Rainwater Harvesting is an effective and eco-friendly method to utilise the abundant rainwater resources provided to us by nature. The essence of harvesting rainwater lies in capturing and storing it, typically using rainwater tanks at domestic or commercial premises. This natural resource can be utilised for various household chores, gardening and even drinking, provided it is treated properly.
Contents
- Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting
- Working of Harvesting Systems
- Installation of Harvesting System
- Spotting Ideal Setup Locale
- Preparing the Tank Base
- Steps for Tank Housekeeping
- Different Rainwater Tank Forms
- About Aqualine Installation
- Different Rainwater Tank Varieties
- Customizing Tank Placement
- Essential Tank Requirements
- Caring for Your Tank
- Alternative Grey Water Usage
- Extracting Optimal Benefit
- Where to Purchase Tanks
- Selecting the Tank Location
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting
The importance of rainwater harvesting cannot be overstated. It significantly contributes to water conservation by capturing and storing rainwater that would otherwise flow off roofs or paved areas into stormwater drains.
Systems can be as simple as a homeowner connecting downpipes to a tank or involve complex capture networks feeding into large storages. They are an integral part of new building projects presented to the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre in Australia and are being retrofitted into older properties due to their multitude of advantages.
Statistics indicate that even one inch of rainfall can collect an astounding 600 gallons (2,271 litres) of water. Utilising this potentially wasted resource saves water and decreases reliance on municipal supplies.
Working of Harvesting Systems
Rainwater harvesting systems work on a simple catchment methodology. The average domestic system collects water from the roof, which is transferred via gutters and pipes into a storage tank. This rainwater can then be used for flushing toilets, washing clothes, watering gardens and much more.
The size of your tank will depend on your needs – Residential tanks vary remarkably in size from compact 100 gallons (378 litres) up to large-scale 50,000 gallons (189,271 litres) or more for commercial applications.
Incorrectly installed systems can cause foundation issues due to poor drainage but a well-planned system can capture up to 85% of runoff from a catchment area, showing the true efficiency of these valuable systems.
Installation of Harvesting System
Installation of a rainwater harvesting system should be undertaken by a qualified professional such as Dan’s Plumbing. It involves identifying and preparing the location for the tank, connecting gutters and downpipes to deliver the water, creating overflow options for excess water, and ensuring appropriate filters are in place.
Important components include a roof catching area (preferably made from innocuous material), gutter mesh to keep debris out, pipes connecting roof to tank, a leaf diverter to optimise water quality, an inlet pipe for tank filling and an outlet below the ‘first-flush’ volume.
Spotting Ideal Setup Locale
The ideal spot for your rainwater tank depends on several factors, including your property’s size and layout, how much rainfall you receive and how you want to utilise the collected water. You will need sufficient space that provides easy access for maintenance.
An important point is to locate your rainwater tank near downpipes for easy connection but also near areas of usage or where you need the water supply. For instance, if you wish to use the harvested rainwater primarily for your garden, installing the tank close to this area is beneficial.
Preparing the Tank Base
A solid and strong tank base is crucial as it provides stability for your water tank. If the base isn’t robust and level, it can lead due to the enormous weight when full. Good options include concrete pads or packed sand bases, depending on your specific circumstances.
For concrete and colorbond tanks, a reinforced concrete base is required due to their weight and design. However, poly tanks are much lighter and can therefore be placed on a well-compacted sand or gravel base.
Steps for Tank Housekeeping
As with all household systems, rainwater tanks require regular maintenance. A poorly maintained tank can have a significantly reduced lifespan and poorer water quality. Simple tasks include clearing gutters of leaves and debris, regularly checking the leaf diverter, cleaning screens and filters, monitoring water levels, checking covers and seals for leaks, and ensuring overflows are clear.
A properly maintained rainwater tank not only ensures healthier water but can extend the life of the unit. In fact a well-maintained Colorbond rainwater tank can last for over 20 very useful years.
Different Rainwater Tank Forms
Rainwater tanks come in a wide variety of forms to cater to different requirements. You have a choice between Polyethylene (poly) tanks, Concretes tanks and Colorbond steel tanks when looking to install a rainwater harvesting system.
Poly tanks are the most common in Australia due to their low cost – they’re resistant to heat, are easy to make in any shape or size and don’t rust or corrode. However, it’s important to note that some cheaper poly tanks can split under pressure or become brittle over time.
Concrete tanks have long been a popular option due to their longevity and reliability. They’re generally made using highly durable reinforced concrete and perform excellently under ground – being cool, dark environments that inhibit algae growth.
