Water tank cleaning and disinfection
Over time cold water tanks, often found in lofts, basements and airing cupboards become dirty with debris, sediment, scale, sludge, biofilm, fouling, wall mould, stagnation, rust & corrosion, foreign bodies and plant growth. Should contaminants enter our water tanks or build up over time, they provide a breeding ground for bacteria such as Legionella bacteria and E.coli.
An annual inspection of cold water storage tanks will determine if cleaning and/or disinfection is required, as stated in the ACoP L8 (HSG 274 Part 2). Annual water tank cleaning is not a legal requirement, but annual water tank inspections are, where the water tank is inspected for its condition internally and externally. The water tank inspection will identify if a water tank clean is required or not. Get a water risk assessment today.
Why do I need to clean my water tank?
Water tank cleaning is an essential part of water hygiene and Legionella control measures and something to be taken seriously both domestically and commercially. To maintain high quality water it is important that tanks are inspected regularly and cleaned when required to prevent bacterial proliferation. Protecting the water system’s users from potentially fatal diseases such as Legionnaires’ disease is vital, particularly when the users are vulnerable people such as children, the elderly, people with pre-existing illnesses, smokers, etc. These tanks should be inspected annually for their condition to identify if a water tank clean is required. To read more on cold water tank monitoring please visit our legionella monitoring page.
What else must I do with my tank?
Not only is it important to check your tanks for their internal conditions but they must meet design regulations as well, which help prevent bacterial growth inside the tanks. A poorly designed tank, clean or unclean may provide the right conditions for bacteria growth. For example, if your tank does not have a closely fitted lid, insects and bacteria may enter your tank. This is why tank design is just as important as a clean tank.
In summary, you must clean your tank where required, ensure it meets design regulations, and monitor your tank six monthly for its condition, design and temperature. Bacteria sampling is recommended on a six monthly basis to interpret the tank’s water quality. Legionella bacteria can double every 15 minutes.
How much is a tank clean & disinfection?
Water tank cleaning costs vary in price depending on the number and size of your tanks. Small water tank cleaning prices for tanks ranging from 117L to 500L might cost you between £200-£500.
Where as larger water tank cleaning prices for tanks ranging from 1,000L to 30,000L normally cost in excess of £500-£2000+.
Water Tank Cleaning Process
Inspect Tank Design
Drain Water Tank
Chemical Disinfection (?)
Drain Water Tank
Remove H&S Signage
Install H&S Signage
Clean Water Tank
Neutralise Water
Refill Water Tank
Water Free to Use
Isolate Water Tank
Refill Water Tank
Test Chlorine Levels
Un-isolate Water Tank
Certificate Sent
About the tank clean and how long will it take?
uRisk’s water treatment, tank cleaning and disinfection services are carried out by our fully trained engineers, provided with RAMS, method statements and procedures to ensure the work complies with the ACoP L8 (HSG 274) and COSHH regulations. Disinfection works are carried out with the use of chlorine with all RAMS designed to ensure the safety of the water system’s users is paramount.
On average it can take our experienced engineers between 3-5 hours to clean your water tanks. However, the time taken to clean the tank often depends on a number of factors such as how dirty the tank is, how accessible the tank is, and the size of the incoming and outgoing pipework from the tanks to list a few factors.
When do I need a chlorination?
Where necessary, hot and cold water services should be cleaned, flushed and disinfected in the following instances, as specified in BS 8558:2011:
- New water system installations or refurbishment of hot and cold water systems
- Installation of new components
- Systems that have been out of use for long periods of time
- Evidence of contamination or stagnation in tanks
- Substantial alterations to the systems
- Following sample results indicating contamination
- During or following an outbreak of legionella
- Where indicated by the risk assessment
If you are uncertain on the actions you need to take then contact our team today.
Do uRisk provide water testing or sampling?
Yes, we provide a wide range of water testing and sampling including legionella. All water tests are carried out in UKAS accredited laboratories.
Service Process
Get a Quote
Get a quote today by phone, email, or complete our contact form to receive a quotation within 24 hours.
Booking
Our coordinator will be in touch to confirm a Date That Suits You, along with estimated time of arrival.
Your Appointment
On the day of your appointment, you will receive a 30 min Curtesy Call from an engineer to confirm they're on route.
Report
Your report is then Quality Checked and emailed in PDF Format, with Next Day Delivery.
Support Call
Our support team will be in touch to arrange your free 30 min Support Call to help explain your report.
All payments are due prior to booking completion unless agreed in writing for 30 days from the date of invoice. We will hold your booking time for 24 hours whilst we await payment. Reports are typically next day delivery, but please allow for up to 5 working days delivery.
Your Dedicated Safety Team
Jack
Customer Service
Neil
Operations
Matthew
Support
Shaun
Technical
Water Tank Cleaning & Disinfection FAQs
Will my tank need cleaning periodically?
Your cold water storage tank will require cleaning and disinfecting as per the condition of the tank. There are no legal requirements to clean tanks annually unless you have a potable drinking water tank.
Are uRisk qualified?
Yes, all of our assessors are fully qualified and accredited by City & Guilds legionella control association and can help assist you in meeting compliance today for HSE (ACoP L8), and provide landlords with guidance for hot and cold water low risk systems. We are also Safe Contractor and Construction Online approved so you can rest assured that you are working with a trusted water hygiene service provider who put health and safety first.
All our engineers are DBS Checked to ensure suitable people are entering your premises and to safeguard vulnerable people. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards.
Do uRisk service my area?
Yes, our services are nationwide. Whether you have one or multiple water systems and one or multiple sites, we provide services across the country, with qualified engineers scattered throughout the UK and offices based in Hertfordshire which is a 30-minute train journey to London King’s Cross. Get in contact with us and book an appointment where we can carry out a legionella risk assessment. We will look at factors like your water temperature, redundant pipework, where your water is stored and test for bacteria in water systems.
Why choose uRisk?
Over 25 years of water hygiene and legionella control experience.
Friendly and simple advice by phone, email & online at your convenience.
All staff are trained water hygiene consultants and engineers.
With engineers located all across the UK, we're never too far away.
Our labs are UKAS approved providing you with quality assurance.
Your one stop shop for Legionella control, no need to go elsewhere.
