In every Indian household, a clean water tank is the foundation of safe and healthy living. Water stored in tanks is used for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning. But if the tank isn’t cleaned regularly, it becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, algae, and sediments. So, knowing how to clean water tank is not just a matter of hygiene — it’s a matter of health.
In this article, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about how to clean inside water tank, the importance of tank cleaning, easy methods you can follow at home, safety tips, and how to keep your tank in top condition.
Why Cleaning Your Water Tank is Important
Before I jump into the cleaning process, let’s understand why cleaning your tank is so essential:
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Prevents waterborne diseases: Dirty tanks often contain bacteria like E. coli and parasites.
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Removes sediments and slime: Over time, mud, rust, and algae settle at the bottom.
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Improves water taste and smell: Clean water is fresh, odorless, and better for drinking and bathing.
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Protects plumbing and appliances: Dirty water can clog pipes and damage washing machines, water filters, and heaters.
💡 Regular cleaning also saves on medical bills and ensures your family stays healthy.
How Often Should You Clean a Water Tank?
Experts recommend cleaning your water tank at least once every 6 months. However, if you live in an area with hard water or poor water supply, you may need to clean it every 3–4 months.
What You Need Before You Start
Here’s a basic list of tools and items you’ll need:
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Gloves and mask
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Scrubbing brush or sponge
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Bucket or mug
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Water hose or pipe
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Disinfectant or bleach
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Flashlight or headlamp
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Ladder (for overhead tanks)
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Clean cotton cloth or sponge
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Water Tank in Home
Step 1: Drain the Tank
Start by emptying the tank completely. This helps flush out the old, dirty water along with any floating debris.
How to do it:
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Turn off the water supply from the inlet valve.
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Open the outlet valve or tap and let water drain.
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If needed, use a bucket or water pump to remove leftover water.
Safety Tips:
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Wear gloves and mask to avoid exposure to bacteria.
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Ensure ladder is stable if you’re cleaning an overhead tank.
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Keep children and pets away from the area.
Step 2: Scrub the Inside of the Tank
Now it’s time to physically remove dirt, grime, and algae from the tank walls and bottom.
How to clean inside water tank properly:
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Mix some mild detergent in warm water.
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Use a long-handled brush or sponge to scrub all surfaces.
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Pay attention to corners, edges, and seams.
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Scrub the bottom thoroughly — this is where most dirt settles.
Step 3: Disinfect the Tank
Disinfection is the most critical step. It kills bacteria and prevents future growth.
Use any of these solutions:
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1 cup of household bleach (5% chlorine) for every 1000 litres of water.
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A ready-made, non-toxic disinfectant available in local stores.
Steps:
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Pour the solution into the tank.
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Spread it evenly using a sponge or cotton cloth.
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Let it sit for 2 hours to kill all germs.
Warning:
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Never mix bleach with other chemicals — it can be dangerous.
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Work in a well-ventilated space.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
After disinfection, rinse the tank multiple times with clean water to remove chemical traces.
How to rinse the tank properly:
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Fill the tank halfway with clean water.
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Use a scrub or sponge to remove any leftover bleach.
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Drain again.
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Repeat 2-3 times until no smell of bleach remains.
Don’t skip this step. Incomplete rinsing can make the water unsafe.
Step 5: Refill and Monitor
Once cleaned and rinsed:
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Let the tank dry for 1-2 hours.
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Refill it using fresh water from a trusted source.
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Check for leaks or discoloration.
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Install a lid tightly to avoid entry of insects or dust.
How to Clean Water Tank at Home Without Hiring a Service?
If you’re wondering how to clean water tank at home without spending money, the above steps are enough. Most Indian households can follow these steps with simple tools. But make sure you use clean gloves and water to avoid cross-contamination.
However, if your tank hasn’t been cleaned in years or has foul smell, it’s best to call a professional.
Types of Water Tanks & Cleaning Tips
Here’s how cleaning methods may differ based on your tank type:
| Tank Type | Location | Special Cleaning Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead Tank | On the terrace | Use ladder carefully, cover tank post-cleaning |
| Underground Tank | Basement/garden | Needs pump for water removal |
| Sintex Plastic Tank | Rooftop/sideyard | Use non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratches |
DIY Tips to Keep Your Tank Clean Longer
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Install filters on inlets to reduce dirt.
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Cover tank with a tight lid to avoid mosquitoes and dust.
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Use alum (fitkari) monthly to settle impurities.
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Drain 10% of water every 2 weeks and refill.
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Check for leaks and repair them quickly.
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Avoid dipping dirty mugs or hands in the tank.
Can I Use Bleach to Clean Water Tank?
Yes, bleach is one of the most effective and affordable disinfectants. Just make sure you use it in the right amount. For 1000 litres of tank capacity, 1 cup of household bleach (about 250ml) is enough. Always rinse the tank 2–3 times after bleaching.
Choosing the Right Help For Your Tank
If cleaning by yourself seems difficult, or your tank hasn’t been cleaned for over a year, it’s time to consider hiring professionals.
- Mechanized cleaning with vacuum pumps.
- Use of UV or ozone disinfection.
- Trained staff for hygienic and safe operations.
From residential tanks to industrial ones, many companies offer the best water tank cleaning service at affordable prices. Services often include inspection, cleaning, and water testing.
Make sure you choose a service that uses eco-friendly disinfectants and provides a cleaning certificate after work.
Final Words
Keeping your water tank clean is a simple yet powerful habit that protects your health and your home. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professionals, what matters most is consistency.
Make it a part of your seasonal cleaning routine, just like dusting or washing bedsheets.
By following this guide, you now know how to clean water tank in home, how to do it safely, and how to make sure your water stays clean throughout the year.
Still unsure or have a big tank? Don’t wait — book tank cleaning today and breathe easy.
You can clean your water tank at home without a machine by first draining the water completely. Then scrub the inside walls and base with a brush using soap or detergent. After that, disinfect with bleach and rinse 2–3 times. This method is simple and can be done with household tools.
The easiest method is to use a mild cleaning solution and scrub the tank manually. Make sure to rinse well and disinfect using bleach or a safe cleaning liquid. Let it dry before refilling. This is the best way if you want to learn how to clean water tank in home quickly and effectively.
For hard-to-reach tanks, use a long-handle scrubber or a flexible cleaning brush. If possible, drain the tank and enter carefully using a ladder. Always wear gloves and a mask. Cleaning inside the tank may take more time, but it’s important to reach every corner.
Pani ki tanki saaf karne ke liye pehle pani nikaalein, phir brush se andar ke diwar aur neeche ke hisse ko saaf karein. Uske baad bleach ya koi safe disinfectant daalein, use 1-2 ghante chhod dein, phir ache se dhoyein. Ye sab aap ghar par asaani se kar sakte hain.
We can clean water by first cleaning the tank properly and then filtering the water through a purifier. For tank cleaning, make sure to disinfect and rinse thoroughly. Using safe water storage and avoiding open containers also helps in keeping water clean.
If you ignore tank cleaning, sediments, bacteria, and even insects can build up. This can lead to bad-smelling water, skin problems, stomach infections, and damage to your water appliances. That’s why it’s important to know how to clean inside water tank and do it regularly.