Hello. I'm just a layman wondering if anyone could very kindly advise me. We have a cold water tank and I recently lifted the lid and peered in, and as I did so I noticed this very strong smell, difficult to describe and not particularly horrid (I would describe it as sleeping gas). I also noticed what looked like limescale build-up spread on one side of the tank around where the mains water enters and at the height where the water level goes up to (but I am thinking whether its some kind of growth, although it is hard and looks like limescale, I also think that's the source of the strange smell). Our related tap water seems fine. I also recently was told that the tank we have looks like it is made from asbestos cement, which I am concerned about (would it release anything?! There is also a small crack at the top edge of the tank). Many thanks, God-Bless.
water tank queries
- Thread starter londoncentral
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I have never heard of "sleeping gas".
I doubt that any mild smell is of any consequence if there are no dead rats or squirrels in the tank.
I would warn you that asbestos cement tanks can suddenly delaminate and leak without warning.
Its also questionable how they can be disposed of except by a licenced asbestos disposal firm. They are often better left in a loft even if they can fit through the access hatch.
Tony
I doubt that any mild smell is of any consequence if there are no dead rats or squirrels in the tank.
I would warn you that asbestos cement tanks can suddenly delaminate and leak without warning.
Its also questionable how they can be disposed of except by a licenced asbestos disposal firm. They are often better left in a loft even if they can fit through the access hatch.
Tony
Have it disconnected and a new plastic tank installed asap.
The tank will probably be supplying your hot water cylinder and bathroom taps and will not be healthy for your family to be washing in!!!!!
The tank will probably be supplying your hot water cylinder and bathroom taps and will not be healthy for your family to be washing in!!!!!
Bahco said:The tank will probably be supplying your hot water cylinder and bathroom taps and will not be healthy for your family to be washing in!!!!!
Why not?
Apart from the danger of sudden severe leaks I have never heard of any health concerns about the water.
Tony
I, personally am a bit funny about what water I would use to wash and brush my teeth in 
Strangely enough, water supplied from a dirty and smelly tank somehow does not appeal to me.
However, each to their own I suppose
Strangely enough, water supplied from a dirty and smelly tank somehow does not appeal to me.
However, each to their own I suppose
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