We’re about to discuss the ins and outs of installing a rainwater tank in your home. This eco-friendly solution has numerous benefits from savings on your water bill to improving the health of your garden. Our guide covers everything from choosing the tank size to ongoing maintenance.
Here’s a snapshot of the essential steps for successfully installing a rainwater tank:
- Choosing Tank Size: This largely depends on your household needs and space availability.
- Tank Placement Decision: Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, proximity to downpipes, and access for cleaning and maintenance.
- Preparing the Base: Ensure it’s flat and stable to support the weight of a full tank.
- Rainwater Tank Installation: Follow specified steps or hire a professional for this task.
- Tank Accessories Connection: This includes overflow devices, insect screens, and water filters.
- Harvested Rainwater Usage: Use it for gardening, laundry, or even drinking with right filtration.
- Rainwater Tank Maintenance: Regular checks are vital for optimal functionality and water quality.
We hope these points help streamline your rainwater tank installation process and make it a fruitful endeavour.
Tips for Successful Rainwater Tank Installation
Remember, proper installation is key to ensure longevity of your rainwater tank. Invest adequate time in preparation, especially when deciding on tank size and base area.
Consider seeking professional help if you’re unsure about any step of the installation process. While it’s doable as a DIY project, professionals can ensure the job is done right the first time.
Finally, regular maintenance is crucial to keep your system running smoothly. This includes checking for leaks and cracks, cleaning filters, and ensuring the health of your water tank.
Contents
- Choosing the Right Rainwater Tank Size
- Deciding the Ideal Placement for Your Tank
- Preparing the Base for Your Water Tank
- Steps for Installing the Rainwater Tank
- Connecting and Accessorising Your Tank
- Everyday Uses of Harvested Rainwater
- Maintaining Your Rainwater Tank
- Setting Up Your Tank for Drinking Water
- Rainwater Advantage
Choosing the Right Rainwater Tank Size
There’s plenty to consider when selecting the size of your rainwater tank. You must primarily ponder the tank’s intended uses.
Maximising rainwater usage can significantly impact the value you’ll get from your tank.
Average Water Consumption
To make an educated decision, it’s essential to calculate the average water consumption of various uses.
This data might be available from your local water supplier or calculators on water services websites like Hunter Water.
Local Rainfall Pattern
Your area’s rainfall pattern also plays a significant role. The Bureau of Meteorology website provides information about annual rainfall in various regions.
In regions with fluctuating rainfall, larger tanks are generally needed for a consistent rainwater supply.
Available Roof Area
The roof area draining into your tank is another consideration. Note that 1mm of rainfall on 1m² of roof area yields 1L of rainwater.
A more extensive roof area will allow more rainwater to be collected, reducing periods without rainwater supply.
A four-person household relying on mains water and experiencing even rainfall could require a tank within the following dimensions:
- Toilet and washing machine: 2000-5000L
- Toilet, washing machine, and outdoor use: 3000-10000L
- Toilet, washing machine, kitchen, and outdoor use: 5000-15000L
If average rainfall in your area is highly seasonal or there’s no mains water available, much larger tanks are typically required to fulfil the home’s water needs effectively.
Deciding the Ideal Placement for Your Tank
To ensure a long-lasting, efficient operation for your water tank, it’s crucial to select the right location. The first step is ensuring the base of the tank has level stable ground, void of soft spots.
Your tank can be positioned on a screeding of 75-100mm metal dust. However, being a loose aggregate, it needs retaining with a solid structure like cement strips or treated pine poles.
- Pad Size: Each pad should be larger than your water tank’s dimensions by at least 100mm in all directions.
- Concrete Base: An alternative is positioning your Duraplas tank on a reinforced concrete slab. This should be level and larger than the tank base.
- Overflow Management: Overflowing water needs proper plumbing, ideally to existing storm water drainage to prevent erosions.
- Air Flow: If placing your tank next to a structure like a house or shed, ensure there is at least a 50mm air gap to prevent condensation and moisture build-up.
It’s not wise to set your water tank on rocky or uneven ground. The base needs proper preparation and support for the whole circumference of the tank.
Avoid using wooden sleepers or corrugated iron decking as they’re too uneven for this purpose. Also, objects should not be placed under the low-level outlets of your water tank.
Last but not least, regularly check and clean the overflow screen. Remember that incorrectly managing overflow water may result in voiding any warranty on your Duraplas water tank.
