If you’ve got a tank on your property, you probably don’t think about cleaning it until something starts to go wrong. But waiting for those warning signs can lead to all sorts of trouble. Whether you’re using the tank for water storage, industrial use or anything in between, keeping it clean plays a big role in how well it performs and how long it lasts.
A dirty tank doesn’t always show itself straight away. Problems tend to creep in slowly – smells, changes in the water colour, or maybe a dip in pressure. Ignoring these red flags means you might be looking at bigger repairs later down the track. If you know what signs to watch for, you can book a professional clean before things get out of hand. Here are five signs that your tank is ready for one.
Unusual Smells And Tastes
One of the first and more obvious signs that a tank needs cleaning is a sudden or persistent change in taste or smell. This is especially noticeable with water tanks, but it can happen with other liquids too. If you catch a whiff of something odd coming from the tap or out of the outlet pipe, it’s worth looking into. The same goes if your water starts tasting metallic, stale, or just plain off.
These changes can be caused by old buildup on the inside of the tank. Over time, organic matter, algae, or chemicals can collect along the tank floor and walls. When that settles and mixes with clean water, it creates a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria. This mix can release gases or cause chemical reactions that make smells more noticeable, especially when the tank warms up a bit during spring.
Here’s what people often notice when taste and odour issues begin:
– A musty smell that reminds you of damp clothes or marsh water
– A sour or chemical taste that lingers after drinking
– Unpleasant smells near the outlet pipe, even when the tank is mostly full
– Fluctuating taste or odour, depending on the time of day or recent use
It might seem minor at first, but if this goes unchecked, the problem can spread beyond the tank. Pipes and filters can take on some of that smell too. Rather than testing out home remedies, it’s safer to get a proper inspection and full clean.
Visible Residue Or Sediment
Another signal that your tank’s due for a clean is noticeable sediment or buildup, either floating inside or seen around outlet points. You might notice a layer sitting at the bottom of the tank or small particles in the water. Sometimes it’s visible when draining the tank or running water into a clear container.
Sediment tends to build gradually. Dust, dirt, organic matter, and minerals settle over time, especially if the tank doesn’t have a regular cleaning schedule. With water tanks, you might even spot green or brown patches clinging to the inner walls. That’s not something you want sitting in your supply, especially if the tank is used for drinking water or irrigation.
A layer of muck inside your tank can cause:
– Clogged or sluggish outlet pipes and filters
– Discoloured water that stains surfaces or smells earthy
– Faster wear and tear on tank liners and internal parts
Even when tanks are sealed, particles can still find their way in or form during daily use. Wet weather, wind-blown dirt, and small animal droppings near vents can all contribute. If you see even a small patch of silt inside, there’s a good chance more is hiding beneath the surface. Getting the tank looked at early means less mess to deal with later.
Reduced Efficiency
Over time, even a small amount of muck inside the tank can start to have a serious impact on its performance. You might notice slower flow from connected pipes or equipment, more pressure on your pumps, or that the system isn’t running as smoothly as it used to. These changes usually happen slowly, so they can be easy to miss at first. But once the layer of buildup grows thick enough, you’ll start to feel the difference.
Tanks that store water, fuel, or chemicals can react differently depending on what they’re holding, but they all share one thing: if the inside is dirty, the outside processes don’t go as planned. And for systems that rely on steady intake and output, such as irrigation or production, that drop in efficiency can cause disruptions elsewhere.
The types of problems that usually follow reduced tank performance include:
– Slow refilling or discharge rates
– Inconsistent flow pressure
– Frequent clogging in nearby piping
– Increased heating or cooling time for stored liquids
If these signs are popping up, clearing the interior may fix the issue faster than replacing parts. A professional clean can also reveal early signs of corrosion or liner wear that might be hidden beneath the layers. Getting it sorted now means your tank will keep doing its job without more strain on the whole system.
Strange Noises Coming From The Tank
You know your tank. So when it starts making odd sounds, it can raise a few eyebrows. Gurgling, hissing, or even thuds could point to something going wrong inside, like trapped air, moving sediment, or pressure buildup. These sounds tend to show up during filling or draining but can sometimes happen when everything’s still too.
Though it might seem small, ignoring those noises can lead to damage you don’t see at first. For instance, sediment breaking loose from the bottom might get stuck in outlets or play havoc with pumps. Or trapped gases reacting with leftover waste in the tank can make hissing sounds and affect air pressure or seals.
Let’s say you’ve got a tank behind a warehouse and hear a knocking sound every time it starts draining. That might be caused by a pocket of sludge shifting and hitting the walls or sudden suction from a blocked outlet pipe. It doesn’t take long before that minor noise becomes a busted sensor or cracked line.
If you’re getting regular strange noises, especially if they’re new, then getting a tank clean might stop a minor issue from turning into a big one.
Unexpected Drops In Tank Levels
If your tank level starts dropping and you’ve ruled out use or evaporation, something else might be going on. A leak is one of the first things to consider, but sometimes sediment buildup or bacteria growth can interfere with your tank’s internal flow, giving you misleading gauge readings or causing partial drainage.
When grime collects around sensors or valves, it can shift the internal pressure and trick your system into thinking the tank’s full when it isn’t, or empty when it’s not. On top of that, blockages from sediment can cause overflow or force the contents into places they’re not supposed to go.
Here’s what to watch for:
1. Level indicators behaving oddly or giving conflicting readings
2. Water pooling around the base of the tank
3. Visible staining or streaking down tank walls
4. Moisture around access entries or outlet pipes
Catching these signs early could save you from dealing with bigger problems like leaks below ground or structural weakening. Regular cleaning keeps tank internals clear, allowing sensors and valves to work like they should and giving you a more accurate picture of what’s happening inside.
Keep Your Tank In Top Shape
Tanks are built to last, but they can’t stay that way if they’re neglected. Staying on top of cleaning won’t just improve performance, it also helps protect the structure and liner. You lower the risk of unexpected breakdowns and keep your system working the way you need it to.
If any of these five signs sound familiar, whether it’s strange smells, odd sounds, or just a drop in output, it might be time for a closer look. A proper clean isn’t just about wiping things down. It’s about catching issues before they get worse and making sure your tank sticks around for the long haul.
To keep your tank working properly and stop build-up from turning into bigger headaches, it might be time to bring in some help. Whether you’re noticing strange smells, slow drainage, or signs of algae, taking action early makes a big difference. Getting regular tank cleaning services can extend the life of your system and help keep your water cleaner. Let ATM Tanks handle the hard work while you focus on the things that matter most.
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