legionnaires' concerns

Bob Gagnon plumbing and heating

I'm going to be working in my solar storage tank. it is an open type tank with insulation on top. it hasen't gone over 135 degrees in 3 years. I'm going to drain the tank, should I take any other precautions? thanks, bob gagnon

George_10

We may be able to help

But I need to know some other details. What is this water used for. What is the tank made out of. Has there been a constant flow through the tank or have there been periods of stagnation. Any details you can give will help us make better suggestions.

jerry scharf

bleach

Bob,

I am going on the basis that it's just the tank that needs zapping.

I always consider 5% bleach for 24 hours as the standard hospital "fries anything" solution. Unless you're talking about thousands of gallons, bleach is cheap.

The other trick from the hospital world is 35% hydrogen peroxide, but I think that's a whole lot riskier to handle (it's a handy rocket fuel oxidant.) The big thing about this is you don't need prolonged contact like bleach.

Niether of these are going to be kind to most plastics and gaskets.

hope this is of some use,
jerry

Bob Gagnon plumbing and heating

details

it is a framed, insulated tank with a rubber liner made from roll rubber roofing. it is 1500 gal. and it circulates every sunny day. temps. range from 135 degrees to 80 degrees.

Larry Weingarten

peroxide

A recommendation I got years ago was one pint of the standard drug store 3% peroxide solution per 40 gallons. This works nicely for odor problems anyway. Even doubling the amount is not harmful as people use this strength for mouthwash. The problem with chemical treatment is getting through any biofilm or sediment that may have developed. It makes a good place for bacteria to hide out.