How to Clean Your Rainwater Cistern with HOCL: A Step-by-Step Guide

Taking care of your rainwater cistern tank is an important step towards effective water quality management and maintenance of your rainwater harvesting systems. Over a short period of time, rainwater cisterns can develop debris, algae, and even biofilms, which can degrade the quality of water and cause system fitting failures (Sabino, 2018). Cisterns are meant to be cleaned regularly to avoid the buildup of contaminants that may cause discoloration, foul smells, and degradation of systems.

In this article, we have presented a practical cleaning schedule that will extend the service life of your rainwater cistern tank for many years with the least degradation of water quality.

What will happen if Rainwater cisterns are not cleaned?

Your water tank will build up bacteria, algae, and other organic contaminants.   You will then no longer have potable water for household uses.  Clean it! And keep it clean!:

Water quality issues include excessive levels of bacteria, algae, and sediments that would be, generally, unappealing to human senses of sight, taste, and odor.

• Clogging up the system: The amount of debris that gathers at pipes, pumps, and filters impairs supply and causes undo maintenance, repairs, and failure.
• Shortened Life: Biofilm will build up in the cistern and; the whole water infrastructure will no longer serve its function..

Issues will be addressed head-on to avoid management problems in the future and the waste of human resources.

Recommended Cleaning Frequency of the Rainwater Cistern

Basically, the frequency at which one would clean a rainwater cistern greatly depends on size, location, and ambient weather. As a general rule of thumb, one may consider:

Every 3-5 Years: This period is recommended for routine maintenance of both glass fiber and concrete types, particularly for models that are sited in cooler climates where algal growth would not be as quick-moving as those in the tropics.

Once a year: In case the biomats are in hot, humid climates or hot conditions, the lms and algal layers may form in a rapid manner and hence this is the right period of time for cleaning.

Regular Inspections: Check your tank for algae, and use a high end test kit for bacteria.  Or
we recommend using the Solutions HOCl Cistern & Catchment Water Tank Cleaner on a monthly basis. Your roof and gutters are a constant source of contaminants from bird and rodent droppings, and all other things that gather on the roof and then into your water tank.

What are the Indications that Your Rainwater Cistern Needs Cleaning?

Some of the elements that help in maintaining a cleaning routine include searching for some of the signs of contamination in a rainwater  cistern. These include the elements listed below.

• Water Discoloration: The color of the water tells so much about the water in the cistern, whether it is clean or contaminated. When the color is brown, green, yellow, or very dark, then the water is more likely to be contaminated.

• Contamination: Any foul smell itself states the presence of organic matter.

• Sedimentation: Silting, dirt, and similar particles in the cistern accumulate along its base, indicating the cistern needs cleaning.

• Discoloration: If algae is present, then thin layers of green or brown resonant texture will be present on the walls of the tank.

Important Equipment for Cleaning the Rainwater Cistern

Get the following for a quick and safe cleaning before the process begins: 

1. Long-Handled Scrub Brush: Convenient for scrubbing either of the tank sides while standing outside the hose nozzle.
2. Hose with sprayer: Smearing of cistern surfaces from dirt, grime, or any deposits after cleaning of the parts.
3. A Submersible Pump: The perfect solution to drain the cistern water effectively.
4. Goggles, gloves, and mask: protective gear needed when cleaning with the dust, dirt, and cleaning compounds.
5. Eco-Friendly Cleaner: these will ensure that no residues are left in the water that might cause adverse reactions to the cistern.

Steps for Cleaning Rainwater in the Cistern

A set of instructions is stated below for performing the cleaning operation comprehensively:

Step 1: Drain the Rainwater Cistern

A submersible pump should be first taken into action, as it will serve the purpose of removing sewage water from the tank. If that is not available, then it is better that the drainage valve is opened. The tank should be as far as possible emptied so that dirt on the surfaces of the tank could be cleaned out as far as possible, along with the fact that any chances of the growth of bacteria will be minimized.

Step 2: Removal of Sediment and Debris

Where it is possible to see that sediment has visibly gathered over time as the tank has drained, a wet/dry vacuum or even a bucket may be used to remove the material. Additionally, the basin should be checked for accumulation of leaves, sediment, and other material, as well as the bottom area of the junction block. Most interior cisterns can handle such treatment, provided the surface is not scratched, especially if the cisterns are of concrete or plastic material makeup.