Preparing the Base for Your Water Tank
Begin by excavating your tank site. Aim for a depth of 50mm and ensure the surface is flat.
Reposition the formwork and secure it with pegs around the perimeter. You’ll need a saw to level these with the top edge of formwork.
Screw pegs to the formwork, adjust as needed to maintain level. A solid, levelled formwork allows you to focus on concrete pouring.
In dips where wet concrete might escape, place infill pieces beneath the formwork to prevent leakage.
Next, dust a thin layer of washed sand over the surface. This aids in drainage beneath the slab without requiring a vapour barrier.
Cut the reinforcing mesh short of the formwork by 40-50mm using bolt cutters or an angle grinder. Overlap mesh by at least 200mm if joining is required.
| Steps | Materials | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Excavation tools | Dig site to 50mm deep; Level surface |
| Step 2 | Saw and pegs | Secure Formwork; Level pegs with top edge of formwork |
| Step 3 | Screws and spirit level | Screw pegs to formwork; Maintain level |
| Step 4 | Infill pieces (optional) | Add beneath formwork in dips where wet concrete may escape |
| Step 5 | Washed sand | Spread layer over surface for drainage |
| Table 1: Preparing the water tank base | ||
A straightforward table summarising the initial steps necessary to prepare for efficiently installing your water tank.
Raise mesh to the middle of height using bar chairs. Ensure formwork doesn’t sag and is properly supported.
Finally, prepare the concrete mix for the slab. You’ll need about 20-21 premixed bags of concrete.
Add three bags of mix to six litres of water in a cement mixer. Mix until uniform, pour into a wheelbarrow, then into formwork.
Steps for Installing the Rainwater Tank
The first step is to modify your rainwater tank. This is done by regulating incoming water to prevent an overflow and ensure proper output. The modifications depend on the size of your tank.
- Modify for Incoming Rainwater: Depending on your setup, you may need to install a one-way check valve. This allows greater flow and prevents excess pressure. A hose can be attached for incoming water via a 5/8″ double male coupling found on the tank lid.
- Modify for Overflow: An overflow system is important to prevent water backup. Some systems have this built into the tank, however, if not, manual diverting might be necessary. A drain installed near the tank output helps with any potential water spills.
- Modify for Output: The output requires a particular type of nozzle depending on your tank’s capacity. For instance, a 300-gallon IBC tank uses a 2″ nozzle. Adapters may be needed for different types of hoses or threads.
- Create Path from Gutter to Tank: Your setup should include a path from the gutter to the tank. Initially, you might use a simple garden hose but consider upgrading to a larger PVC pipe over time for better water flow.
The next phase is improving and fine-tuning your system. This might involve various modifications based on learning from the initial installation and subsequent usage of the system.
Remember, planning your rainwater harvesting system in advance can save much hassle later on. Consider the size and location of the tank, type of guttering and overflow mechanism, and other factors such as local weather patterns and water usage requirements.
Finally, always aim for continual improvement, and don’t hesitate to seek advice or share your experiences with others. Every rainwater harvesting system has unique challenges, and each improvement can lead to both personal satisfaction and a more sustainable water source for your home.
Connecting and Accessorising Your Tank
Installing a rainwater tank is not just about the tank itself. It’s important to consider the right accessories that help you maximise its utility.
Tank level indicators are must-haves. They let you monitor water levels within your tank, ensuring you never run out unexpectedly.
Consider opting for tank outlets with a rocker style outlet valve. These are easy to fit and remove, increasing the ease of maintenance.
Overflow control valves play a key role as well. They safely release excess water, preventing possible damage to your property.
If you’re looking at improving water quality, think about adding a water treatment system. These systems can aid various purposes from filtering to sanitisation.
Stormwater pits collect and direct stormwater away from your home. This extra protection reduces the risks of water damage during heavy rainfall.
Tank connectors help adapt tank inlets and outlets for smoother connections, while tank screening filters out potential debris from entering your water supply.
To add structural integrity to your tanks, consider galvanised ribs. These enhance durability and ensure longer lifespan for your tank.
You can find these accessories available from quality brands like Rainwater Management Australia, BlueScope Water, Bushmans Tanks and more at warehouse prices.
The final advantage? You can order these all online for home delivery or Click & Collect at your nearest Bunnings, thereby making the process of accessorising your tank simple and convenient.
