Keeping your water tank clean is very important. Clean water tanks give us safe water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Whether you have a plastic water tank or a metal water tank, regular cleaning is a must. In this blog, we will compare the methods of cleaning plastic and metal water tanks. Let’s learn the best ways to keep our water tanks clean and our water safe.
Why Clean Your Water Tank?
Before we compare the cleaning methods, let’s understand why it is important to clean water tanks. Over time, dirt, algae, bacteria, and other harmful substances can build up inside the tank. This can make the water unsafe and unhealthy. Regular cleaning helps remove these harmful substances, ensuring the water remains clean and safe to use.
Plastic Water Tanks
Plastic water tanks are very common in homes. They are light, easy to install, and do not rust. But, they also need proper cleaning to keep the water safe.
How to Clean Plastic Water Tanks
- Empty the Tank: First, drain all the water from the tank. Make sure the tank is completely empty before you start cleaning.
- Scrubbing: Use a long-handled brush to scrub the inside walls of the tank. A brush with soft bristles is best to avoid scratching the plastic. Scrub thoroughly to remove dirt and algae.
- Soap and Water: Mix some mild detergent or soap with water. Use this soapy water to scrub the inside of the tank again. This helps remove any remaining dirt.
- Rinse: Rinse the tank several times with clean water. Make sure all the soap is washed away.
- Disinfect: To kill any bacteria, use a disinfectant. You can use a solution of water and bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Pour this solution into the tank and scrub again. Leave it for 2 hours.
- Final Rinse: Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water to remove any disinfectant residue.
Metal Water Tanks
Metal water tanks, often made of stainless steel, are strong and durable. They are also more resistant to heat and sun. However, they can rust if not cleaned properly.
How to Clean Metal Water Tanks
- Empty the Tank: Just like with plastic tanks, start by draining all the water from the metal tank.
- Scrubbing: Use a brush with soft bristles to scrub the inside of the tank. Avoid using hard bristles as they can scratch the metal and cause rusting. Make sure to scrub off any dirt and algae.
- Soap and Water: Use a mild detergent or soap mixed with water to clean the tank. Scrub the inside walls thoroughly with the soapy water.
- Rinse: Rinse the tank multiple times with clean water to remove all the soap.
- Disinfect: Use a solution of water and bleach to disinfect the tank. Metal tanks need less bleach than plastic ones. A good ratio is 1 part bleach to 20 parts water. Scrub the inside of the tank with this solution and leave it for 1 hour.
- Final Rinse: Rinse the tank well with clean water to make sure no disinfectant is left behind.
Comparing Cleaning Methods
Both plastic and metal water tanks need regular cleaning to keep the water safe. However, the cleaning methods have some differences due to the materials used.
Differences in Cleaning Methods
- Scrubbing Tools: For plastic tanks, use a soft-bristle brush to avoid scratches. For metal tanks, also use a soft-bristle brush to prevent rust.
- Disinfecting Solution: Plastic tanks need a stronger bleach solution (1:10) compared to metal tanks (1:20). This is because plastic is more prone to harboring bacteria.
- Time for Disinfecting: Plastic tanks need 2 hours for disinfecting, while metal tanks need only 1 hour.
- Rust Prevention: Metal tanks can rust if scratched. Always use soft brushes and rinse thoroughly to avoid rust.
Similarities in Cleaning Methods
- Emptying the Tank: Both types of tanks should be completely emptied before cleaning.
- Soap and Water Scrub: Both require scrubbing with soapy water to remove dirt.
- Rinsing: Rinsing multiple times with clean water is crucial for both to remove all cleaning agents.
- Disinfection: Both need to be disinfected with a bleach solution to kill bacteria and other germs.
Get water tank cleaning services with Tank Scrub to ensure your water remains clean and safe.
Conclusion
Cleaning your water tank, whether plastic or metal, is essential for maintaining safe and clean water. While the methods for cleaning these tanks are similar, there are some important differences to consider. Always use the right tools and cleaning agents for the material of your tank to avoid damage and ensure thorough cleaning.
Regular cleaning will help keep your water safe and your tank in good condition. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your water is always clean and safe for you and your family. Keep your water tank clean in Delhi and enjoy the benefits of fresh, safe water every day.