Last but not least, Colorbond steel tanks are renowned for their durability. They usually come with manufacturer guarantees of up to 20 years and their lifespan can be much longer with the right maintenance. With a variety of stylish colours available, these tanks can fit in seamlessly with your home’s aesthetic.
About Aqualine Installation
Choosing to install a rainwater tank at your home? Brilliant move! Not only will you be making a positive contribution to the environment, but you’ll also enjoy significant savings on your water bills. Now, where does Aqualine fit in? Well, we at Dan’s Plumbing are all about assisting with proper installations and efficient water management.
Aqualine is one of the top brands in the Australian rainwater tank industry. It offers high-quality tanks made from poly, concrete, or Colorbond steel. They come in various sizes to suit your requirements, anywhere from small 100-gallon (378 liters) residential tanks to large-scale 50,000-gallon (189,271 liters) commercial options.
To extract maximum efficiency from these tanks, they must be placed correctly. Let’s explore that next.
Different Rainwater Tank Varieties
The process of choosing the right rainwater tank can be challenging with so many varieties available: polyethylene (or ‘poly’), concrete, and Colorbond steel being the most popular ones in Australia.
Poly tanks usually win where pricing is concerned. They are less expensive than their concrete or Colourbond counterparts. On the flip side, they may not offer the same lifespan or aesthetic appeal as steel or concrete. Concrete tanks have their charm and longevity but bear a hefty price tag and require substantial ground preparation.
Colorbond steel tanks are a fantastic middle ground combining sturdiness with fair pricing. In terms of durability, these tanks can easily last over 20 years if maintained properly. Each type has its pros and cons – your selection would depend on your budget, aesthetic preferences, space constraints, and long-term needs.
Customizing Tank Placement
Once you’ve selected your ideal tank, it’s all about finding the perfect spot at your property. Several factors affect the placement of your tank. The primary one being the proximity to the catchment area (for instance your roof) and the usage point.
Factoring in hydrology and building engineering aspects aids smooth water flow from the roof through gutters and pipes into the tank. Ideally, tanks should be installed close to the downpipes for efficient water collection. It minimises the requirement for extensive pipe work.
Also, foundation plays an important role in tank placement. A flat and robust base is crucial to ensure stability – remember that water is heavy! It’s important to either have a solid concrete slab or a well-compacted crush rock base where the tank would be positioned.
Essential Tank Requirements
No matter what type of rainwater tank you select – poly, concrete, or Colorbond – there are certain essential requirements for all types.
- The tank should be properly covered to prevent debris from entering;
- Overflow systems must divert excess water away from the house foundations;
- Tanks should have a first-flush system to divert initial dirty runoff during rainfall;
- Mosquito mesh at inlet and outlet points ensure no breeding ground for pests;
- The tank outlets need to be above the base of the tanks to avoid drawing sediment into the pump or into buckets.
Fulfilling these essentials ensures longer lifespan and better performance of your tank irrespective of its type.
Caring for Your Tank
Caring for your rainwater tank is not a herculean task, but it certainly needs consistent attention. Regular checks can prolong your tank’s life and upkeep the quality of water. Here are few tips:
- Regularly clean your gutters and tank lid;
- Monitor the first flush and overflow devices to ensure they are functioning correctly;
- Flush out sediment buildup in your tank periodically – this could be annually or every few years based on your location and catchment cleanliness;
- Consider periodic water quality testing, especially if you intend to use the water for drinking.
Alternative Grey Water Usage
Besides rainwater, greywater – gently used water from your bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines can also be reused. While it may have traces of dirt, food, grease, hair, and certain household cleaning products, it’s a safe and effective water source for toilet flushing or watering your garden.
This not only supplements your rainwater harvesting but also contributes to significant water savings – which is crucial in a country like Australia where many regions suffer from periodic droughts. The integration of greywater usage with rainwater tanks forms a commendable ‘dual system’ for more extensive environmental benefits.
Extracting Optimal Benefit
A well-placed and properly maintained rainwater tank can help save up to 40% of a household’s potable water in Australia. Additionally knowing when and how to use the harvested water effectively makes a considerable difference.
For instance, rainwater is ideal for watering your plants as it’s naturally soft – free of chlorine or other chemicals found in mains water. It could be an excellent source for washing your vehicles or clothes too!
In essence, choosing the right type of tank, customising its placement, fulfilling essential requirements, caring for the tank and efficient usages with integration of greywater can lead to extracting optimal benefit from your Aqualine tank.
