Having TRVs fitted next week and the plumber tells me he’ll have to drain the system. While he is fitting the valves and the cold water tank in the loft is empty, is there anything I can do to steralise it? We have a big problem with biofilm and if anyone knows if there is something that I can do to minimise the black slime blocking the taps, shower heads and I suppose pipes then I’d be grateful for the information.
Sterilising Cold Water Tank
- Thread starter bolo 2
- Start date
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You're confusing your tanks. The one which supplies the hot & cold water to your taps is not the same one that supplies your heating system (unless you have a Primatic cylinder, but they're quite rare now).
You can use Sentinel X700 or similar on your heating side, but the storage tank & associated pipework for your tap water needs specialist treatment by a certified disinfection operative.
You can use Sentinel X700 or similar on your heating side, but the storage tank & associated pipework for your tap water needs specialist treatment by a certified disinfection operative.
Does your water tank have a thick insulating jacket, and a close-fitting lid?
What size is it?
Plastic?
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then you have done the right things to keep it clean.
Dredge out any drowned pigeons or spiders, but it should be pretty clean because of the lid. The insulation prevents it getting warm in summer, which accelerates bacterial growth. If it was me I would clean it out myself (draining it with the cold bath tap so the dirt and cleaner does not get into the HW cylinder) but if you can't, Muggles suggestion of a pro clean is needed.
After I had scrubbed mine out and rinsed it, I used a chlorinating drinking water chemical but this shortens the life of rubber seals so can cause leaks.
Presumably your water supply is clean, from a watermain, not from a well or something?
Dredge out any drowned pigeons or spiders, but it should be pretty clean because of the lid. The insulation prevents it getting warm in summer, which accelerates bacterial growth. If it was me I would clean it out myself (draining it with the cold bath tap so the dirt and cleaner does not get into the HW cylinder) but if you can't, Muggles suggestion of a pro clean is needed.
After I had scrubbed mine out and rinsed it, I used a chlorinating drinking water chemical but this shortens the life of rubber seals so can cause leaks.
Presumably your water supply is clean, from a watermain, not from a well or something?
Would I do this before the plumber comes to fit the valves?
Sounds like a good idea but roughly what would I expect to pay?
Water is clean.
more likely 50 gallon. Is "50" embossed on the side? You said it was around this size https://www.tanks-direct.co.uk/50-g...MI04mTgsOT7AIVg-d3Ch13gwmyEAQYASABEgIjq_D_BwE
A bath holds around 100 litres, so 50 litres would be inconveniently small.
it would probably take you half a day to empty, clean, rinse and disinfect your tank. If you want to have a go, put aside a day when the taps will be out of order and preferably everybody will be out. Verify that your cold bath tap does actually come from the tank, not the mains supply, or you may need a hosepipe as a syphon. Buy a new, clean nylon-bristled hand brush to scrub it out with. I am a householder not a plumber so I don't know what techniques they use. Remember to clean and sterilise the lid.
I'm a bit puzzled that your tank is infected, nothing you've said sounds wrong. I've only seen it in a house that was left unused, allowing the stored water to go stagnant. Once clean, the constant flow of fresh water should keep it so.
Do you know Roy Williams, from East Grinstead, Sussex?
Depends where you are in the country but I'd expect it to be over £500
Just been on to water board and they say it's very common John. In the sticks of N W Highlands I haven't met Roy Williams yet. : )
something to do with softness or acidity of the water perhaps?
water here is harder.
Copper pipes are said to be somewhat antibacterial.
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