Having a rainwater tank at home provides a free source of high-quality water, but without regular tank and pump maintenance, a range of avoidable problems can arise. These can include blockages which stop or limit water flow, poor water pressure, insect contamination, pump failure and low water quality. While a rainwater tank can minimise your bills by reducing your reliance on mains water, if you don’t look after the system and need tank or pump repairs, it can prove costly.
Are You Maintaining Your Rainwater Tank and Pump Properly?
Unlike mains water, rainwater tank water quality isn’t controlled by a utility company, which means it’s up to you to keep it clean and working efficiently and cost-effectively. Fortunately, rainwater tank maintenance is straightforward (provided your tank and roof are easily accessible), enabling all homeowners to enjoy the many benefits of having a rainwater tank.
Ongoing Rainwater Pump Maintenance
Rainwater tanks need to be installed and repaired by a licensed plumbing professional, but most maintenance tasks you can manage yourself. However, if you can’t access your rainwater tank, you lack the time or there’s an issue, like a leak which requires a leak detection specialist to visit your home, our licensed and insured plumbers are on hand to help. To keep your tank, pump and system working efficiently, the following ongoing maintenance is recommended:
Every Three Months:
- Check the pump by flushing it to ensure that it’s working effectively and clean if required.
- Check the tank inlets, leaf filters and insect-proofing and clean or repair if required. We recommend checking monthly from October to March and every three months from April to September.
- Check the roof for debris such as plant material and leaves and trim any overhanging branches.
- Check the guttering, remove debris and clean if necessary. Keeping the gutters as clean as possible is one of the best ways to prevent contaminants such as dirt and plant debris entering the tank. It also enables the gutters to drain more effectively, which helps to protect your roof’s structural integrity. Gutter protectors are a great investment whether you have a rainwater tank or not, and if you notice any damage, have your roof and gutters repaired immediately.
Every Six Months:
- Check the tank and tank roof for gaps or holes which will need to be repaired if identified. Also check the structural integrity of the tank, tank roof and access cover.
- Check the pipework for structural integrity and ensure that all pipework connections are securely fastened.
- Check the tank’s interior for animal or insect access. Be sure to check for mosquito larvae and secure entrance points if needed. This is one of the most common sources of rainwater tank contamination and fines may apply for tanks which aren’t mosquito proof.
Every Two Years:
- Check for sediment at the bottom of the tank. Sediment is another common source of drinking water contamination.
- Siphon all sediment out (or completely empty the tank) if it’s covering the bottom of the tank.
Need help installing or maintaining your water tank? Contact our licenced plumbers today or send us a message online and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.