Over time, sediment, sludge, and organic matter build up in the bottom of your water tank. It can make your water look, taste, and even smell bad. Even clear-looking rainwater regularly contains unhealthy bacterial contaminants such as E.coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. As rainwater experts serving Waiheke Island we have compiled a list of our most popular FAQs on our water tank cleaning service. How frequently does a water tank require cleaning? Typically every two to three years, though adding a pre-tank filtration system can stretch that out to five years or more. Every property has unique conditions that impact how quickly debris builds up. Key factors include; nearby trees & leaf litter, your roof material, airborne dust from unsealed roads or nearby construction. Even prevailing wind patterns in your area can have a negative effect on your water quality. Will you need to drain my tank to clean it? No, you keep most of your water. Our process only requires around 20–30 cm of water at the base to vacuum out sludge and sediment. Once the debris is removed, we filter and sanitize the remaining water—saving you precious supply, especially during dry summer months. What time of year is best for a tank clean? We operate all year round, however, the process works best when the tank is at least one-third full, as higher water pressure improves suction. As long as there is a minimum of 40 cm of water left at the bottom, we can complete the job smoothly. Does someone physically enter the tank? Rarely these days. To prevent introducing outside contaminants into your drinking supply, we perform almost all cleanings from the exterior. Note: Safe entry is occasionally required for underground or unusually complex tank configurations. Is water sanitization included? Yes, sanitization comes standard at no extra cost with every clean. If you prefer to opt out of the sanitization step, simply let us know when booking your service. How can I keep my tank cleaner between visits? Installing a pre-tank filter is the most effective line of defense. We can also help safeguard your supply by: Sealing gaps and penetrations in the tank Repairing damaged pipes and gutters Replacing broken concrete or plastic access covers Need to know more or wanting to book in? Speak to Marco via the phone or in person, be sure to ask him about our current deals. You can also follow us on @tankmannz and visit our website. (09) 372 7270 116 Ostend Road (next to Waiheke Workout) www.tankman.co.nz Book a service at www.tankman.co.nz/book

For Waiheke Island homes, rural properties and high-capacity rainwater storage needs ( 25-100,000 litres+) , a timber tank is a smart, sustainable and practical choice. Many Waiheke sites are sloped, remote or difficult to access, making large plastic or concrete tank delivery challenging. Timber tanks are assembled onsite in their permanent position, allowing components to be carried into tighter locations with less disruption to the natural landscape. Made from treated pine and built with a protective food grade liner, the water does not touch the wood, helping keep drinking water fresh while maintaining a more eco-friendly structure. Timber also provides natural thermal insulation, helping reduce temperature fluctuations that can affect stored rainwater. Sustainability is another major advantage. Around one tonne of milled timber can hold approximately 1.7 tonnes of atmospheric CO2, or a 30,000 litre wooden tank structure holds 4.5 tonnes of atmospheric carbon. making timber tanks a lower-impact option. While more expensive than plastic tanks, for lifestyle blocks, larger homes, rural sites or fire water storage, timber tanks offer strength, capacity and a naturally beautiful finish. As Waiheke Island's rainwater system experts, we are here to help you find the right solution for your property. Pop into our showroom or pick up the phone today to find out more. Read more about Timber Tank advantages here. (09) 372 7270 116 Ostend Road, (next to Waiheke Workout) www.tankman.co.nz

