Getting dirt, sediment, and sludge out of a cistern involves a specific cleaning process to ensure the tank is clean and the water it holds is safe. Based on best practices for maintaining a clean water source, the method focuses on loosening, removing, and rinsing debris.
Steps to Clean Dirt from Your Cistern
Removing dirt effectively requires a systematic approach. The primary steps involve physically loosening the debris, removing the loosened material, and then thoroughly rinsing the tank.
Here is the detailed process:
- Loosen Debris and Sediment:
- Use a pressure washer or a stiff brush to loosen accumulated dirt, sediment, and other debris from the interior surfaces of the cistern.
- For stubborn grime, incorporate a non-corrosive, non-foaming, food-grade detergent alongside the pressure washer or brush to help break down materials.
- Remove Sludge:
- If there is sludge settled at the bottom of the cistern, use a wet-dry vacuum to effectively remove it.
- Rinse Thoroughly:
- Once the bulk of the dirt, sediment, and sludge has been loosened and removed, rinse the entire inside of the cistern with clean water that's safe to drink.
- Drain Rinse Water:
- After rinsing, drain the water used for rinsing to waste. This ensures that the loosened dirt and any residual cleaning agents are completely removed from the tank.
Recommended Tools and Materials
To perform this cleaning process effectively, you will need a few key items:
- Pressure Washer OR Stiff Brush: For loosening surface dirt.
- Non-corrosive, non-foaming, food-grade detergent (Optional): To assist with stubborn buildup.
- Wet-Dry Vacuum: Specifically for removing sludge from the bottom.
- Source of Clean, Safe-to-Drink Water: For the final rinse.
- Drainage Method: To remove the dirty rinse water.
Following these steps helps ensure your cistern is free from dirt and ready to store clean water.
