Water is such a vital part of daily life that most of us really only notice when it isn’t there. Whether we’re at home, in the office, at the gym or another public space, we depend heavily on H2O for drinking, cleaning, cooking, sanitation and bathing, among myriad other things. Indeed, we take this fluid so much for granted you probably don’t give much thought as to where it comes from before it reaches the tap, kettle or glass.
But, often, the answer to that question is cold water storage tanks, which are key elements of our water systems. And you’ll find these tanks in places ranging from private and residential homes to businesses, schools and college buildings, hospitals, leisure centres and industrial premises. They store water in large quantities, gradually topping up liquid levels from the mains supply before water runs out. They feed all cold plumbing appliances in a property and the hot water cylinder.
Benefits include consistency of supply if it gets cut off, plus a quieter operation compared to direct cold-water systems. In the event of leaks, these tend to happen more slowly than with some of the alternatives.
Not every UK property has a tank like this. Recently built homes, those with direct systems or combi boilers, for example, probably don’t. But older homes, built when mains water pressure was less reliable, or those with low mains pressure, or properties using gravity-fed systems, do. (In the latter case, the tank is often in the loft and stores water before distributing around the house using the force of gravity.)
Potential risks of cold water tanks
Some water stagnation is inevitable in cold water tanks, whatever their condition, which encourages the growth of harmful bacteria. Stagnation can occur with low water usage, tanks which are too big, blockages or poor flow of H2O. Nasties which may develop include biofilm and bacteria such as Legionella, not to mention mould, algae and other pathogens. Ultimately, these increase the risk of health conditions including the potentially life-threatening Legionnaire’s disease.
Equally, over time, your tank can get rusty, while silt, sediment and dust may also build up. Without proper maintenance, contamination is pretty likely, while things like leaves, dust or even small animals can infiltrate the space, significantly worsening water quality. And if debris settles, this creates ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria.
Why water tank cleaning matters
Regular water tank cleaning maintains water safety and guarantees compliance with safety standards. Ultimately, this helps safeguard human health and prevents the problems of contamination mentioned above.
If you neglect water tank cleaning, however, issues potentially arise, from discoloured water to offensive smells and system blockages. Proper cleaning just keeps the system working properly.
Ideally, you’d have an annual inspection of your cold water tank to assess its condition and look for debris, contamination or corrosion. Cleaning follows, based on the results of the inspection; immediately if a problem arises, for example if water samples show contamination.
If you’ve done major refurbishment or maintenance work, installed a new system, not used your tank for a while, or there’s been an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease, clean your tank.
Finally, not cleaning the tank shortens its lifespan, either due to corrosion or damage from sediments and biofilm.
Cold water tank cleaning from LV Fuel Services
Thorough water tank cleaning is a task that’s best left to the professionals. After all, they’re the experts who have the skills, experience and equipment to get it right, every time. Water quality is simply too important to leave to chance.
LV Fuel Services provides a range of tank removal installation and maintenance services, for oil and fuel as well as water tanks. We offer:
– Knowledge of the newest cleaning techniques
– A dependable, efficient service
– Comprehensive cleaning
– Flexible timings
– Guaranteed regulatory compliance
How our water tank cleaning service works:
- First we do a thorough risk assessment of the tank and its surroundings.
- We empty the tank and clear any built-up contaminants.
- Only then, using the very latest methods, do we clean your tank thoroughly.
- To be sure your tank meets rigorous hygiene standards, we use industrial-strength disinfectants.
- We’ll also give you all the relevant paperwork for your records.
We work to the same high standards whether you have a commercial or domestic water tank that needs to be cleaned. So make us your expert water-safety partners. Request a quote or email info@lvfuelservices.co.uk or call 0800 799 9739 for more details.
