Many households use cisterns to store water. As with any water supply system, they need to be clean so the water you receive is safe to drink. This means cleaning and sanitizing the tank every year. Use the guide below to learn how to keep yours sanitary.

How Do You Clean a Cistern?

While you only need to clean it once a year, it’s wise to do so after the area experiences flooding or heavy rain, which could bring debris into the tank.

The first step is to remove any visible twigs or leaves. Don't forget to remove them from the catchment area, such as your gutters and rooftop. Then, create a cleaning solution by mixing one cup of unscented liquid bleach with 10 gallons of water. Empty the cistern and scrub the inside of the tank with a stiff brush and that cleaning solution.

Rinse the cistern with a hose, then refill it with clean water.

How Do You Sanitize a Cistern?   

After cleaning, you must sanitize the entire water supply system, including your plumbing. You should also follow this step without cleaning if the water in the tank tests positive for bacteria.

Do this by adding three cups of unscented bleach for every 100 gallons of water in the holding tank. If it’s connected to your interior plumbing, go inside and turn on all of the sinks in your house. Wait until you smell chlorine, which means the cleaning solution has reached your fixtures. 

Once this happens, turn off the sinks and let the solution soak in the cistern and your plumbing system for the next 12 hours. You must never drink, bathe, or cook using the water from the cistern during this time. Once this period is up, drain the water in the tank and fill it up with clean water. Go inside and run all of the faucets again, but make sure there’s no chlorine smell. This signals that your cistern is ready to use.

If you notice issues with the cistern pump while cleaning, turn to Quackenbush Water Systems in Warwick, NY. They have over 30 years of experience providing pump repairs for water supply systems. They’re committed to providing quality service at fair prices. Visit them online to learn more about their work, or call (845) 986-1900 to discuss your needs.