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Clean, Safe Water Tanks

At Swiftclean we provide professional, reliable and cost effective water tank cleaning services for everything from small domestic tanks up to large, complex commercial systems.

We know just how important maintaining a clean water tank is to not only those in charge of the building, but for the health, safety and wellbeing of those who visit, work or reside within it.

Cold Water Storage Tanks

Cold water storage tanks can commonly be found in houses, residential homes, offices, schools, hospitals, commercial buildings, factories, industrial properties, leisure centres and many more.

They are used to store a large amount of water that is then used to supply the building and the tank is then replenished at a steady rate from the mains water supply.

They can be used to store water for hot and cold taps as well as drinking water, car washing, factory production, toilet flushing, water heating systems and various other applications.

Why Is Water Tank Cleaning Important?

Over time, water tanks can become contaminated with dust, dirt, sediment, debris, mould, rust, corrosion, sludge, biofilm and numerous types of bacteria including the potentially lethal Legionella. This deadly bacteria can thrive in water tanks under the right conditions and could lead to an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease which is extremely dangerous for people’s health with recovery sometimes taking a year or in some cases proving fatal.

It is important to conduct regular inspections of your water tanks to help determine if they are clean, safe and free of harmful contaminants and bacteria like Legionella.

Professional water tank cleaning is an essential part of Legionella control and water hygiene that helps to remove impurities, dirt, debris and bacteria to ensure that the tank is clean, safe and compliant.

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    What Does The Tank Cleaning Process Entail?

    The water tank cleaning process can vary slightly depending on the size, type and complexity of the tank, premises and the water system involved.

    Because of this, our experts will always start the process with a full risk assessment of the tank and the surrounding area to help put in place a clear and comprehensive plan of what cleaning needs to be done.

    Both domestic and commercial water tank cleaning will require the existing water to be drained and cleared of any accumulated contaminant deposits that may have built up in the water tank.

    We then use the very latest disinfection methods, techniques and chemicals to ensure the tanks are cleaned to the highest levels of hygiene. This can also include scraping, sand blasting and wire brushing where necessary, after which it will be disinfected, usually with Silver Stabilised Hydrogen Peroxide.

    During water tank cleaning we will always endeavour to minimise any disruption to the building and those within it, carrying out work quickly and efficiently at a time that is convenient for you. At the end of our visit, we will provide you with the necessary documentation and paperwork for your records to keep as proof and a record of maintenance.

    How Do I Know If My Water Tank Needs Cleaning?

    There is no definitive timeframe on how often water tanks should be cleaned and the frequency will vary. However, there are certain things that if they occur will require the tank to be cleaned including;

    • The installation of a new water system or the refurbishment of hot and cold-water system
    • New components installed to the water system
    • When the system has not been used for long periods of time and has not been flushed
    • When a routine inspection of the tanks identifies visible evidence of contamination or stagnation
    • If the system has been entered for maintenance purposes or significantly altered
    • When water samples taken from the system show evidence of microbial contamination
    • In the event of an outbreak of legionnaires disease that is traced back to the system
    • When a risk assessment indicates that a tank clean is necessary

    It is important for the maintenance of your water tank that you maintain the right level of pH for disinfection to ensure water is kept clean and to prevent build up that can risk the growth of Legionella.

    L8 the Approved Code of Practice & Guidance for the Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems provides guidance on the different levels of contamination and how soon this needs to be rectified. It is a legal responsibility to keep on top of this and keep records of testing and tank cleaning.

    Professional Water Tank Cleaning

    At Swiftclean, our domestic and commercial water tank cleaning services provide our customers with the peace of mind in knowing that their water systems are safe, clean and carefully monitored to ensure that they are compliant and adhering to legal requirements.

    If you have any questions or would like to know more about our water tank cleaning services, then do not hesitate to get in touch and one of our advisors will be happy to help. Alternatively, fill in the form above for a free, no obligation water tank cleaning quote.

    Swiftclean Water Tank Cleaning Services

    Swiftclean provides commercial water tank cleaning to buildings of all demands such as factories, offices, leisure centres and managed properties. In buildings with people likely to be at higher risk of legionnaires disease such as care homes, it is even more vital to have regular water tanks checked and cleaning.

    The expertise that Swiftclean have gained as a specialist in the hygienic control for building services plant ensures that the water systems will comply with the latest Health and Safety Guidelines and will avoid any violation of current regulations. Our experience and knowledge ensures our commercial tank cleaning is thorough and that cleaning and disinfection is done thoroughly and safely to prevent contamination.

    Registered with the Legionella Control Association, Swiftclean use the very latest methods of disinfection techniques and modern disinfection chemicals for our commercial tank cleaning services to ensure a superior level of hygiene, stripping of layers of bio-film known to harbour the legionella bacteria, whilst being safer, environmentally-friendly and better value for money. On completion of every contract a certificate of completion is issued for your monitoring records and to provide for inspection.

