Rainwater Tanks in Pomona: Mid-Season Checks to Keep Your Water Clean and System Running Smoothly

Living in Pomona means many households rely on rainwater tanks as part of everyday water use. After periods of steady rain, tanks often receive a welcome top-up, but wet weather can also introduce leaves, debris, sediment and contaminants into your system if maintenance is overlooked.

A mid-season inspection can help keep your rainwater cleaner, protect pumps and reduce the risk of expensive repairs later on.

Here are some important checks Pomona homeowners should consider after heavy rainfall.

1. Inspect Gutters and Leaf Guards

Your roof/s is the collection point for your rainwater system, which means anything sitting in gutters may eventually end up heading toward your tank.

After storms or windy weather, inspect for:

• Leaves and organic debris
• Mud build-up
• Bird droppings
• Blocked leaf guards
• Overflow points

Even small amounts of debris can affect water quality, over time.

Regular gutter cleaning is especially important during periods of prolonged rain when organic material stays damp and breaks down more quickly.

2. Check Your First Flush Diverter

A first flush diverter is designed to divert the initial flow of water from your roof before it enters the tank. This first runoff often contains dust, leaves and contaminants collected between rainfall events.

If your system has one installed:

• Check it is draining correctly
• Remove any blockages
• Inspect seals and fittings
• Ensure it resets properly between rain events

A poorly functioning first flush device can allow unwanted debris into the tank.

3. Look for Mosquito Entry Points

Wet weather creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes, and rainwater tanks can become breeding areas if screens or seals are damaged.

Inspect:

• Tank inlets
• Overflow screens
• Access lids
• Vent points

Replace damaged mesh immediately and ensure all openings remain properly sealed.

Keeping mosquitoes out protects both water quality and household comfort.

4. Test Pumps and Pressure Systems

Heavy rainfall often means increased reliance on outdoor taps, irrigation systems and household supply connections.

Listen for:

• Pump cycling issues
• Unusual noises
• Pressure fluctuations
• Delayed starts

Small pump problems are easier and cheaper to repair before they become complete failures.

5. Inspect Overflow Areas and Drainage

When tanks fill quickly during wet periods, overflow systems work harder than usual.

Check for:

• Pooling water near the tank base
• Erosion around outlets
• Blocked overflow pipes
• Water tracking toward buildings

Poor drainage can contribute to ground saturation and potential property issues.

Why Rainwater Tank Maintenance Matters in Pomona

With ongoing rain across the Pomona region, now is an ideal time to give your rainwater system some attention.

Preventative maintenance helps:

✔ Improve water quality
✔ Protect pumps and components
✔ Reduce contamination risks
✔ Extend system lifespan
✔ Identify issues before they become costly repairs

If you rely on rainwater at your property, regular inspections can help keep your system performing efficiently throughout the wetter months.

At Plumbing & Gas Services Pomona, we help local homeowners with plumbing inspections, drainage concerns and system checks to keep everything flowing properly year-round.