Let’s face it—most of us don’t think much about our water tank until the water starts smelling weird or looking dirty. But here’s the truth: if your water tank isn’t cleaned regularly and properly, it could seriously affect your health and daily life. And believe me, after 10+ years of working in this field, I’ve seen it all—slimy algae, thick layers of mud, even small animals finding their way into neglected tanks.
That’s why I’m here today—not just to talk about how to clean your tank, but more importantly, what not to do. Because when it comes to the water tank cleaning process, small mistakes can lead to big problems. Whether it’s a home tank, a business setup, or even an underground water tank, this guide has got you covered.
So, grab a cup of tea and let’s dive into the top 7 mistakes people make while cleaning their water tanks—and how you can avoid them.
Why Cleaning Your Water Tank Is So Important
We use water for everything—drinking, cooking, washing, bathing. And all that water usually comes from a storage tank. Over time, that tank collects dust, rust, algae, and even bacteria. If left unchecked, these can make your water unsafe.
Think of your tank like your kitchen. You wouldn’t cook in a dirty kitchen, right? Then why store your water in a dirty tank?
Whether it’s a small overhead tank or a large commercial water tank cleaning process, regular cleaning is a must. And by “regular,” I mean every six months, minimum.
Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid During the Water Tank Cleaning Process
1. Skipping Cleaning Until There’s a Problem
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is only cleaning the tank when the water smells funny or looks dirty. But by then, the damage is already done. Dirt, slime, and bacteria may have already spread through your pipes.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a drinking water tank cleaning process or a large water storage tank cleaning procedure—cleaning needs to be part of your routine, not a last-minute fix.
2. Leaving Water Inside While Cleaning
This might sound obvious, but many people don’t drain the tank all the way before starting. They leave a few inches of water thinking, “That’s good enough.” Spoiler alert: it’s not.
The dirtiest part of the tank is usually at the bottom. So, unless you fully drain it, scrub it, and rinse it, you’re just mixing clean water with leftover filth.
Especially for an underground water tank cleaning procedure, draining fully is the first step.
3. Using Harsh or Unsafe Cleaning Agents
This is a big one. People sometimes use toilet cleaners, strong acids, or even dishwashing liquids to clean tanks. That’s a huge no-no.
If the tank stores drinking water, you must use food-grade disinfectants. These kill bacteria without leaving behind harmful chemicals. When doing a drinking water tank cleaning procedure, rinse the tank several times after cleaning to be safe.
Trust me, your stomach will thank you.
4. Ignoring the Inlet and Outlet Pipes
Most of the time, people focus only on the inside of the tank—but forget about the pipes. These pipes carry water in and out of the tank and can be a breeding ground for slime and bacteria.
Whether you’re following a standard operating procedure for water tank cleaning or just doing it yourself, don’t skip flushing the pipes. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
5. Not Wearing Safety Gear
Even if you’re just cleaning a small tank, wear gloves, boots, and a mask. You’ll be dealing with slippery surfaces, dirty water, and possibly chemicals. It’s not worth taking chances.
If you’re doing a commercial water tank cleaning process, then this becomes even more important. Safety should always come first.
6. Forgetting the Tank Lid and Surrounding Area
Imagine cleaning your house but leaving the door open so dust can fly back in. That’s what happens when you clean the inside of your tank but forget the lid.
Clean the tank lid, outside wall, and the area around the tank. This is especially true for overhead water tank cleaning procedures, where dirt and birds often land near the top.
7. Trying to Do Everything Yourself
Let’s be honest—not everyone has the time, tools, or energy to clean a tank properly. And that’s okay.
If your tank is too large, too old, or you just want it done right, hire a professional. We’ve been doing this for over a decade and follow a detailed water tank clean treatment process that covers every step.
From drinking water storage tank cleaning procedures to large underground tanks—we’ve seen it all and cleaned it all.
Different Tanks Need Different Cleaning Procedures
Here’s a quick comparison to show you why not all tanks are treated the same:
| Tank Type | Cleaning Focus |
|---|---|
| Overhead Tanks | Easy to access, but prone to dust and algae on top. Regular scrubbing is enough. |
| Underground Tanks | Need deep cleaning and good ventilation. Dirt settles at the bottom. |
| Drinking Water Tanks | Must use safe, non-toxic cleaners. Rinse multiple times. |
| Commercial Water Tanks | Large, require pressure washing, disinfecting, and certified procedures. |
Each of these follows a specific water tank cleaning procedure, and doing the wrong one can make things worse instead of better.
Still Not Sure Where to Start? Let Us Help.
If cleaning your tank sounds like too much trouble, you’re not alone. That’s why we’re here. Our team has cleaned thousands of tanks—big, small, overhead, underground—you name it.
We follow a detailed water tank cleaning procedure in India, using eco-friendly solutions and trusted methods to give you safe, clean water. We take care of everything from inspection to final rinse. All you need to do is call.
Book your water tank cleaning service today and enjoy fresh, clean water without the hassle.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your water tank clean isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about your health, your family’s safety, and your peace of mind. Avoiding these 7 common mistakes will help you stay on top of your tank cleaning game.
So whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, remember: clean water starts with a clean tank.
And hey, if you ever need help—we’re just a call away.
It’s best to clean your water tank every 6 months. If your area has hard water, dust, or algae problems, you might need to clean it more often. Commercial or shared water tanks should be cleaned even more frequently.
Yes, for small overhead tanks, you can do it yourself by draining, scrubbing, disinfecting, and rinsing thoroughly. But if the tank is underground, very dirty, or large, it’s safer and faster to hire professionals who follow the full water tank cleaning procedure.
Bleach can be used in very small amounts for disinfecting, but it must be rinsed out completely. For drinking water tanks, it’s better to use food-grade disinfectants made for water storage cleaning.
Overhead tanks are easier to access and usually need regular cleaning due to dust and heat. Underground tanks are harder to reach, collect more mud and bacteria, and require proper ventilation, special tools, and sometimes a sump pump to clean properly.