    L8 the Approved Code of Practice & Guidance for the Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems and requires water storage tanks to be inspected annually. It is written and published by the Health and Safety Executive and outlines the responsibilities of duty holders and the frequency and level of monitoring that needs to be carried out to prevent legionella. Find out more about Legionella control.

    Once a water storage system has received a Swiftclean refurbishment the tanks should be examined annually to comply with regulations, then where necessary cleaned and disinfected. It is a much more cost effective operation to service a tank that has already been brought to pristine condition. On completion of every contract a certificate of completion will be issued.

    Water Tank Refurbishment

    Swiftclean will undertake cleaning and refurbishment of all manner of water systems and associated pipe work, from a 50 litre domestic tank to a massive man-made reservoir. Major savings can be made by internal refurbishment – the coating or lining of an existing tank, rather than a costly replacement.

    Swiftclean are registered with the Legionella Control Association to reassure you of our competence in Legionella Control works.

    Your Legal Responsibilities

    L8 the Approved Code of Practice & Guidance for the Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems requires, water storage tanks to be inspected annually. The tank should be clean and free from debris and the water shiny. If this is not the case then the water tank should be cleaned and disinfected. If corrosion is occurring then this should be made good.

    Swiftclean water tank refurbishment services

    Water tanks are refurbished in situ using special tungsten carbide scrappers to loosen and remove adhered oxide, scale and debris. Tank walls are flushed and dried before the application of special tried and tested coatings which can be given a lifetime guarantee. New lids, insulation, screened overflows and vents are installed and pipe work modifications are made to rectify stagnation. Hot water vent pipes are routed away from the tanks to a tundish to prevent the risk of cold water temperature elevation.

    Where necessary Swiftclean will supply temporary tanks or bypass systems to maintain a constant water supply so no shut down period is necessary. Alternatively work is carried out at times which cause the least disruption to those using the water system.

    Once a water storage system has received a Swiftclean refurbishment the tanks should be examined annually to comply with regulations, then where necessary cleaned and disinfected. It is a much more cost effective operation to service a tank that has already been brought to pristine condition. On completion of every contract a certificate of completion will be issued.

    FAQ’s

    How long does it take to clean a water tank?

    The time it takes to complete domestic or commercial tank cleaning depends on the size of the tank as well as how dirty it is and easy it is to access. The average time it will usually take is around three to five hours, but we can provide you with a better estimate upon water tank inspection and are happy to talk you through our process for the water tank cleaning approach we feel is best and most effective for the kind of sediment that has built up within the water tank.

    How often should commercial water tanks and cold-water storage tanks be cleaned?

    The frequency at which a water tank should be cleaned will depend on the findings of the annual water tank inspection, which we can provide for you as part of our services. This will allow us to assess how clean the water tank is and if it needs cleaning now or in the next twelve months.

    For most water tanks, cleaning is required every two to three years at least depending on sediment build up; it is recommended that water tanks that provide potable water services should be cleaned and disinfected annually to maintain the level of hygienic cleanliness required. Factors such a faulty insect/vermin screen on the overflow and or damaged thermal insulation can contribute to sediment build up. You may also be more susceptible to stagnant water if your water tank is too big for the use in the building.

    What chemicals are used to clean water tanks?

    The preferred chemical for disinfection used by Swiftclean is Stabilised Silver Hydrogen Peroxide which has a history of use in the control of Legionella bacteria in water systems.

    Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an oxidising agent which is an effective disinfectant against bacteria, viruses, amoebae, fungi and algae; the addition of a silver compound ensures a long-lasting effect of disinfection.

    The advantages of using Silver Hydrogen Peroxide as a disinfectant are;

    • Powerful, highly effective, broad spectrum disinfectant that is both stable and safe
    • Is a bio-dispersant so can effectively remove biofilm from water system surfaces
    • Is chlorine and alcohol free, with no corrosive effects on usual water system materials of construction
    • After effective use in the disinfection process, the chemical degrades into harmless water and oxygen and therefore no requirement for neutralisation
    • Effective of the chemical is not compromised by high temperatures
    • Effectiveness not compromised by the pH of the water
    • The dosed water, if used for drinking purposes, can still be consumed whilst the chemical (if dosed as per manufacturers’ instructions) remains in the system.
    • Odour, colour and taste free

    Swiftclean Commitment:

    • FREE quotation/technical advice – Nationwide – call 0800 243 471
    • Works carried out in accordance with the Legionella Control Association (LCA) code of conduct
    • Risk Assessments and control schemes carried out to L8, BSRIA and CIBSE guidelines
    • All works fully certified and legionella control logbooks provided
    • Fully trained and directly employed staff
    • Method Statements and Risk Assessments provided site specific as required
    • Training for your own staff following risk assessment

    Call for a FREE quote

    Please call us or email info@swiftclean.co.uk for further advice and a free quote.

    CALL 0800 243 471