Effective Ways To Clean Your Boat's Aluminum Water Tank

Keeping your boat's water tank clean is essential for your health and the longevity of the tank. Over time, water tanks can accumulate sediments, corrosion, and other contaminants that can affect water quality and flow rate. In this article, we will discuss the best practices for cleaning the inside of an aluminum water tank on a boat, including the different methods and products that can be used to ensure your tank is clean and safe. We will also explore some preventative measures to reduce the need for frequent cleaning and extend the lifespan of your water tank.

Use a chemical cleaner

If your aluminium water tank on your boat has a whitish or sandy contaminant, this could be a result of corrosion or a hard water mineral buildup. To clean this, you can use a chemical cleaner.

Firstly, if you are able to, cut an inspection hatch at the top of the tank. This will allow you to get a better look inside the tank and to clean it more thoroughly.

If you are looking to remove corrosion, you could try using a chemical cleaner such as B-12 Chemtool, carb cleaner, Eagle 1 A to Z Wheel Cleaner, xylene, toluene, aluminum brightener, Alumaclean, or paint thinner. These will help to break down the corrosion and restore the aluminium. However, be aware that some of these chemicals will turn the aluminium white, so test on a small area first if possible.

If you are dealing with hard water mineral buildup, you can try using distilled white vinegar to dissolve the minerals. You will need to use a significant amount of vinegar to see results in a large water tank.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a more natural approach, you can try using hot water and dish soap or detergent, followed by a blow-dry. This method may be more time-consuming and less effective, but it is a good option if you are looking to avoid the use of harsh chemicals.

Once you have applied the chemical cleaner of your choice, be sure to rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue.

Try kerosene and a chain

If you're looking to clean the inside of an aluminium fuel tank on your boat, one method is to use kerosene and a chain. This method is suggested for tanks that have been removed from the boat.

First, ensure you have a section of chain that fits inside the tank. The chain will be used to agitate the kerosene and scrub the inside of the tank. Next, pour kerosene into the tank, enough to coat the bottom of the tank about 1/4". Then, place the chain inside the tank and secure the tank's openings. Shake the tank vigorously, allowing the chain to scrub the inside and remove any built-up residue.

It's important to note that this process may take longer than 10 minutes and require a lot of shaking. Additionally, be cautious when cleaning old tanks as they may have small spots that seep gas. Always pressure test the tank after cleaning and before refilling it with gas.

Pressure wash and blow-dry

Pressure washing and blow-drying your aluminium water tank on your boat is an effective way to clean it, but it requires careful preparation and execution to ensure you don't damage the tank or your boat. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Preparation:

Before you start, make sure you have gathered all the necessary equipment: a pressure washer, a garden hose, a scrubber, biodegradable car soap, a bucket, protective gear (goggles, gloves, etc.), and a way to generate hot air (e.g., a blow dryer or incandescent Christmas lights). It is also recommended to have a shop vac to discharge water and a water filter to remove chlorine and other contaminants when refilling the tank.

Cleaning Process:

• Remove the water tank from your boat if possible. This will give you better access and reduce the risk of damaging other parts of your boat during the cleaning process.
• Inspect the tank for any signs of corrosion or leakage. Pay close attention to the weld joints, as this is a common area for pinhole leaks to develop due to corrosion.
• If the tank shows signs of extensive corrosion or leakage, consider replacing it with a new plastic or stainless steel tank. Aluminium is not the best material for freshwater tanks due to its reactivity with chlorinated water.
• If the tank is in good condition and you decide to proceed with cleaning, start by rinsing it off with the garden hose to remove any loose dirt or debris.
• Create an access hole in the tank if there isn't one already. This will allow you to reach the interior more easily and is especially useful if you need to pressure wash and clean the inside surfaces. Use a jigsaw to cut the access hole, and have a shop vac running simultaneously to collect the debris and minimize the mess.
• With the access hole created, it's now time to pressure wash the tank. Attach the pressure washer soap nozzle to the garden hose and spray the tank, starting from the bottom. Use biodegradable car soap and let it soak for about 5 minutes. Ensure the soap doesn't dry, as it will be more difficult to remove.
• Rinse the tank thoroughly from top to bottom using the pressure washer. Pay close attention to removing all the soap to avoid leaving any residue.
• If there are any signs of rust, address them immediately. Use a steel wool scrubber to gently clean the affected areas, being careful not to scrub too hard, as the rusted spots may be weak.
• Once you have finished scrubbing and rinsing the tank, dry it completely. You can use a blow dryer or even place incandescent Christmas lights inside the tank to generate heat and accelerate the drying process.

