Cleaning your water tank at home is possible with some basic tools and care, but it only suits simple, small‑to‑medium rooftop or plastic tanks that you can safely access. If your tank is underground, very large, or you notice heavy slime, rust, or algae, it is safer to call a professional like CleanCare Cleaning in Nairobi instead of attempting a deep DIY job. Below are clear, step‑by‑step guidelines for a basic DIY water‑tank clean.
1. Prepare and shut off the tank
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Turn off the main water supply valve feeding the tank so no fresh water enters while you work.
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Open the tank outlet tap or valve and let the water drain out through a hose into the garden, for washing floors, or to a bucket, if you can reuse it safely.
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Put on gloves and protective shoes, and keep a long‑handled brush, a bucket, and a mild, unscented detergent or approved disinfectant ready.
2. Drain and remove loose debris
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Continue draining until only a small layer of water (about 15–30 cm) remains at the bottom; this helps float and loosen sludge.
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Use a scoop, bucket, or wet‑vac (if you have one) to remove visible leaves, dirt, and sediment from the tank floor.
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If your tank has an inspection hatch, open it and visually check for rust, cracks, or heavy build‑up along walls and corners. If you see severe damage or thick slime, stop and contact a professional for a proper clean and possible repair.
3. Scrub the interior walls and floor
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Dip your long‑handled brush into clean water or a mild detergent‑water mix and scrub the inner walls, floor, and corners to remove algae, slime, and deposits.
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For stubborn marks, you can use a paste of baking soda and water or a diluted vinegar solution (about 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water), but avoid strong chemicals if the tank supplies drinking water.
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Rinse the surfaces with a hose or bucket water while brushing so mud and algae wash out through the outlet or a bucket.
4. Disinfect the tank
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After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the tank with clean water until the outflow runs clear and there is no detergent taste or smell.
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For disinfection, use a small amount of household bleach (5.25%) mixed with water in the recommended ratio (often about 1 part bleach to 100 parts water), following the product’s instructions or a safe‑water guideline.
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Either:
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Spray/brush the solution over all internal surfaces, let it sit for about 30–60 minutes, then rinse again; or
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Fill the tank about three‑quarters full with clean water, add the correct dose of bleach, stir gently, let it stand for at least one hour, then drain.
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5. Flush pipes and refill the tank
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Before allowing stored water to flow into the house, briefly run the bleach‑water mix through the outlet pipes and taps to sanitise the distribution lines, then fully drain and rinse again.
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Close the tank outlet, turn the main water supply back on, and refill the tank with clean water.
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Let the tank stand for a few hours, then test the water at the tap; if you detect strong bleach smell or irritation, keep flushing until the water runs fresh and odour‑free.
Safety and when to avoid DIY
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Never enter a small or enclosed tank unsupervised, and avoid using full‑strength bleach or strong industrial cleaners unless you are trained.
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If the tank is metal, underground, very high up, heavily contaminated, or you are unsure of the safe disinfectant dose, skip DIY and book a professional water‑tank‑cleaning service in Nairobi; they bring proper tools, ladders, and WHO‑aligned disinfection methods that are safer and more effective
