Your Trusted Partner for Water Tank Cleaning & Disinfection
If you’re here, there’s a good chance you need water tank cleaning to deal with poor sample results, visible debris, or an inspection that’s highlighted non compliance.
You’re in the right place. At Titan Water, we deliver cold water tank cleaning and water tank disinfection for commercial and industrial sites across the UK. Our engineers carry out full internal cleans, debris removal and BS 8558 compliant disinfection so your drinking and domestic water systems stay safe, clean, and aligned with ACOP L8 and HSG274.
We take a practical, thorough approach. That means proper isolation, a hands on internal clean using safe approved methods, then disinfection carried out to recognised standards. You’ll receive clear certification plus straightforward guidance on any issues we find. Whether it’s planned maintenance or a reactive response after poor results, Titan Water will help you get the system back to a safe, compliant condition.
Nationwide Service
Reliable Expertise Wherever You Are
Our experienced management team operate from the Titan head office near Liverpool, but while our roots are firmly in the North West, our reach goes far beyond it. Our engineers carry out tank cleaning and disinfection projects across the UK, supported by a trusted network of regional specialists. Whether it’s a school in Birmingham, a hotel in Cardiff, or a commercial building in Newcastle, we’ve been there – and we understand the importance of keeping cold water storage tanks clean and compliant.
If you’re dealing with dirty tank conditions, poor sample results, or you’re simply due a routine clean, the team at Titan are always happy to offer clear, honest advice on the best route forward.
BEFORE
AFTER
What Is Cold Water Tank Cleaning and Disinfection?
Cold water tank cleaning is the removal of sediment, scale, biofilm and debris from the tank interior, followed by water tank disinfection using an approved method to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria such as Legionella and E. coli.
A full clean includes draining the tank, physical cleaning and scrubbing of internal surfaces, removal of contaminants, and a chlorination/disinfection process carried out to BS 8558, PD 855468, and HSG274 guidance. It ensures your drinking and domestic water supply is hygienic, safe, and fully compliant with HSE regulations.
Key objectives:
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Remove contamination and biofilm from tank surfaces.
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Disinfect the system to eliminate harmful bacteria.
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Ensure legal compliance with ACOP L8 and HSG274.
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Improve water quality and system performance.
How Often Should a Cold Water Storage Tank Be Cleaned?
Cold water storage tanks are cleaned based on risk, condition, and use. For potable systems and higher risk environments such as healthcare settings, an annual clean is commonly recommended unless inspection, monitoring, or risk assessment evidence supports an alternative approach. In lower risk or non potable systems, cleaning frequency may be determined by condition, water quality results, and system use.
You should schedule a clean if:
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Water sample results show elevated bacteria counts.
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There is visible debris, scale, rust, or sludge.
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The tank has been offline or unused for an extended period.
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A Legionella risk assessment recommends cleaning.
Regular cleaning prevents contamination, improves water quality, and helps maintain compliance with HSE guidance and local authority expectations.
What’s Involved in the Tank Cleaning and Disinfection Process?
A professional tank clean follows a structured and controlled procedure:
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Drain down and isolation – Making the tank safe to enter and ensuring supply continuity where required.
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Physical internal clean – Removing sediment, scale, rust, biofilm, and debris from all internal surfaces.
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Inspection and condition check – Assessing tank structure, coatings, lids, insulation and warning of any defects.
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Disinfection (chlorination) – Filling the tank with a disinfectant solution to BS 8558 standards and circulating it through the system.
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Contact time and neutralisation – Allowing the disinfectant to work, then flushing the system with clean water.
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Certification and reporting – Providing a disinfection certificate and clear recommendations if further action is needed.
Most cleans can be completed within a few hours, depending on tank size, access, and system layout. A skilled team will keep disruption to a minimum while ensuring a fully compliant and thorough clean. Read our blog to learn more about the process - How to Clean a Cold Water Storage Tank | Titan Water
Safety, Access and Verification
Cleaning and disinfection work often involves confined space access and strict site controls. As a specialist tank cleaning services provider for water systems, our focus is always on safety, compliance and protecting drinking water quality. Our engineers follow a safe system of work, including isolation, access planning and welfare arrangements, so the job is completed safely and with minimal disruption.
Where appropriate, we use controlled rinsing and cleaning methods to remove stubborn deposits. In some tanks that can include carefully managed high pressure cleaning on suitable surfaces, followed by a full rinse and disinfection stage. The aim is simple: restore safe water conditions for occupants and protect drinking water quality.
Disinfection is not just about ticking a box. It is about disinfecting water systems properly, then leaving you with the paperwork and clarity you need. If sampling is required after the works, we can advise on next steps to confirm controls against Legionella bacteria as part of your wider water treatment and compliance plan. Visit our Legionella Testing page for more information on this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tells you a tank clean is needed?
The need for a tank clean is usually identified through inspection, monitoring, or changes to the system. Visible debris, sediment build up, damaged lids or screens, poor water quality results, or recommendations from a Legionella risk assessment can all indicate that an internal clean and disinfection should be considered. These triggers help facilities teams plan work at the right time, based on evidence rather than fixed intervals.
What’s included in a full internal clean and disinfection?
A proper clean includes isolation and drain down, removal of sediment and debris, physical cleaning of internal surfaces to remove biofilm, followed by disinfection using an approved method and contact time. You should also receive a record of work and certification.
How long does a clean and disinfection usually take?
It depends on tank size, access, and whether disinfection is required through the downstream system. Many cleans are completed within a few hours, but larger or complex systems can take longer.
Will the work interrupt the building’s water supply?
Some disruption is often unavoidable, but good planning can reduce downtime. Isolation strategy, storage volume, and building demand will determine whether partial supply can be maintained.
Is cleaning a legal requirement under ACOP L8 and HSG274?
Cleaning is not a blanket requirement, but tank condition and water quality form part of your control measures. If sediment, biofilm, contamination, or monitoring results indicate risk, cleaning and disinfection may be appropriate to support compliance.
Speak to an Expert
If you need support with water tank cleaning, or want to discuss inspection findings, sample results, or planned maintenance, you can speak directly with our team. We can help you understand what level of cleaning is appropriate for your system and how it fits into your wider water hygiene responsibilities:
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With over 75 years of water management experience, Team Titan have become trusted partners to some of the UK's leading corporate brands.
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