Water tank cleaning in Harat Al Bahr Jeddah
Harat Al Bahr in old Jeddah lies directly above the harbour, a quarter of ancient coral stone houses on narrow lanes south west of the old city. Tanks sit on low roofs of historic houses, the water carries salt from the sea air so close at hand, and the stone walls absorb moisture constantly and pass it inward.
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Potable-rated materials
Linings and disinfectants cleared for drinking water tanks, not general-purpose products.
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You get the downtime first
How many hours the tank is out of service, told before we start rather than after we finish.
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A first-draw flush
We run the first draw off after refilling, and the tank is not handed back until the water runs clear.
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Ground and roof tanks
Villas, apartment blocks and premises that need a written record of each visit.
Why the job is different in Harat Al Bahr
Most tanks here are very old in deteriorating stone houses, the rooftops are structurally unsafe in places, and workers need special safety precautions to access them at all. The method is set out in full on what Water tank cleaning involves.
Sea salt leaks directly into the tank from the air
Proximity to the harbour means extremely high salt concentration in the air and moisture. Salt enters through ventilation openings and hairline cracks, and water grows salty without residents noticing until it is too late.
Stone houses absorb moisture and conduct it straight to the tank
Ancient sandstone draws moisture from the sea air. This moisture seeps into the tank through old foundations and stone walls, increasing water cloudiness and deteriorating tank integrity.
Sloped old rooftops collect salty rainwater and channel it inside
Old roofs are uneven, so rain pools in depressions and mixes with sea salt already deposited there. This contaminated water enters the tank during heavy rain or overflow events.
The character of Harat Al Bahr
Historic district: close-set buildings, narrow lanes and ageing services
Old coral stone buildings absorb salt and moisture directly from the sea air and conduct it into the tank through ancient foundations and walls.
The condition of the tank decides the method
The location sits directly above the port and waterfront, with very high salt and humidity in the air, and the building foundations on low coastal ground exposed to tidal changes.
The layer on the floor
The floor is salty and damp, with sediment mixed with sea salt and silt from the coastal foundations.
Light and algae
Algae and mould grow from high humidity, but salt kills some of it, creating an unusual and unstable balance.
The deposit on the wall
A thick white salt crust forms on walls from evaporation of salty water, requiring mild acid dissolution to remove it.
The lining and hairline cracks
Stone lining has eroded under salt and moisture for centuries, and hairline fractures are wide and expand faster than expected.
The lid and the access hatch
The lid and access hatch are corroded and fragile, and silent salt and moisture leaks may be occurring unnoticed.
The vent and the overflow pipe
Ventilation and overflow pipes are salt-clogged and rusted, needing thorough cleaning and replacement of damaged sections.
How we work
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1
Inspect before the drain
Tank type and material, the condition of the lining, the depth of the sediment, the lid and the vent, and where the drained water will go. We agree the window without supply before anything is opened.
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2
Drain, then lift the sludge
The water leaves through the outlet, then the layer beneath it is taken out by hand and by suction. That layer is the reason for the visit, not the water that ran out ahead of it.
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3
High pressure wash
Walls, floor and the joint where they meet, with a brush wherever the film resists, then the wash water is taken out completely so nothing we lifted settles again.
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4
Disinfect and put back in service
Disinfectant over every internal surface, left for its contact time and then rinsed out, followed by the refill, a first draw off at the taps, and a report on what was inside the tank.
What water tank cleaning includes
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An inspection before the valve
Tank type, lining condition, depth of sediment, lid and vent, recorded before any water leaves.
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Full drain and sediment removal
The water through the outlet, and the layer below it by hand and by suction until the floor itself is showing.
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Pressure washing walls and floor
High pressure across the surfaces and corners, and a brush on anything water alone will not lift.
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Disinfection after the wash
A disinfectant intended for drinking water tanks, named to you before it is used, left for its contact time and then rinsed out.
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Refill and the first draw off
We refill, run the taps so the new water moves through the pipework, and tell you when it is ready to use.
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A report and the next date
What was inside the tank, anything on the lid or the lining that needs repair, and a sensible date for the next clean.
Landmarks of Harat Al Bahr
Tanks in Harat Al Bahr sit on rooftops of historic stone houses behind Bab Al Bunt and along Qabil Street. Access runs through the narrow and delicate interior stairways of these centuries-old buildings.
- Bab Al Bunt
- Qabil Street
- Dar Radwan
- Akkash Mosque
Questions about this district
The tank water carries sea and salt smell even right after cleaning?
Salt penetrates from the air and the old stone foundations, so cleaning removes what is inside but not the source. Strong disinfection and good filters reduce the smell but cannot eliminate it entirely.
The old house smells of dampness and salt around the base. Does it reach the tank?
Yes, ground moisture and salt migrate easily into the tank through old foundations. Regular inspection of cracks and openings is absolutely essential.
How often does a Harat Al Bahr tank need cleaning because of the salt?
At least every three months, and possibly every two months if humidity is exceptionally high. The coastal location demands a much more frequent cleaning schedule.
Is it safe to access and work on these old rooftops?
Old roofs can be structurally unsafe in places and need careful assessment before work begins. Specialist teams use additional safety equipment and harnesses for this environment.
The old stone beneath the tank is cracked. Does that affect water purity?
Cracks allow ground water and salt to migrate directly into the tank from below. External crack repair helps but cannot be a permanent solution in this coastal setting.
We keep finding insects and scorpions around the old tank. Is that a health risk?
Old buildings attract insects, and an aged tank can become a refuge for them. Strong cleaning and disinfection kills the bacteria and fungi that draw them in.
How much does water tank cleaning in Harat Al Bahr cost?
It is set after the inspection, because the price follows the type of infestation, the size of the space, how far it has spread and the number of visits it needs. Send a photo and a description on WhatsApp and we will give you an estimate before we reach Harat Al Bahr.
Nearby districts we cover
Other services in Harat Al Bahr
Other services we provide to residents of Harat Al Bahr.
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Water tanks
Water tank sterilization
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Water tanks
Water tank sealing
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Water tanks
Tank leak repair
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Residential
Cockroach control
Need water tank cleaning in Harat Al Bahr? Tell us what you saw and we will tell you what it needs
We reach Harat Al Bahr at a time we agree, and you get the full cost before we start.