FAQ's
Our most frequently asked questions.
Got a question about getting your water tank cleaned?
These are our most commonly asked questions.
Safe H2O Water Tank Cleaning Process
During our tank cleaning process, we vacuum and discard the sediment buildup on the base of the tank with a heavy-duty pump. Then we filter the remaining tank water through our filtration plant using 3 levels of filtration (including nanofiltration) to remove contaminants suspended in the water. We also add a small amount of food-grade hydrogen peroxide (H202) as an antibacterial treatment. This purified water is continuously cycled into the clean tank, eliminating the need for replacement water.
Feel free to look at our Water Tank Cleaning services page for a detailed account of our comprehensive cleaning process!
You can keep your water! Unlike traditional tank cleaning methods, at Safe H2O we do not empty and discard your tank water. Instead, we purify your remaining tank water supply using nanofiltration. This makes it safe to drink and recycles the water back into your tank.
Our customers are left with a clean tank and water fit for immediate use, all without the waste or added cost of replacement water. We are committed to the environment and believe water is a valuable resource.
Yes, you can! For our tank cleaning method to be most effective, the tank needs to be at least half full. If you require a water top-up please ensure this is done 48 hours before your booking to allow the water to settle.
No, we don’t and we strongly advise against this method of cleaning. For safety reasons and to prevent damage, it’s best to avoid entering the tank. In concrete tanks, abrasive water blasting and scrubbing can deteriorate the surface, potentially leading to leaks and other water issues.
Instead, our process involves vacuuming the sediment from the tank and filtering the water to ensure it’s safe. We then return the treated water to the tank with a small amount of food-grade hydrogen peroxide. This tasteless, antibacterial solution neutralises any harmful contaminants from the lines leading into your home, even those that are difficult to access physically.
We can provide various water testing options. Often with a bore water, we suggest having your water tested due to the higher mineral content from the water source. This will ensure you know exactly what is in your water supply and the treatment types you will need to ensure the water is safe.
We do not test the tank water after completing our full tank clean process. After cleaning and purifying the water of thousands of tanks, we trust our process will effectively clean your water tank and water inside.
To ensure we can successfully complete the cleaning process, we require our truck or ute to be within 50 metres of your tank/s. It is also great to communicate with our team if your property has any low hanging trees or power lines around your tank for our operators’ safety.
We use Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide as an antibacterial treatment during our tank cleaning process. This tasteless solution neutralises bacteria growth and flushes the lines from your water tank to your home, that no one can physically reach.
H2O2 is a safer option than other antibacterial treatments like chlorine, as it is very similar to the chemical makeup of water (H2O). After neutralising the bacteria growth in the tank, it will break down into water and oxygen (natural elements).
Filtration Systems
Yes, even if you have a filtration system, it’s still important to periodically clean your water tank. Filters are efficient at removing sediment from the water after it leaves the tank, but they don’t prevent the tank itself from accumulating sediment and becoming contaminated.
Over time, sediments, pathogens, and other residues can accumulate in the tank, leading to microbiological and chemical contamination, unpleasant tastes and odours and potential illnesses. Sediment accumulation can reduce the effectiveness of your filtration system and potentially shorten its lifespan. Regular tank cleaning is essential, as it preserves water quality and ensures that your filters operate efficiently, working together to provide clean and safe water.
Absolutely! While regular tank cleaning is essential for controlling sediment buildup, it’s important to understand that sediment accumulation is a continual process, regardless of your water source.Installing a filtration system between your tank and home ensures that your family is protected between cleaning sessions.
For those using rainwater, it’s crucial to consider what may fall on your roof. Contaminants such as bird droppings can introduce harmful bacteria, including E. coli, into your tank. While regular tank cleans minimise the risk of these bacteria multiplying to even more dangerous levels, nothing can remove the risk of them being present on an ongoing basis, other than filtration.
