Most people don't know what the inside or their water storage tank looks like right? Its awkward to get to, up in the attic, out of sight out of mind. That's fine, completely understandable. there can be more pressing matters in peoples lives that are at the forefront. As a plumber of many years, I get the pleasure of working on these attic storage tanks. To my horror I see over 70% of them do not have lids and another 20% with plywood. In situations like these, I already know the condition of the water.... Dirty, slimy and down right gross. That's why I feel I have a moral obligation to let you know what exactly an non maintained water storage tank means for you and for your health.

What Does A Water Storage Tank Do?
So, If you have a Combi Boiler this does not apply to you. Every other popular plumbing system requires a water storage tank. this tank is responsible for holding a mini reservoir of water for the following:
Baths
Showers
Wash Hand Basins
Toilets
Hot Taps
Dish Washers
Yes so basically every outlet except the cold on the kitchen sink will be fed from this tank. The water you wash your dishes in, The water you brush your teeth in, The water you bathe and shower in. That's why it is imperative NEVER to drink your bathroom tap water and if you have kids make sure to keep a close eye.
What Can You Expect To Find In A Water Storage Tank?
If left uncovered or not regularly maintained I can expect you will find quite a lot actually.
white scaly deposits will begin to form just above the water line. These are limescale deposits from splashes of water when the tank is refilling. This limescale comes from hard water areas and can cause our skin and hair to dry out. Also very harmful to our plumbing and heating systems. I will soon have a blog on how to remove this limescale in the future. If you look down deep into the Water Tank you will see the bottom is brown. this will essentially be a layer of muck. bits of dirt, dead insects, cobwebs, Dust and what ever else might be living in your attic... which brings me to my next topic.
The Down Right Ugly
The living. Living things need water to survive. If there is no lid on your cold water storage tank then that may provide the thirst quenching haven for a Rodent or Bird. I was holding off on this bit of the blog but unfortunately yes I have found dead birds and rats in peoples water tanks. Complaints of bad smells coming from their water is usually a tell tale sign. if you are lucky enough to know a plumber they will probably have a story or two as it is not as uncommon as you think. What about the Things we can see? LEGIONELLA. This is a bacteria so commonly found in warm water. if your tank is left unclean and unused for a matter of months legionella will spread and multiply. legionella is very harmful to health and may cause death. So please don't take that risk.
How to clean a Cold Water Storage Tank
First of all you need to get into the attic. If you are unable too, find a grandson or someone to hop up for you. Check for a lid on the Tank. some times you will see ply wood over the top. That is no good insects live in it and the ply often deteriorates and falls into the tank. Always good to check if there is an over flow pipe running to the outside. if there is a lid great job done. if not the following applies:
Shut off mains water coming into home.
Open all taps to drain down the tank
There will be about 30cm of water on the bottom that wont drain out. this is where all the brown dirt and muck is.
Do not try scoop up because the sediment will mix with the water, instead with a wet vacuum suck up the remaining water.
With a bucket and sponge clean all off the limescale deposits around the tank
Add special disinfectant that will not harm your skin into the tank
fill tank and flush disinfectant through the system
BE VERY CAREFUL OF AIRLOCKS!
If you don't feel 100% confident then do the smart easy thing and call me, A Professional Plumber. Not worth flooding your house over! If you are up for the challenge then best of luck. I sincerely hope this guide gave you all the information you need to have safe clean water for you and your family.
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