Water tank cleaning and disinfection
Starting costs about $3,910 in the United States and 678,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $1,900 net per month in the United States and 452,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 7 months, with 30 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3,910 | $1,900 |
| Nigeria | 678,000 NGN | 452,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £2,670 | £1,330 |
| Kenya | 174,000 KES | 65,400 KES |
| India | 84,800 INR | 47,700 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Rooftop tanks, underground cisterns and reservoirs build up sludge, algae and bacteria, but are rarely cleaned because the job is unpleasant and poorly understood.
The solution
Draining, scraping, sludge removal, disinfection and rinsing, with before/after photos, optional water testing and an automatic reminder every six or twelve months.
Your customers
Houses and buildings with tanks, hotels, schools, restaurants, clinics, farms and industrial sites.
How you make money
€60-200 per household tank, €300-1,000 for a large reservoir, discounted annual contract.
Competition
General plumbers, informal cleaners, specialist water-hygiene companies and owners who clean tanks themselves.
Who has an edge
A plumber or maintenance worker trained in confined-space work, methodical, who documents each job and targets public-facing establishments.
The risks
Confined-space hazards, handling disinfectants, sometimes demanding health rules, and clients who delay cleaning while water looks clear.
The first 3 steps
- Train in confined-space safety and disinfection.
- Buy a pump, sludge vacuum and protective equipment.
- Offer a demonstration clean to a hotel or school.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €2,400 − costs €1,100 = €1,300 net per month. Revenue: 15 tanks × €120 + 1 large reservoir × €600. Costs: vehicle, pump and disinfectants, protective gear, insurance, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Water tank cleaning?
About $3,910 (United States), 678,000 NGN (Nigeria), £2,670 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $1,900 (United States), 452,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,330 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 7 months, with 30 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Confined-space hazards, handling disinfectants, sometimes demanding health rules, and clients who delay cleaning while water looks clear.
Where do I start?
1. Train in confined-space safety and disinfection. 2. Buy a pump, sludge vacuum and protective equipment. 3. Offer a demonstration clean to a hotel or school.
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