Where to Purchase Tanks
Selecting the perfect tank for your water harvesting system is a task that requires careful thought and consideration. One secret to picking the best tank lies in understanding its capacity, longevity and, significantly, its source. Did you know that an inch of rainfall can be converted to as much as 600 gallons (or 2,271 liters) of water on an average roof? Now, where to acquire such a tank is the real question.
The place you get your tank depends significantly on the type of tank you desire. Poly tanks are generally cheaper, hence a favourable option if you’re looking for affordability. With adequate maintenance, even a Colorbond steel rainwater tank can last over 20 years, making it a viable investment if durability is a key factor for you.
The Australian market offers multiple outlets where you can get quality poly, concrete or Colorbond tanks suitable for different applications. Commercial setups typically require larger capacities that soar over the 50,000-gallon (or 189,271-litre) mark; hence, commercial plumbing suppliers tend to be the ideal choice in this case. Residential applications on the other hand usually require smaller tanks averaging around between 100 gallons (378 litres).
Selecting the Tank Location
Once you’ve purchased the ideal tank for your set-up, the next vital step is deciding where to place it. Factors like your property’s layout and how conveniently accessible your installation spot is are paramount to consider. You should aim to position your tank as high as possible to maximise its water pressure.
Furthermore, placing your tank beneath a gutter downpipe will enable you to harness the utility of gravity in directing water into the tank. The proximity of your tank to the roof or gutter will be instrumental in determining how effectively it captures run-off rainwater. Impressively, an estimated 85% of runoff from a roof catchment area like your home can be captured with a properly installed and maintained rainwater tank system.
It’s worth bearing in mind that during the wet season, rainwater harvesting can substitute the usage of mains water by up to 100%. Moreover, even with less rainfall, installing a rainwater tank can still save up to 40% of a household’s potable water utilisation in Australia.
Ensure your designated tank location doesn’t contravene any local regulations. Additionally, keep your tanks hidden away from direct sunlight to prevent warming which may foster algal bloom. It might also be a good idea to get an expert’s opinion on site assessment prior to installation.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the correct type and location for your rainwater tank is imperative for efficient water storage and use. By considering aspects such as purchase cost, capacity needs, maintenance expenses and suitable location, you’ll ensure that your investment is beneficial in both short and long-term scenarios. Remember, an appropriately selected and well-maintained rainwater tank will not only serve you effectively but also significantly cut down on potable water usage helping both your wallet and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why should I install a rainwater harvesting system?
Rainwater harvesting allows you to utilise rainwater for daily tasks like gardening, toilet flushing, and washing clothes, reducing your reliance on municipal water supplies and helping to conserve water resources.
Can I install a rain harvesting system on my own?
While it is possible, it is always better to have a professional install your rainwater harvesting system to ensure it is done correctly and to avoid any problems that could arise from improper installation.
Do rainwater harvesting systems require regular maintenance?
Yes, regular maintenance is necessary for the efficient functioning of your rainwater harvesting system. This includes tasks such as clearing out gutters, checking the leaf diverter, cleaning filters and screens, monitoring water levels, and ensuring overflows are clear.
Can I use harvested rainwater for drinking?
Harnessed rainwater can be used for drinking if it is treated correctly. It is always recommended to test the water quality regularly to ensure it is safe for consumption.
What should I consider when choosing a location for my rainwater tank?
The location for your rainwater tank should be based on your property’s size and layout, how much rainfall you receive and how you want to utilise the collected water. Ideally, the tank should be placed near the downpipes for easy connection and near areas of usage.
Do I need a large tank for rainwater harvesting?
The size of the tank depends on your needs. For domestic or residential use, tanks could range from a compact 100 gallons (378 litres) up to large-scale 50,000 gallons (189,271 litres) tanks for commercial use.
What are different forms of rainwater tanks?
Rainwater tanks come in a variety of materials – Polyethylene (poly) tanks, Concrete tanks, and Colorbond steel tanks. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages and should be chosen based on your individual needs and preferences.
Related posts:
Bathroom Bliss: Create a Relaxing Retreat with these Spa-Like Features
Tips to Maximise the Efficiency of Your Rainwater Tank
Water Wisdom: Eye-Opening Facts to Inspire Smarter Water Usage and Plumbing Upgrades Throughout Your Sydney Home
Tank Tactics: Keeping Your Rainwater Harvesting System Shipshape
From Cloud to Tap – Understanding the Journey of Rainwater from Your Tank
Tank Talk: Choosing the Right Size Rainwater Tank for Your HomeHow Many Litres Do I Need?
