12 Steps to Creating the Complete Rain Harvesting System

Summary

This video script outlines steps for setting up a rainwater harvesting system. It emphasizes the importance of a suitable roof surface, installing gutter mesh to prevent debris, fitting gutter outlets and leaf eater heads to maintain water flow, and installing first flush diverters. The script also advises on tank size selection based on rainfall, catchment area, and usage, installing insect-proof screens, and ensuring proper venting. It suggests using a tank top-up system and a pump with a filter for water distribution, concluding with the installation of a tank gauge for monitoring water levels.

Takeaways

• 🌧️ Ensure the roof surface is suitable for collecting quality rainwater.
• 🌿 Install gutter mesh like Blue Mountain mesh to prevent blockages from leaves and debris.
• 💧 Fit gutter outlets from the underside to prevent water flow obstruction.
• 🍃 Use leaf eater or leaf be terrain heads on downpipes to prevent blockages and keep mosquitoes out.
• 🚰 Install first flush diverters to prevent the most contaminated rainwater from entering the tank.
• 🦟 Ensure a tank screen is installed to keep mosquitoes and pests out.
• 💦 Attach insect proof screens or flap valves to all pipe ends to prevent pests and ensure proper venting.
• 🔄 Install an air gap to tank overflow outlets to prevent stormwater backflow.
• 📊 Utilize a tank top-up system or mains water switching device for automatic refilling when levels are low.
• 💧 Fit a purpose-designed rainwater filter after the pump to reduce sediment, color, and odor.
• 📊 Install a tank gauge or water level indicator to monitor water levels and usage.

Q & A

What is the first step to ensure the roof surface is suitable for collecting rainwater?

Check the roof surface to ensure it is suitable for collecting quality rainwater.

Why is it important to install gutter mesh on the roof?

Gutter mesh, such as Blue Mountain mesh, is installed to prevent leaves and debris from blocking gutters.

How can gutter outlets be fitted to prevent water flow obstruction?

Gutter outlets should be fitted from the underside of the gutter to prevent obstruction of water flow.

What is the purpose of fitting leaf eater or leaf be terrain heads to down pipes?

Leaf eater or leaf be terrain heads are fitted to down pipes or downspouts to prevent blocking and to keep mosquitoes out of pipes that hold water.

What is the role of first flush diverters in a rainwater collection system?

First flush diverters help prevent the most contaminated rainwater from entering the tank.

Why is it necessary to install a tank screen at the entry point?

A tank screen is installed at the entry point to keep mosquitoes and pests out.

How does attaching insect proof screens or flap valves to pipes help in a rainwater system?

Attaching insect proof screens or flap valves to the end of all pipes keeps mosquitoes and pests out and ensures the tank is vented properly.

What is the purpose of installing an air gap to tank overflow outlets?

An air gap is installed to tank overflow outlets to prevent stormwater backflow into the tank.

Why might a tank top up system or mains water switching device be utilized?

A tank top up system or mains water switching device is utilized to automatically top up the tank with mains water when levels fall to a designated minimum level.

How does a purpose-designed rainwater filter help after the pump?

A purpose-designed rainwater filter helps reduce residual sediment, color, and odor after the pump.

What is the benefit of installing a tank gage water level indicator?

Installing a tank gage water level indicator allows you to monitor your water level and usage.