Overhead Water Tank Cleaning

Overhead tank cleaning prices

Choose your tank's capacity band. If you're not sure of the size, the capacity is usually moulded or printed on the side of plastic tanks near the top, or on the lid.

Booking more than one tank? Every additional tank in the same visit — overhead or underground — increases the discount on your cleaning subtotal.

Why rooftop tanks get dirty faster than you'd expect

An overhead tank sits in conditions that are almost ideal for growth inside it. On a Delhi summer afternoon the water near the top of a black plastic tank can become warm, and warm water loses the residual chlorine that keeps bacteria in check. Many older and cheaper tanks are thin enough to let light through, especially lighter-coloured ones, and light is all algae needs. Dust storms deposit fine soil on the lid that finds its way in through gaps, and pigeons and other birds often perch on rooftop tanks.

At the same time, overhead tanks are refilled from the sump or main line several times a day. Each refill brings in a little sediment, and each time the water level drops, the exposed walls dry and then re-wet, which helps biofilm bond more firmly. After a few months, many tanks we open have a soft brown layer on the floor and a slippery film on the walls even when the water looks clear from the top.

What we clean on an overhead tank

• Floor and walls: sludge is vacuumed out first, then the walls and floor are scrubbed and pressure-washed.
• Lid and its underside: the underside collects condensation and dust — a common source of contamination when the lid is lifted.
• Inlet, float valve and overflow area: these fittings trap slime and are often missed.
• Tank exterior around the opening: cleaned so that dirt doesn't fall in when the lid is opened later.
• Disinfection and rinse: an anti-bacterial disinfectant is applied to the clean surfaces, then rinsed before the tank refills.

Plastic, Sintex-type and concrete overhead tanks

Most homes in Delhi NCR have rotomoulded plastic tanks — Sintex is the best-known brand, and many people use the name for any black plastic tank. These tanks have a smooth inner layer that should not be scratched, so our team uses soft brushes and controlled-pressure washing rather than wire brushes or abrasive powders. See our page on Sintex water tank cleaning for the details.

Older buildings, especially in Old Delhi, Karol Bagh and many West Delhi colonies, still have built-in concrete or brick overhead tanks on the terrace. These are cleaned the same way, with extra attention to cracks and corners where plaster has worn and sludge accumulates.

Access and safety on the roof

Before booking, please check:

• Roof access: the terrace door key, or permission from neighbours or the society if the roof is shared.
• A ladder, if the tank stands on a platform. Our team brings equipment but the tank top must be reachable safely.
• The motor switch: we need to switch off the pump that fills the tank during cleaning.
• Power point within reach for the cleaning equipment.

If your tank is on a steep sloping roof, a narrow parapet or any position that is unsafe to stand on, tell us when booking so we can plan access or advise you honestly.

How often should an overhead tank be cleaned?

Every six months is a good default for a covered, opaque rooftop tank. Clean every three to four months if the tank is translucent, in full sun all day, refilled from tanker or borewell water, or if the lid doesn't seal. Always clean after the monsoon if water may have entered from above. Our guide on how often to clean your water tank covers the warning signs.

Clean your underground tank at the same visit

If your building has a sump, the overhead tank is only as clean as the water pumped into it. Cleaning both on the same day breaks the cycle, and the second tank automatically earns a 10% discount on the cleaning subtotal. View underground water tank cleaning.

Overhead tank cleaning in Delhi — rooftop water tank cleaning services

Most Delhi homes depend on a rooftop tank that's exposed to sun, dust and birds. Our rooftop water tank cleaning services cover plastic and Sintex tanks on terraces and lofts as well as concrete tanks built into the roof. Overhead tank cleaning in Delhi starts at ₹499 for tanks up to 500 litres; the full price list by size is above.

When should you book? Every 3–6 months, and always after the summer heat, after the monsoon, or whenever the water smells, looks cloudy or leaves deposits on taps.