Incorporating a filtration system alongside your routine tank cleaning offers the best protection for your household, effectively killing 99.9% of harmful bacteria. This combination not only enhances the safety of your water supply but also gives you peace of mind.
Choosing the right size for your water filtration system is essential for optimal performance. Generally, there are two common sizes of filter cartridges: 10 inches and 20 inches.
- 10-Inch System: Ideal for homes with one bathroom. This size efficiently meets the water filtration needs for smaller households, ensuring good water pressure.
- 20-Inch System: Recommended for homes with two or more bathrooms. This larger system provides increased filtration capacity and maintains adequate water pressure for higher demand.
Both 10-inch and 20-inch systems can come in single, dual, or triple housing configurations, allowing you to choose the level of filtration that best suits your household’s needs. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your household’s water usage and location of your tank. If you have any questions or need personalised advice, feel free to contact us!
For effective water filtration, we recommend a dual sediment filter system. Start with a 20-micron filter to capture larger particles, followed by a 1-micron filter for finer sediments. We offer a range of filters, including 20, 10, 5, 1 micron, and carbon filters. The smaller the micron rating, the finer the sediment is removed. Carbon filters are particularly beneficial for eliminating tastes, odours, and discoloration in the water, making them ideal if your water source is affected by tannins (Leaves from natives like Totara, Pohutukawa or Pine Trees).
It’s important to note that bacteria can be as small as 0.5 microns, so many people install a UV light system alongside sediment filters. The UV light neutralises bacteria, ensuring safe drinking water.
Lastly, regular tank cleaning and proper filtration are essential and work together. Without routine tank maintenance, your filters can become overworked and less effective. Sediments can block UV light, reducing its ability to target bacteria. Regular upkeep is key to maintaining a safe and efficient water system.
Sediment filters work by forcing the water through a physical barrier that traps the sediment in the filter material but allows the water to pass through. Typically, we utilise a twin chamber sediment filter system, with the first filter chamber capturing the larger sediment debris, and the second filter chamber targeting the smaller sediment particles down to 1 micron. Maintenance is hassle-free, typically requiring only periodic replacement of filter cartridges every 6-12 months.
UV (Ultraviolet) filtration uses UV light to disinfect your water continuously. As your water passes through a stainless-steel chamber, the UV light kills any pathogens within the water.
Your water source may contain pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. These harmful microorganisms are typically smaller than 1 micron and therefore, will pass through any sediment filters. However, the installation of an ultraviolet disinfection bulb (UV) will provide an effective solution, by killing and/or neutralising 99.9% of all pathogens.
- Sediment filter replacements are required every 3, 6, or 12 months. This can differ depending on the location and condition of your water tank.
- UV Bulb replacements are required approximately every 9,000 hours or 12 months (Annually)
- UV filter systems require a power source and use circa $100 – $120 of electricity per annum to operate. This does vary as the price of electricity fluctuates!
Yes! Safe H2O provides comprehensive servicing for your water filtration systems. We can conduct maintenance checks, which include filter and UV bulb replacements, ensuring your system functions optimally. Don’t worry about forgetting your annual maintenance; we offer convenient semi-annual/annual service reminders to keep your system in top condition.
Our operators can provide the replacement filters/bulbs and perform the service on site, or the replacement filters/bulbs can be delivered to your door. Additionally, this service can easily be added on with our tank cleaning services.
Yes, you can use a filtration system with bore or surface water supplies, such as a spring. However, these water sources may contain minerals and chemicals that can affect the effectiveness of UV filtration. Common examples include iron and manganese.
To ensure optimal performance of your UV filter system, it’s essential to understand the chemistry of your source water before installation. This involves conducting a water chemistry test, which will help determine if any pre-treatment is necessary prior to UV filtration.
General Water Tank Cleaning
Lack of obvious illness linked to your tank water, does not eliminate the potential risks associated with neglecting regular cleaning. It only suggests your body may have developed some resistance from constant exposure to contaminants in the tank water. Immunity to contaminated tank water does not mean the water is clean or safe.
