Rainwater tank cleaning for local homes

Homeowners with rainwater tanks, rural and acreage residents, and small holiday rentals or community halls that rely on tank water.

A fixed price per tank, set by size and how dirty it is, with extra for gutter and first-flush diverter checks. Many tanks are cleaned every few years, so repeat reminders and referrals matter.

• Comfortable with physical, wet and dirty work
• Careful with safety and hygiene
• Clear, honest communication with customers

• Tanks can count as confined spaces, so check your state or territory WHS regulator's rules before anyone goes inside
• Check your state health department's guidance on rainwater tanks and any rules on disinfectants used in drinking water
• Public liability insurance, and whether you need professional indemnity cover for water quality advice
• Safe disposal of sludge and wash water, check with your local council or EPA
• Heavy hoses and wet, slippery work, plan for strain and slips

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the pump, hoses and tank vacuum you buy and the ute or van you already have. Treat this as an estimate and get quotes for your own equipment.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many tanks you clean, your price per tank and how far you travel. This is revenue, not profit. The estimate starts at about 8 hours a week.

Tanks can count as confined spaces, so check your state or territory WHS regulator's rules before anyone goes inside. Also check your state health department's guidance on tanks and disinfectants, sludge disposal with your council or EPA, and insurance.