Question 1

How often should a rainwater tank be cleaned on the Sunshine Coast?

Accepted Answer

Most rainwater tanks should be inspected annually and cleaned when sediment, odour, colour, bacteria risk, or maintenance history suggests it is needed. Homes surrounded by trees, wildlife or heavy leaf litter — common across the Sunshine Coast hinterland — typically need attention more often.

Question 2

Do I need UV sterilisation on tank water?

Accepted Answer

UV sterilisation is a strong consideration for tank water homes, especially where the water is used for drinking or showers. UV provides microbiological protection when correctly installed alongside pre-filtration and serviced annually. It is not a replacement for tank cleaning, filtration or catchment maintenance.

Question 3

Does filtration make tank water safe to drink?

Accepted Answer

Filtration improves clarity, taste, odour and sediment — but on its own does not guarantee microbiological safety. A whole-system approach (tank, catchment, filtration, UV and pipework) gives you the best chance of consistently good water quality, confirmed through appropriate testing.

Question 4

Why does my tank water smell?

Accepted Answer

Common causes include sediment build-up, organic matter, dead animals in catchments, biofilm in older pipework, or under-serviced filters. An inspection of the tank, catchment, filtration and UV system usually identifies the cause quickly.

Question 5

What is sediment in a water tank?

Accepted Answer

Sediment is the layer of fine particles — dust, leaf matter, roof debris and biological material — that settles at the bottom of a rainwater tank over time. Periodic removal supports better water quality and helps filtration and UV equipment perform as intended.

Question 6

Can you clean a tank without emptying it?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Our cleaning approach uses sludge vacuuming and targeted sediment removal which often allows the tank to remain in service with minimal water loss. We will tell you up front if your tank needs a fuller drain-down.

Question 7

What is BioCleanse?

Accepted Answer

BioCleanse is a whole-home pipework disinfection treatment that helps reduce biofilm risk inside household plumbing. It is a supplementary treatment — recommended as part of a whole-system assessment, not as a replacement for UV, filtration or tank cleaning.

Question 8

Does BioCleanse replace UV sterilisation?

Accepted Answer

No. BioCleanse addresses pipework biofilm risk, while UV provides ongoing microbiological protection of water moving through the system. They are designed to work alongside each other, with appropriate filtration and tank maintenance.

Question 9

How often should water filters be changed?

Accepted Answer

Most whole-home sediment and carbon filters are changed annually as part of a service plan, though heavy sediment, taste issues or high water use can shorten that interval. Annual servicing is the simplest way to stay ahead of it.

Question 10

How often should a UV lamp be replaced?

Accepted Answer

Most UV lamps are replaced every 12 months, even if they still appear to be working — output drops over time. Annual UV service also includes sleeve cleaning and a check of the broader system.

Question 11

Should I test my tank water?

Accepted Answer

Testing is recommended where water quality is unknown, a new property has been purchased, taste, odour or colour has changed, or a prior result indicated bacteria. Testing helps confirm what is in the water before any filtration or treatment is recommended.

Question 12

What should I do if bacteria is found in my tank water?

Accepted Answer

Stop using the water for drinking until reviewed. We can inspect the tank, catchment, filtration and UV system, recommend cleaning and treatment where appropriate, and discuss whether BioCleanse pipework treatment should be considered as part of the overall response.

Question 13

Do you service acreage homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes — acreage, hinterland and rural residential properties are a primary focus for Pristine Water Systems Sunshine Coast. Many of these homes rely entirely on tank or bore water and benefit from a whole-system approach.

Question 14

Do you service bore water properties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bore water often introduces hardness, iron and mineral concerns that differ from rainwater. We assess, test and recommend filtration appropriate to the property — including combined bore + rainwater setups.

Complete Water Care, From Roof to Tap

What's happening with your water?

Dirty or discoloured water

Tank needs cleaning

Need better filtration

Worried about bacteria

Not sure what you need?

Not sure where to start? Take the water quality check.

Everything Your Private Water System Needs

1. Tank Cleaning

2. Filtration

3. UV Water Treatment

4. BioCleanse™

5. Water Testing

We Look at the Whole Water System

Sunshine Coast Tank Cleaning

Whole-House Water Filtration

Not Sure What You Need?

BioCleanse™ Pipework Hygiene

Test It. Know It.

Local Sunshine Coast Water Specialists

Local trust

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