Your rainwater tank, from roof to tap
A rainwater tank is a living water reserve. It turns cloudy, it smells, it scales up. Here is why, and what a treatment changes.
Rain falling on the roof carries away everything on it: dust, pollen, moss, leaves. The filter catches the big pieces, not the rest. At the bottom of the tank, this matter decomposes without oxygen. That is what makes the water cloudy and gives it a muddy smell.
Three signs that it needs treating
The water is cloudy
Milky at the tap, or in the toilet bowl.
It smells
When you open the inspection cover, or through the toilets and taps supplied with rainwater.
White deposits
In the toilet bowl or the washing machine drum: it is limescale from the tank walls.
What the treatment does
It adds micro-organisms that break down the accumulated matter instead of letting it ferment. The water clears, the odour disappears and limescale is reduced. It is chlorine-free, which matters if you use the water for watering.
- Treated water is suitable for watering, sanitary facilities, the washing machine and the swimming pool.
- It does not become drinkable. Both boxes say so, and that does not change.
The dose, according to tank volume
Rainwater treatment, 1 kg box. Up to 500 L: 1 dose (30 g) per 100 L of water. From 1,000 L: 5 doses per 1,000 L of water. One box treats up to 6,000 L.
Hyper-concentrated rainwater treatment, 40 g sachets. 1 sachet for 2,000 L of water. Easier when the tank is large.
Pour at the end of the day, directly into the tank. Wait 48 hours with the powder, 24 hours with the sachets, before using the water.
Repeat every 2 months, and after heavy rain. Never right before forecast rainfall.
Three habits that make the treatment work better
- Clean the gutters in autumn. Fewer leaves, less matter to break down.
- Close the inspection cover properly. A sliver of light is all algae need.
- Do not empty the tank every year. A layer of living water at the bottom is better than starting from scratch. A full clean-out is only needed every eight to ten years.
And if you also have a septic tank
The treatment is suitable for septic tanks. Treated water flushed down the toilet does not disturb anything there.
The doses for our products are on their packaging, and that is what counts. If swallowed or splashed, call the Poison Centre on +32 70 245 245 and keep the packaging to hand.
