wash the inside surface of the water tank using the high powered stream. Leave the bottom drainage valve open during cleaning so that the water runs out of the bottom of the tank.
-
5
Close the drain valve, and fill the water storage tank with fresh water using a garden hose.
-
6
Pour 5 ml of bleach into the tank for every liter of water it contains.
-
7
Open all of the water distribution lines and water faucets, and leave them open until all of the bleach solution has drained out of the water storage tank. This process disinfects the tank as well as the water lines.
-
8
Refill the tank with clean water again, and begin using the portable water storage tank as normal.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Clean portable water storage tanks at least once every year. More frequent cleaning may be necessary if the water develops a cloudy appearance or an unusual odor.