Rainwater is naturally slightly acidic (usually a pH of around 5.6) because it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, forming a weak carbonic acid. Concrete, on the other hand, is highly alkaline. It relies on calcium hydroxide (lime) to maintain its structural strength and integrity. When acidic water sits inside a concrete tank, a chemical reaction occurs: Lime Leaching: The acid in the water reacts with the calcium hydroxide in the concrete, neutralizing it and dissolving it into the water. Micro-cracking and Pitting: As the lime leaches out, the concrete becomes increasingly porous. The smooth internal surface begins to wear away, leading to pitting, rough patches, and tiny structural cracks. Structural Weakening: Over many years, if the water penetrates deep enough to reach the internal steel reinforcing mesh (rebar), the steel will begin to rust. Rust expands, causing the concrete to spall (flake or break away), which can eventually compromise the structural integrity of the tank. Signs of "Old Tank Syndrome" A gritty or sandy residue at the bottom of the tank (dissolving concrete). White, powdery deposits or tracking lines on the outside of the tank where water is weeping through structural cracks. Rough, exposed aggregate on the inside walls where the smooth cement paste has dissolved. How to Fix and Prevent It: You don't necessarily have to go through the massive expense and hassle of demolishing and replacing a very heavy concrete tank. Installing a Tank Liner: Installing a polyethelyne tank liner acts as a complete physical barrier. It stops the acidic water from ever touching the concrete again, effectively sealing existing leaks and halting the leaching process entirely. Tankman are experts at successfully installing liners to rescue leaking concrete tanks on Waiheke, having successfully installed 15 of these over the last year for Waiheke home owners. Give us a call to see how we can customise a solution for you. (Mention this blog in your booking process.) 09 372 7270 116 Ostend Road, (next to Waiheke Workout) www.tankman.co.nz - Book your tank clean digitally

Choose and schedule your water system service from TankMan - Tank & Pump on Waiheke Island. Waiheke's Rainwater System Experts.

We make rainwater safe to drink - Tank checks / cleans and UV + Filtration Servicing. ----------------------------------- Big Pohutukawa Season Ruins Waiheke Tank Water ----------------------------------- Brown, dirty tank water is often caused by tannins which are the result of water sitting in decaying vegetation and leaves. This is common in roof collected rainwater when big trees are nearby or in flower. Tannins will give your water a bitter taste and have an unpleasant odour, while the tea-coloured water will often leave stains on items like spas, sinks, and toilet bowls. Not something you would want, nor a guest to experience! Depending on the state of your tank water you may need option 1, option 2 or both! OPTION 1: Book a Tank Clean & Drain with a 10,000 litre fill $890 OPTION 2: Book installation of Tannin Filter Cartridge $890 (after you existing sediment house filter Book Now Puretec Tannin Removal Cartridge View Cartridge Recharge Instructions Autumn Special We are selling the tannin filter with its LARGE (Half Metre) cartridge housing for $695 plus $195 for a "standard" Waiheke central installation. The Purtec TR20MP2 cartridge removes tannin through the use of selective ion exchange resin. The TR Series cartridge is specifically designed to reduce tannin/organics only, so it is best used in conjunction with a two or three stage filtration system. The unit is installed in the water line after your filters. It is recommended to have sediment pre-filtration to avoid premature blocking of the TR Series cartridge, and carbon post-filtration to further reduce taste & odour. The TR Series cartridge will be regenerated prior to use using salts, and whenever the colour in the water starts to return and is suited to lower tannin issues in rainwater. Book Now Or Call 093727270 or Marco direct on 0273763041 Email waiheke@tankman.co.nz Showroom Now Open Saturdays 9am-2pm at 116 Ostend Rd Or Call 093727270 or Marco direct on 0273763041 Email waiheke@tankman.co.nz Showroom Now Open Saturdays 9am-2pm at 116 Ostend Rd

Shop at 116 Ostend Rd, Waiheke Island, or give us a call on 09 372 4442. After hours emergencies, call Duncan on 021 665 852 Get in Touch First Name Last Name Email Phone Message Send Message Thanks for your message! Come on down and browse in the shop - 116 Ostend Rd. Give us a call on 09 372 7270 Or if it's after hours call us at 027 3763041 . An after-hours call fee of $195.00 will apply, if a site visit is requested. (Weekend / Public Holiday) or email us at waiheke@tankman.co.nz Shop Hours: Monday to Friday - 8am to 4.30pm. Closed on weekends and public holidays. Book a Visit Now Contact us