Post-Cleaning Care:

After cleaning and drying your aluminium water tank, there are a few additional steps you can take to maintain its cleanliness and ensure safe water storage:

• Consider using a water filter when filling your tank to remove chlorine and other contaminants. This will help prevent the formation of white crystal deposits and reduce the risk of corrosion.
• Regularly clean the water filter to maintain its effectiveness. Depending on your usage, you may need to clean it once per season or more frequently.
• Inspect the tank for any signs of corrosion or leakage periodically. If caught early, you may be able to neutralize the corrosion or apply an epoxy coating to extend the life of the tank.
• Always follow proper maintenance procedures for your water tank, including regular cleaning and the use of appropriate cleaning products. This will help improve the longevity and performance of your water tank.

Use a natural cleaner like vinegar

To clean the inside of an aluminum water tank on a boat using vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Source of Contamination

Before cleaning, it is important to identify the source of contamination. In the case of aluminum water tanks, the contamination could be due to chlorinated water, corrosion, or hard water mineral buildup. If you have been using chlorinated water or chlorine bleach, it is likely that the tank is corroded, and vinegar may not be the best cleaning solution.

Step 2: Prepare the Vinegar Solution

If the contamination is due to hard water mineral buildup or minor corrosion, then a vinegar solution can be effective. For this, you will need to mix equal parts of vinegar and clean water (preferably distilled) in a small bucket. The ideal ratio is 50/50 vinegar to water. It is important to note that you should never use water from the lake, sea, or saltwater, as it will make the problem worse.

Step 3: Clean the Exterior of the Tank

Before proceeding with the interior, it is a good idea to clean the exterior of the tank. Use a mild soap solution mixed with water to wipe down the outside of the tank, removing any dirt, grime, or water spots.

Step 4: Apply the Vinegar Solution

Now, take the vinegar and water solution and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the dirty or water-marked areas of the tank. Leave it for about a minute to allow the vinegar to soak in and react with the dirt or grime.

Step 5: Wipe and Rinse

Use a clean, non-abrasive towel, cloth, or rag to wipe away the vinegar and dirt. It is important to wipe off the vinegar thoroughly to prevent any residual reaction with the aluminum. Make sure to use upward and downward strokes, and for any remaining streaks, use circular motions.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

Depending on the severity of the contamination, you may need to repeat the process multiple times. Vinegar is effective at removing water spots and minor marks, but for more stubborn stains or heavy corrosion, you may need to consider other cleaning solutions or methods.

While vinegar is a natural and cost-effective cleaner for aluminum water tanks on boats, it may not always be the best solution for severe contamination. In such cases, specialized cleaning products or replacement of the tank may be necessary.

Inspect and repair the tank

Inspecting and repairing an aluminium water tank on a boat can be a challenging task, especially if access is limited. Here are some steps you can take to tackle this job:

Inspecting the Tank:

• Identify the Problem: Start by understanding the issue at hand. Is the tank contaminated, leaking, or simply due for a maintenance check? Common issues with aluminium water tanks include corrosion, mineral buildup, and leakage.
• Access the Tank: Depending on the layout of your boat, accessing the tank can be tricky. Look for existing openings, such as the tank's outlet valve, filler, vent, or fuel sender hole. You may need to remove tank fittings or create an inspection hatch to get a better view and reach.
• Visual Inspection: Use flashlights to illuminate the interior of the tank through the openings. Look for signs of corrosion, mineral deposits, leaks, or damage. Pay close attention to weld joints and seams, as these areas are prone to corrosion and pinhole leaks.
• Testing: If you suspect leaks, perform a pressure test by sealing the tank and filling it with air to around 3 PSI. Spray soapy water on the tank's surfaces and watch for bubbles that indicate air escaping through leaks.

Repairing the Tank:

• Clean the Tank: The cleaning method will depend on the type of contamination. For corrosion and mineral buildup, you can use chemical cleaners or natural solutions. Chemical options include carb cleaners, Eagle 1 A to Z Wheel Cleaner, or aluminum brightener (acid). Natural solutions include distilled white vinegar or a mixture of water and vinegar. Be cautious when using acidic or alkaline cleaners on aluminium, as they can cause etching or discolouration.
• Flush and Rinse: After cleaning, thoroughly flush the tank with water to remove any remaining residue or cleaning solutions. Ensure you have proper drainage and collection methods to capture the runoff.
• Drying: Use an air compressor to dry the tank completely. This step is crucial before applying any coatings or sealants and for long-term storage.
• Repair or Replace: If the tank has minor damage, such as small pinhole leaks, you may be able to repair it by welding or patching the affected areas. However, if the tank has extensive corrosion, leaks, or structural damage, replacement might be the best option. Consult a professional boat maintenance specialist for advice on repair or replacement.

Remember to wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection, when working with chemicals and cleaning solutions. Always dispose of any waste responsibly, following local regulations and guidelines.

Frequently asked questions