cleaning dirty or stale water tank

Submitted: Sunday, Apr 08, 2007 at 10:12
ThreadID: 44097 Views:2657 Replies:5 FollowUps:2
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just acquired a 4wd with on board 120 lt water tank, has not been used for 2 yrs. has elec pump fitted. any suggestions on products or methods to use to clean out and freshen up. thanks don.
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Reply By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Sunday, Apr 08, 2007 at 10:48

Sunday, Apr 08, 2007 at 10:48
120lt onboard!!

A couple of quick questions to narrow down any treatment options:

1. Construction material eg Stainless Steel, Plastic, other
2. Solid walls/ flexible container?
3. any smells from the filler hole?
4. Removable/Fixed installation?

In some cases, half filling with water and bicarb soda (large packet) and a nice 4wd trip for the day on rough roads will loosen any buildups. Drain and repeat if necessary. Depending on materials, shock-loading with chlorine (bleach etc) will kill any organics present.

There are cleaners available from some stores that are made for this situation that you could try.

Don't forget to check the pump/lines for proper sealing/functioning.

Andrew
AnswerID: 232239

Reply By: donmac1945 - Sunday, Apr 08, 2007 at 11:37

Sunday, Apr 08, 2007 at 11:37
thanks for the info sofar. f/glass tank. rectangular cube, no smells, but would like to clean just in case there are some nasty pieces inside. going to the simpson desert next week, cant afford any quesses out there. thanks., don.
AnswerID: 232245

Follow Up By: Member -Dodger - Sunday, Apr 08, 2007 at 16:04

Sunday, Apr 08, 2007 at 16:04
Caravan accessories outlets have a variety of tank cleaners , head for one of them and ask their advice.
I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.

Cheers Dodg.

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Reply By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 08, 2007 at 16:06

Sunday, Apr 08, 2007 at 16:06
Bias Boating Marine, Witworths Nautical World or any of the boating supply joints can supply tank cleaner/deoeriser.

Having siad that I'm not convinced that what they might supply is not bicarbonate of soda anyway.

Ian
AnswerID: 232267

Reply By: Waynepd (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 08, 2007 at 16:25

Sunday, Apr 08, 2007 at 16:25
Baby bottle cleaner like Miltons to kill any bugs, drain, then refill and deodorise with Bicarb..... Should take care of it.
AnswerID: 232270

Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Monday, Apr 09, 2007 at 11:05

Monday, Apr 09, 2007 at 11:05
Just be aware that the Bicarb of Soda as i descibed is not used as a deodoriser, rather a very fine abrasive cleaner which loosens the minute buildup of organics (which cause most of the smells/tastes) within the tank. Bicarb with water will not deodorise in this case (it will to some degree in a frig when dry to soak up certain smells).

Andrew
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Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Monday, Apr 09, 2007 at 09:37

Monday, Apr 09, 2007 at 09:37
Told denture tablets work well too.
Just drop one in to 1/2 tank, then drain, as above with bicarb.
AnswerID: 232340

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