Inhibitor in wrong tank

[75pete]

I would, once empty, wipe with a clean rag.

 

[JohnD]

I find a soft nylon brush, as used with a dustpan, works well. There will be sediment which is very fine so try not to disturb it until you have emptied the tank as far as it will go. In your case all the dirt will end up in the cylinder if you stir it up. If you can rig up a hosepipe syphon it will be much more hygienic.

You can then use a plastic dustpan to scoop out the remnants into a bucket.

Finally a sponge. If necessary you can put a little washing-up liquid on it to rub away dirt. This has the advantage that if it gets into the tapwater you will see foam, so you'll know when it has all been rinsed away. Of course you should not drink it but most cups and plates have tiny traces of WUL so I would not be concerned about having a bit in my bath-water. If you see fungus or bacterial slime you can sponge it with bleach after you have removed all the dirt, and, again, rinse thoroughly. A close-fitting plastic lid will keep most dirt and drowned wildlife out.

 

[D_Hailsham]

The tank doesn't empty when running cold taps

That's twice you have said that.

It may be true for modern houses, but I have never lived in a modern house. All the houses I have lived in had all cold taps (except the kitchen) fed from the cold water tank in the loft; and that includes my current 1988 house.

 

[JohnD]

It does vary by area. In London it was common (for 250 years or so) for taps to be fed from the tank, but here in S Hants, they expect bathroom cold taps to come off the main. When I had my bathroom done the plumber was very uncomfortable with me wanting the tank to do the cold taps.

 

[Davek73]

The tank doesn't empty when running cold taps

That's twice you have said that.

It may be true for modern houses, but I have never lived in a modern house. All the houses I have lived in had all cold taps (except the kitchen) fed from the cold water tank in the loft; and that includes my current 1988 house.

Run cold taps for ages and the water level didn't change in tank so all cold taps are mains fed the house was built in 50's or 60's

 

[D_Hailsham]

Run cold taps for ages and the water level didn't change in tank so all cold taps are mains fed the house was built in 50's or 60's

Just shows that you can't make assumptions; check every time.

My current cold water tank has one input pipe and four pipes coming off it, each with a gate valve: HW cylinder; bathroom; en suite; cloakroom. Very useful when you want to isolate a tap to change a washer or ball valve.