Step 3: Add an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Agent 

Solutions HOCL Cistern Bomb is designed for safe cleaning of cistern and catchment tank surfaces; an eco-friendly cleaning agent crucial for efficiency and safety simultaneously. It is a cleaner that is formulated with care for surface cleanliness yet effectively neutralizes biofilms, algae, and other organic growths without leaving irritant residue behind. Such qualities make it extremely useful in rainwater cisterns where contamination by aggressive compounds must be avoided.

Note well that Solution HOCL Cistern Bomb is a cleaner and not a bactericide; it is also not yet registered with the EPA for sanitizing. Though performing excellently in the removal of algae, biofilms,and more.

Step 4: Use circular motions to scrub the walls and floors.

 While cleaning, take a long-handled scrub brush and scrub away at the walls and floors of the cistern, removing all visible organic buildups. 

Apply the product according to the label instruction and ensure all the surfaces have the cleaner on them so that it may work effectively. No employment of abrasion on the tank surface at this stage of the process but cavity scrubbing is recommended.

Step 5: Heavy Rinse with Clean Water 

After scrubbing the cistern, it is very essential to flush it thoroughly with a hose around every corner. Every nook, groove, and any possible small space should be struck during the rinsing process.

Step 6: Again Filling the Cistern-Initial Water

During the end of the last rise, make sure the cistern or catchment water tank is refilled with safe and potable water. This is a vital step because it allows the rehabilitation of your water reservoir for safe and clean use. You should ensure that all the adapters, pipes, and connections are tightly secured before refilling.

Other ways of ensuring your water cistern remains clean

Cleaning is not the only way out of keeping the tank free of unwanted substances. Some of the more important preventive measures are described below:

• Mesh casing: Use mesh casings on entry points of water to avoid bigger debris such as leaves and dirt entering the water tank.

• First Flush Diverter: Wherever possible, it is better to avoid gutters discharging the first flow of rainfall because they are usually heavily loaded with sediment and organic matter.

• Seal the Tank: Properly sealed tanks do not allow entry of animals, insects, and other foreign matters, thus giving low chances of contamination.

• Regular Follow-ups: These are follow-up visits for algae growth, the amount of sediment, and any clogged screen or filter. This must be done at least twice a year.

How to Check on Water Quality After Cleaning

Next, fill the open tank with water, checking its quality. In case of their unavailability, home water test kits will determine pH, bad bacteria, and how clear the deep borehole water is. These ensure this is done on a regular basis, hence keeping you updated about the condition of your cistern water and if it's fit for use or not.

Cleaning of RainWater Cisterns: Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a cistern be cleaned?

The category of users it suggests should clean the cistern once every three to five years under normal circumstances. However, in places of high warmth or in the case where there are a whole lot of wastes present, it can be recommended to do annual cleans.

Is Solutions HOCL Cistern Bomb Solutions eco-friendly?

 Yes, Solutions HOCL Cistern Bomb does not have any adverse effects on the environment.

1. Is bleach safe to put in the rainwater cistern? 

No, bleach is not a good alternative because it leaves a residue that could contaminate the water. Solution HOCL Cistern Bomb is a green product and gentler on the ecosystem. 

Under what prevailing conditions of thewater tank would something be done to reduce the proliferation of algae? 

First flush diverters and bulkhead seals can help reduce the likelihood of the tank becoming a place from which the algae can develop.

1. Why are there no disinfection claims of SolutionsHOCL Cistern Bomb? 

If you’re looking to keep your water tank in great shape, the Cistern and Catchment Water Tank Cleaner is a powerful option to consider. Now, while it’s not yet EPA and FDA certified but  under process, it’s backed by over 55 scientific studies and comes with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee—so you can feel confident using it to super clean your Cistern or Catchment Tank Water Supply .

The science behind it? HOCL (hypochlorous acid), the active ingredient, works by neutralizing harmful contaminants through an oxidation process. It’s a natural and effective way to handle bacteria and algae, helping to keep your tank clean and your water fresh. A simple monthly clean can make a big difference!