Albury · Wodonga · NE Victoria
Water tank cleaning
Vacuum desludging that lifts years of sediment off the tank floor — usually without emptying the tank. From $280.
Albury Wodonga · Howlong · Corowa · Rutherglen · Chiltern
- Fully insured
- Free quotes
- Local operator
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Tell Mark the job and where you are.
This is Marx Maintenance's premier service. Marx Maintenance works in partnership with Concrete Water Tank Repairs to meet the water tank cleaning needs of Albury, Wodonga, Corowa, Rutherglen, Chiltern and rural properties right across North East Victoria and the Southern Riverina.
Rainwater tanks are the primary water supply for a huge number of properties around Corowa, Rutherglen, Barnawartha, Chiltern and rural Albury — and most of them go far too long between cleans. People only ring when the water starts tasting off or the filters clog up every few weeks.
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines recommend cleaning and desludging tanks every two to three years. Marx Maintenance does that clean — vacuum desludging that lifts sediment off the tank floor without you having to empty the tank first.
How the clean works
Vacuum cleaning, not bucketing
A specialised pump, vacuum hoses and a proprietary vacuum head suck sediment, sludge and organic matter off the floor of the tank. This helps us a acheive a great result quickly and without excess mess and effort.
No Downtime (some cases)
In some cases where the tank only requires a basic clean the tank can stay in service. A minimum of about 750mm of water is needed to vacuum properly — the sludge is drawn out, the clean water stays put for use. Discuss in advance, we can help organise a water carter if need be to assist.
Basic clean
For tanks in reasonable condition. excess organic matter and sticks can be problematic and may require a clean & drain but if in some case we can leave water remaing in the tank for use. Good result, minimal fuss. Discuss it with Mark.
Water Treatment
We can assist with advice on water treatment options during the tank clean. In some case where E.Coli has been detected in the water this is a necessary step to take in order to correct the situation, which doesnt have to be done with the harsh taste of cholrine being added to thew water.
Clean & drain
Cleaned and drained down to under 10 litres for maximum silt and debris removal. For tanks being fully rehabilitated. We often recommend this when people are moving into new properties so you can go back to square one know your water storage system has been taken care of.
All tank types and sizes
Concrete, poly, steel and underground tanks. Everything from a 10,000L household tank to 100,000L-plus farm storage.
Sludge disposed of on site
Pumped out to a nearby paddock or another appropriate spot. Nothing left for you to deal with.
Water delivery arranged if needed
If a drain-down leaves you short, we can organise a water carter to refill afterwards.
See it in action
Vacuum desludging, up close.
Video and photos of a real tank clean. The sludge you can see coming out is exactly what has been sitting in the bottom of the tank — and what your filters have been fighting.
Video coming soon
In partnership with Concrete Water Tank Repairs — if a clean turns up a crack, a failing liner or a plumbing issue, that specialist licensed work is handled by the team at Concrete Water Tank Repairs. Marx Maintenance keeps your tank clean; they keep it sound.
What it costs
Water tank cleaning starts from $280, depending on capacity, access and condition. Discounts apply for multiple tanks in one visit, if you get a neighbour or family member involved on the same day, if it is paired with a water filter supply or service, or if it is booked alongside other plumbing work.
Call Mark — 0415 030 169 Give us the tank capacity or dimensions and your town, and a photo of the tank and its manhole if you can.
Questions
Water Tank Cleaning — FAQ
Why does my tank water taste or smell off?
Almost always sludge. Leaves, insects and bird droppings wash in off the roof and break down at the bottom of the tank. That layer goes anaerobic, which produces the taste, the odour and the discolouration. In bad cases, disturbing it releases bubbles of methane — a clear sign the tank needs cleaning immediately.
Do I have to empty the tank first?
No. That is the main advantage of vacuum cleaning. A 23,000L tank typically loses around 20% of its volume during a clean; on an 80,000–100,000L tank you only need about 100–200mm of water left in it.
How often should tanks be cleaned?
Every two to three years per the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. It depends heavily on how close your gutters are to trees, how far you are from a dusty road, and how much sediment comes through from a bore pump.
Am I just changing filters too often?
Very likely. Filters are frequently doing the job a tank clean should have done — masking a dirty tank and clogging up fast as a result. Clean the tank and the filters last far longer.
What if my tank actually needs repairs, not just a clean?
Cleaning and repairs are different jobs. If we find the tank is cracked, leaking or needs a liner, roof work or plumbing, that is specialist licensed work — we can refer you to Concrete Water Tank Repairs, a licensed Albury plumber who does exactly that. We handle the cleaning; they handle the structural and plumbing side.
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