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

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 3

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 4

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 5

How long does a tank clean take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential tank cleans are completed in 2 to 4 hours depending on tank size, sediment load and access. We confirm expected duration when we book the appointment.

Question 6

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 7

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 8

Twin or triple filtration — which do I need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on sediment load, taste and odour concerns, catchment quality and household use. We assess the water and property first, then recommend the correct configuration — not a one-size-fits-all pack.

Question 9

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 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

Can UV be added to an existing system?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes — a properly sized UV unit can be added downstream of existing filtration. We check flow rates, power supply and plumbing during the inspection so the recommendation actually fits.

Question 12

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 13

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 14

Is BioCleanse™ suitable for every home?

Accepted Answer

BioCleanse™ is a supplementary pipework treatment. It is recommended after a whole-system assessment when biofilm risk in the plumbing is likely — never on its own and never as a substitute for tank cleaning, filtration or UV.

Question 15

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 16

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 17

Who conducts the water testing?

Accepted Answer

We collect samples on site and send them to AWARE for independent laboratory analysis. That way the results are third-party and objective, not something we score ourselves.

Question 18

What is included in an annual service?

Accepted Answer

A typical annual service covers filter cartridge replacement, UV lamp and sleeve service, system pressure and flow checks, a tank and catchment visual inspection, and a short written summary of anything else worth attention.

Question 19

Do I need to be home for the service?

Accepted Answer

It helps but is not always required — we can complete external work with property access alone. Any indoor filter or UV work needs someone home or arranged access.

Question 20

Do you service acreage and bore water homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Acreage, hinterland and combined bore + rainwater setups are a primary part of what we do across the Sunshine Coast.

Question 21

Is the initial inspection really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our free inspection covers a visual assessment of the tank, catchment, filtration and UV (where present), plus a written recommendation. There is no obligation to proceed.

Question 22

How quickly can you visit?

Accepted Answer

Most inspections are booked within 5 to 10 business days depending on location and time of year. Urgent water quality concerns (odour, bacteria result, contamination event) are prioritised.

Question 23

Which Sunshine Coast suburbs do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We service the full Sunshine Coast region — Noosa, Noosaville, Tewantin, Doonan, Cooroy, Eumundi, Verrierdale, Pomona, Maroochydore, Buderim, Bli Bli, Palmwoods, Woombye, Forest Glen, Maleny, Montville, Mapleton, Mooloolah Valley and Glenview.

Question 24

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 25

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.

Straight answers about tank water.

Tank cleaning

Filtration

UV sterilisation

BioCleanse™

Water testing

Annual servicing

Bookings & areas

Ready for Better Water?