Moving into a Property with a Water Tank in New Zealand? What You Need to Know
If you are moving into a property with a water tank in New Zealand, there is a lot to think about, especially if you have never managed a tank water system before.
Without any history or prior knowledge of the system, it can feel like you are going in blind and unsure where to begin. That is where we come in!
When moving into a property with a water tank you should check your water source, tank condition, filtration system, and potential contamination risks. This guide walks you through each step.
We’ve broken everything down from start to finish, from your natural water source through to the water flowing into your home. Understanding these key parts of your system will make the transition into tank life simple and help you create a clear and appropriate maintenance plan moving forward.
Ready to get started with tank maintenance? Contact our expert team and we will guide you through the first step.
What’s Your Water Source?
The first thing to check when moving into a property with a water tank is your water source.
Rainwater
Rainwater tanks are the most common type we see. Rain collected from your roof flows through downpipes into your tank, often carrying whatever debris is sitting on your roof and in your gutters. While you cannot control when or where it rains, you can manage how that water enters your system. Understanding where your downpipes are located and how they connect to your tank will make future maintenance much easier.
Surface/Ground Water
Water supplied from a bore, spring, or stream gives you far more control over your overall water supply. However, due to the chemical elements in natural water, regular testing to ensure it meets New Zealand Drinking Water Standards is essential to protect both your health, your plumbing, and filtration systems.
It is important to know whether your water has been tested, when it was last checked, and whether any issues were identified in its chemistry. Having this information early on will make future maintenance and treatment decisions much easier.
See our blog for more detail on confirming thar your surface water is safe to drink.
Water Collection and Property Hazards
Once you have identified where your water is coming from, the next step is understanding how it enters your tank and what hazards could interrupt that process. Sediment buildup is inevitable, even with protective systems in place. Identifying potential risks early not only makes maintenance easier, but also helps minimise long-term buildup and protect your water quality.
Common Hazards to Watch For
- Nesting birds on the roof
- Excessive lichen or plant growth on the roof or in gutters
- Broken pipe fittings or an unsecured lid that allows animals into the tank
- Native trees located close to the tank
- Overhanging branches above gutters or the tank
- Invasive vine or creeper roots on concrete tanks
Build-Up Minimisers
- Flush caps, typically found at the lowest point of the inlet pipe coming out of the ground
- Gutter whiskers
- First flush or leaf diverters, usually located under gutters or on downpipes
- Tank inlet sieves or trays positioned at the tank entry point
We’ve got an in depth run down on more ways to protect your water here.
Know Your Tank
Now to the main attraction, the tank itself. These are questions we often ask clients who enquire about a tank clean, and they are especially important for new tank owners. Understanding your tank and its current condition gives you confidence in the water you are drinking and using every day.
About your tank
- How many litres does it hold?
- When was it last cleaned, if ever?
- How accessible is the tank?
- Is the lid securely attached, and is any light able to enter the tank?
It is always a good idea to take a moment to look inside your tank, if it is safe and accessible to do so. This allows you to check sediment levels, especially if the property has been unattended on the market, and spot any red flags such as dead animals, debris, or algae before they become bigger issues.
Find Your Filtration
If your tank water is used for drinking or cooking, appropriate filtration is essential. A well-maintained tank supports a low-maintenance combined UV/sediment filtration system. Sediment filters typically need replacement every 6 months and UV bulbs every 12 months. Anything that protects your household from bacteria should never be neglected, so it is important to confirm the details of your system as soon as you can.
Where is it located?
Filtration systems are typically installed after the water pump, between the tank and the house. They may be located beside the tank, under or around the property, or in the garage.
What type of filters do you have?
Sediment filters commonly come in either 10-inch or 20-inch sizes. We recommend that homes with more than one bathroom utilise a 20-inch system. A setup may contain one, two, or three filters. Knowing the size and type makes organising replacements simple. Inside the filter housing are filter cartridges. These commonly are 1, 5, 10 or 20 micron filter cartridges. The lower the micron rating the denser the filter cartridge. You can also often find carbon filter cartridges too. These are used to treat odour and taste issues.
Do you have UV filtration?
UV filtration is the only way to effectively treat bacteria in your water. Bacteria are so small they can pass through even fine paper and carbon filters. The UV bulb is housed in a stainless steel chamber and is installed after the sediment filters. If you are drinking your tank water, having a UV system installed is strongly recommended.
What If I’m Renting?
In a rental property, it is the landlord’s responsibility to provide clean and safe water for their tenants. While arranging tank cleans and maintenance typically falls to them, it is still wise to familiarise yourself with the factors mentioned above so you can recognise any changes during your tenancy. For a more detailed breakdown of the legal obligations around tank cleaning, see our in-depth blog on the topic here.
Need Help?
Whether you are just browsing the property market or already have the keys in hand, keep your tank in mind as you take the next step. Understanding your water collection system will help you stay prepared through every season and ensure your family has clean, safe drinking water all year round.
Our team is here to support you at every stage. If you have a question, concern, or simply want clarity around your new tank, we are only a phone call away. From expert cleans to trusted advice, we are here to help.