Everyday Uses of Harvested Rainwater
Installing your rainwater tank opens up myriad possibilities for everyday use. Most prominent among them is using the harvested water for gardening. Compared to tap water, rainwater is naturally softer, free from salts, and has the right pH level for plant life.
Secondly, this rainwater can be utilised for washing vehicles. It’s free from chlorine and chloramine, elements that are necessary in tap water but unfriendly to car paint. Moreover, it doesn’t contain water-hardening minerals which likewise pose a threat to vehicles.
“Harvested rainwater is identical to the water plants receive in the wild, with the added benefit of good bacteria collected from your rooftop.”
Moving indoors, harvested rainwater is ideal for flushing toilets. A significant portion of household potable water is used in this area. Hence, using rainwater can help conserve precious water resources.
Furthermore, this soft rainwater can prove beneficial in washing clothes as well. Not only does it prevent damaging scales from forming on your appliances but it also provides a thorough cleanse when filtered properly.
Another use of this versatile resource is household cleaning. This natural cleaner leaves surfaces sparkling and pristine. However, for areas that see regular contact like countertops, ensure the water quality is sufficient by filtering.
Although uncommon, bathing with rainwater is possible if correctly treated. With the right disinfecting measures put in place, one can enjoy a refreshing bath with soft, natural water.
To conclude these uses, even drinking this harvested rainwater can be made possible with appropriate filtration steps. As long as you have a reliable water distiller or UV lamp and reverse osmosis filter system in place, safe drinking water is achievable.
Maintaining Your Rainwater Tank
Regular maintenance of your rainwater tank is crucial for guaranteeing the quality and safety of the water. Consistent inspections and upkeep not only prevent contamination but also extend your tank’s lifespan.
- Inspect your tank and its surroundings often to spot potential damage or problems.
- Securely fasten the tank and its components to maintain good condition.
- Check the tank’s roof and gutter system regularly, making sure they are free from debris.
- Cover the tank’s inlet and outlet securely to thwart mosquito and vermin entry.
- Inspect the tank’s overflow on a regular basis, ensuring it is not obstructed.
- Make sure the tank’s valves and fittings are functioning correctly.
- Clean the roof and gutter system frequently to prevent buildup of debris.
- Clear surrounding vegetation and debris, which could contaminate the water.
- Examine the first flush device
Additionally, regularly inspect your rainwater tank’s pumping system. Functioning accessories like the universal-filter enhance water quality. Inspect internal components like siphon and overflow siphon. If you’re unsure about any part of maintenance, seek professional advice.
You might want to consider regular water testing or even installing a rainwater treatment system for further reassurance of water quality. Follow safety guidelines diligently during maintenance tasks. Regular upkeep, along with these strategies, will ensure top-quality rainwater for your home.
Setting Up Your Tank for Drinking Water
Is it Safe to Drink Rainwater from Tanks?
To ensure its safety, rainwater collected in tanks needs to be purified before drinking. Water filtering systems are essential for this.
What is the Process of Purifying Rainwater?
The first step is to remove debris and large particles using a leaf screen or first flush diverter. The water then undergoes filtration.
What is the Role of Filters?
Filters remove smaller particles and harmful bacteria. Various types of filters, like ceramic, carbon, and UV light filters, can be used for this purpose.
What Happens after Filtration?
Post-filtration, the water must be sterilized to eliminate any remaining impurities. UV sterilization lamps or chlorine tablets usually does the trick.
Can I Install a Water Filtration System Myself?
While DIY installation is possible, it’s advisable to have a professional plumber do it. This ensures everything is installed correctly and safely.
How Often Should I Check My Filters?
To maintain water quality, filters should be checked and replaced regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine frequency.
Can Rainwater Tanks Serve Other Purposes?
Absolutely! Aside from providing drinking water, rainwater tanks can also be used for watering plants, washing cars, and flushing toilets.
What If I Have More Questions?
If you’ve got more queries about setting up your tank for drinking water or other plumbing concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Rainwater Advantage
By installing a rainwater tank in your Brisbane home, you’re not only saving on water bills but also contributing to environmental conservation. It’s a win-win situation that provides an efficient water source for gardening, washing cars, or even flushing toilets. Future-proof your home with this eco-friendly solution and enjoy the benefits of sustainability.
