Common Tank Maintenance Mistakes
A water tank isn’t simply install-and-forget. To get decades of reliable service, whether for water supply, irrigation, or fire safety, you need periodic maintenance. The good news? Most maintenance tasks are straightforward. The bad news? Some common mistakes can reduce water quality or damage your tank. Here’s how to stay on top of tank care.
Mistake 1: Neglecting Gutters and Roof Catchment
One of the most common issues comes from dirty roofs and gutters. Leaves, dirt, bark or bird droppings can wash into your tank every time it rains. Over time, that contaminates water and strains filters.
What to do instead:
Clean gutters and roof catchment area annually (or more often during leaf‑shedding seasons)
Trim back overhanging trees if possible to reduce debris
Use leaf filters or screens on downpipes to reduce debris entry
Mistake 2: Skipping First‑Flush Diverters
First-flush diverters are simple devices that discard the initial run-off from your roof, the water most likely to contain dust, bird droppings or pollen. Skipping diverters often leads to poor water quality and clogged outlets.
Fix it: Install and maintain first-flush diverters. Empty and reset them regularly. Replace parts when worn.
Mistake 3: Letting Overflows or Outlets Block
When your tank is full, overflow outlets must allow water to escape, away from the foundation and landscaping. If the outlet is blocked with debris, water can spill where you don’t want it (like next to your house), causing soil erosion or even structural damage.
Fix it: Routinely inspect overflow pipes. Ensure they are clear, free-flowing, and directed away from buildings.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Foundation or Base Movement
Ground shifts, soil erosion or tree roots can alter the base under your tank over time. If the base moves or settles unevenly, it can stress the tank walls, joints, or fittings, causing leaks or structural issues.
Fix it: Check your tank’s base every 6–12 months. Look for signs of soil erosion, soft spots, or tilting. Re-level or reinforce the base if necessary.
Mistake 5: Forgetting Vents or Inspection Hatches
Vents, air‑release points, and access hatches prevent pressure build‑up and let you inspect the inside of the tank. Neglecting these can lead to pressure issues, water quality problems or even unpleasant smells.
Fix it: Ensure vents remain clear. Perform interior inspections (or hire a professional) every few years to check for rust (on steel tanks), sediment, algae, or contamination.
Mistake 6: Letting Filters and Screens Go Unguarded
Gutters, downpipes, and outlets often have screens or filters to keep out leaves, insects or debris. Over time, these get clogged. If you don’t clean them, water flow reduces, filters get stressed, and quality declines.
Fix it: Include filter and screen cleaning in your maintenance schedule. Replace worn screens. Check after storms.
How to Maintain a Tank - Suggested Annual Checklist
Clean gutters and the roof catchment area
Empty and reset first‑flush diverters
Inspect overflow outlets and direct them safely away
Check the base/foundation for movement or settling
Clean filters and screens on downpipes and inlets
Inspect vents, hatches, and sealing
Flush or inspect inside of tank if possible (especially after heavy rainfall or long dry spells)
When to Call in a Professional
If you notice any of the following:
Tank tilting or uneven settling
Cracks or leaks in tank walls or seams
Water discolouration, odour, or persistent debris/sludge
Overflow problems or leaks around outlets
Difficulty cleaning or accessing inside
… call a professional. A proper inspection can save you from major repairs down the track.
A tank, whether poly or steel, is an investment. With a little care and routine maintenance, it can give you decades of reliable service, clean water, and peace of mind. Skip the basic upkeep, though, and you risk losing more than just convenience.
If you’d like, we can supply a downloadable maintenance checklist for your tank, just ask.
