Water Tank Maintenance in New Zealand: A Year-Round Guide
Owning a water tank can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time managing one.
Because they’re often out of sight and out of mind, maintenance is easy to put off until a problem appears.
Instead of reacting to issues as they arise, having a simple annual plan helps you stay on top of essential tasks and keep your water safe year-round.
Got a question about caring for your tank? Get in touch with our team for expert advice on keeping your water clean year-round.
Autumn: Keep Your Tank Clear of Falling Debris
Trim back foliage
As the weather cools and leaves begin to fall, debris is far more likely to end up in your tank. Growth from spring and summer, especially overhanging branches, can quickly become a headache as plant matter washes into your water supply.
Take a moment to trim back foliage and clear branches to help keep your tank protected.
Flush Out Stagnant Water
After a dry, dusty summer, the first rainfall is always welcome. But stagnant water and debris that have built up in your downpipes all season can wash straight into your tank with that first flush. A flush cap releases this buildup before it reaches your tank. For more information on flush caps, see our blog on methods to protect your water supply.
Tip: Like what you’re hearing? Let us install a flush cap for you! Get in touch with our team today.
Winter: Beat the Heat with a Winter Clean
Annual Tank Clean
The first question new tank owners often ask is, “How often should I get my tank cleaned?” The Ministry of Health recommends annual cleans as a standard. This is ideal and in our experience from cleaning thousands of tanks each year, we recommend never leaving it more than two years between cleans.
Many clients are surprised to learn that winter is the ideal time for a tank clean. With plentiful rainfall, a full tank is perfect for thorough cleaning. A winter clean ensures your water is protected and ready for the summer months.
Note: If you’re on a “clean every two years” schedule, it’s still a good idea to check in on your tank annually. Pop your head inside and look for any potential hazards that may need attention for peace of mind.
Replace Sediment Filters Regularly
Changing your sediment filters after a tank clean is ideal. Fresh filters allow newly cleaned water to flow through efficiently, keeping your system performing at its best for longer. You also don’t want clean water running through old and dirty filters!
If your tank is well maintained, filters typically only need replacing every 6 months. Neglecting them for too long can allow contaminated water to enter your home and reduce the effectiveness of any UV treatment in place.
Spring: Clear Roofs, Check Tanks, Ready for Summer
Check for Leaks
After winter, your tank should be clean, full, and ready for the summer heat. The last thing you want is for that preparation to go to waste. Even small leaks in concrete tanks or gaps around pipework can cause big headaches. Not only can they waste the water you’ve carefully stored, but they also create an entry point for insects and potentially birds to access the tank(s).
Cracks, gaps, or loose lids can allow undesirable insects, debris or animals to enter your tank. As temperatures rise, birds and animals seek water, and any growth inside your tank can introduce bacteria and damage your plumbing. Taking a few minutes to inspect your tank helps catch potential hazards before they become serious problems.
Roof Cleaning Done Right
Few things are more frustrating than discovering a full tank contaminated by roof cleaning chemicals. Even if you’ve disconnected your inlet pipes, chemicals can be stubborn and linger longer than expected.
Once these substances enter your water supply, they cannot be removed, often requiring the tank to be completely emptied and cleaned before it’s safe to use again.
For tips on safely cleaning your roof, check out our blog for more in-depth guidance!
Summer: High Temperature, Low Water Levels
Clear Blockages For Maximum Water
Here in New Zealand, we’re lucky to get the odd shower even in the middle of summer, and even the smallest splash of rain can make a difference if it actually makes it into your tank. The systems that prevent sediment buildup are often out of sight and out of mind, but when neglected, they can waste more water than they save. Taking a moment to clear gutters, clean leaf diverters or catchments, and flush downpipes to help ensure you’re capturing every drop that falls.
Check Your Filtration System
After spring pollen and cleaning, now is a good time to touch base on those filters you changed 6 months ago. We can supply you with fresh filters to keep your system operating at its best all summer long.
UV Filtration: Continuous Protection Against Bacteria
If you’re drinking water from your tank, UV filtration is critical. While sediment filters catch particles, bacteria are far too small to be trapped by traditional filters. UV filtration is the only way to continuously protect your household from harmful bacteria.
UV bulbs are low-maintenance, typically needing replacement every 12 months. Most systems include a timer that alerts you when the bulb is nearing the end of its life. Replacing your bulb on schedule not only keeps your water safe but also prevents the system from beeping until a new bulb is installed.
See our blog on UV filtration here for more detail!
Wrapping Up
Looking after your tank doesn’t have to be complicated. With a simple yearly plan and a few small, regular checks, you can prevent most issues before they start and keep your water clean, safe, and reliable all year round.
From tank cleans and filtration servicing to UV systems and expert advice, our team is here to make maintenance easy.
Ready to get started with any of the above? Get in touch with our team today – we’re always prepared to lending a helping hand