Contaminants might still be present and could cause health issues in the future, especially if the water quality changes or worsens. Additionally, friends or family (especially those who are immunocompromised) might not have the same immunity, and could be at higher risk of getting sick from drinking your water.
Regular maintenance is essential to remove sediments and bacteria that can compromise water safety and to prevent health risks for everyone using the water.
Click here to learn more about Why having ‘Immunity’ to Bad Tank Water is a Bad Thing.
The Ministry of Health advises that water tanks are serviced and cleaned annually to maintain the safety of your drinking water. Although, based on our extensive experience, we strongly advise cleaning your tank at least every 2 years for your own peace of mind. Additionally, we recommend treating your tank with an antibacterial treatment (H202) every 6 months to minimise bacterial growth between tank cleans.
If you have a water filtration system you are also required to replace your filters and/or UV bulb:
- Sediment filter replacements are required every 6-12 months. This can differ depending on the location and condition of your water tank.
- UV Bulb replacements are required approximately every 9,000 hours or 12 months.
For more information about knowing when to clean your tank, check out our blog here
Apart from routinely cleaning your tanks every 1-2 years, there can also be signs to look out for to know when you are overdue a tank clean:
- Sediment build-up
- Murky or discoloured water
- Unpleasant taste or odour
- Reduced water pressure
- Filters becoming dirty frequently
- Strange sounds from the tank
- Visible Algae or Slime
- Leaks and dampness around the tank
- Plumbing appliance blockages, leaks, or issues
- Long Neglect or Irregular Maintenance
Feel free to check out our blog for a more indepth look into the top signs your water tank needs cleaning
There are many different contaminants that can enter your water supply. They can enter your tank from your roof, gutters and downpipes (Rainwater fed), come from your water source (Bore/spring/surface) or through tank or inlet pipe cracks. Theses contaminants can include:
- Sediment: Dust, mud, foliage, sand, pollen, clay
- Pathogens: Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi. Common pathogenic contaminants are E.coli, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Campylobacter and Salmonella
- Minerals like manganese, iron and calcium
- Alive and dead animals and insects
- Bird and animal droppings and nests
- Chemicals (often from roof cleaning or agricultural spraying)
- Algae
- Plant roots
- Concrete, stones and rocks
Removing sediment is crucial because this slimy sludge provides a breeding and feeding ground for bacteria, which can multiply rapidly. By eliminating the sediment and purifying the water supply, the introduction of new bacteria is significantly diluted. Without a rich sediment food source, bacteria levels remain manageable and safer. Routinely cleaning your water tank/s ensures that bacteria levels are kept under control and within healthy guidelines. The addition of sediment + UV filtration and other pretreatment methods can also help prevent reinfection of bacteria between tank cleans.
Neglecting tank cleaning can cause various negative impacts including but not limited to:
- Sediment and mineral build up
- Bacteria growth and contamination
- Increase in illness and health risks for your household
- Algae growth
- Issues, blockages, and leaks with plumbing appliances
- Minimise the effectiveness of your filtration system
- Tank deterioration
- Failing water tests
There are many things you can do to keep on top of your tank water quality. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Scheduling professional water tank cleaning every 1-2 years (depending on your tanks condition and location)
- Periodically (every 6 months – 1 year) looking inside your tank to see if there is sediment build up or any problems with the water supply.
- Installing a sediment + UV filtration system and routinely replacing their filters.
- For rainfed tanks adding gutter whiskers, leaf diverters, first flush diverters, or tank inlet screens to your gutters and downpipes to prevent large sediments like dust, leaves, bird droppings and other debris from entering the tank supply.
- Routinely cleaning your roof and gutters without using chemicals to prevent any water contamination
- If required, regular water testing.
The cost of cleaning your tank will vary due to various factors such as tank size, amount of tanks and tank location. To get an accurate cost estimate feel free to fill out our free online form here or give our dedicated team a call on 0800 723 342.