Using Tank Water with Your Pressure Cleaner in Agricultural Settings

For many agricultural properties, mains water isn’t an option. Tank water offers a reliable, self-supplied source collected from rainfall or filled from dams and bores. 

It reduces reliance on expensive or unavailable town water and gives farmers control over water use, especially in remote or drought-affected areas. 

SPITWATER has a range of pressure cleaners that can be matched to work with tank water.  Check those here >

Here are important factors to consider and options for risk mitigation so you can get the best cleaning performance and protect your equipment. 

1. Water Quality

Tank water in agricultural settings can pick up silt, leaves, organic matter or rust from roofs, pipes and tanks. This debris can damage pumps, block nozzles and shorten the life of seals.

To address this issue, we recommend to:  

• Install an inline filter between the tank and your pressure cleaner

• Inspect and clean the filter regularly, especially during high-use periods

• Consider additional sediment filtration if you draw from open tanks or dams

2. Flow Rate and Machine Requirements

Every SPITWATER model has a minimum water flow requirement. If your tank can’t deliver enough water per minute, the pump may cavitate, causing damage and reducing cleaning power.

• Check the litres per minute (LPM) rating in your machine’s specifications 

• Measure your tank’s output rate before starting work

• If the flow is borderline, fit a buffer tank to maintain supply 
  

Read our article on Water Supply Set-up - Why Correct Flow Rate and Water Inlet Setup Matter

3. Pump Feed Method

In some setups, gravity feed from an elevated tank can be enough. On larger farms or with long hose runs, you may need a pump to maintain consistent supply.  

Generally speaking, low-speed pumps can draw from static or gravity-fed supplies (“suck” from tanks) due to different valve design. This makes them suitable for gravity-fed tank water.

• For short distances with a high tank, gravity may work

• For low tanks or longer runs, use a submersible or transfer pump rated above your pressure cleaner’s flow requirement

• Ensure all fittings and hoses are secure to prevent air leaks into the supply line.

4. Pressure Drop Risks 

Tank-fed systems are rarely pressurised like mains water. This can mean lower inlet pressure, which affects pump performance and cleaning results. Keep supply hoses short and of adequate diameter to reduce friction loss.

• Avoid sharp bends or kinks in hoses

• Test your machine under load to confirm stable pressure before starting the main cleaning job

5. Agricultural Application Considerations

Farm cleaning often involves long operating hours and heavy soiling, from mud-caked machinery to stockyard wash downs. With tank water:

• Schedule cleaning when tank levels are high to avoid running the pump dry

• Flush the machine with clean water if you’ve been using water from tanks prone to sediment

• Use the correct nozzles and accessories to make the most of available flow and pressure

• When connecting to an external rainwater/large storage tank, account for the onboard tank’s role and feed method requirements. 

6. SPITWATER Models That can Work with Tank Water

Bottom Line

Using tank water with your pressure cleaner in agriculture is common and effective when done right.  

Match your SPITWATER machine to your water source, protect it with good filtration, and set up your feed to maintain stable flow and pressure. You’ll get reliable cleaning performance without risking costly downtime.