12 Steps to Creating the Complete Rain Harvesting System

Rain Harvesting

10 Oct 201101:48

Summary

TLDRThis 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.

Outlines

00:00

💧 Rainwater Harvesting System Installation

The paragraph discusses the steps for setting up a rainwater harvesting system. It begins with ensuring the roof surface is suitable for collecting rainwater and installing a gutter mesh to prevent blockages. It then covers the installation of gutter outlets, leaf eater or leaf be terrain heads, and first flush diverters to improve water quality. The importance of a tank screen to keep pests out and the consideration of factors like annual rainfall, roof catchment area, and water usage for determining tank size are highlighted. The paragraph also advises on attaching insect-proof screens, installing an air gap for tank overflow outlets, and utilizing a tank top-up system or mains water switching device. Finally, it suggests selecting a pump system with a purpose-designed rainwater filter and installing a tank gauge for water level monitoring.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It is a sustainable method of water management that can help conserve water resources. In the context of the video, it is the central theme, with steps outlined to ensure the quality of collected rainwater, such as installing gutter meshes and first flush diverters.

💡Gutter Mesh

A gutter mesh is a protective screen installed over the gutters of a building to prevent leaves, debris, and other foreign objects from entering and clogging the gutter system. The script mentions installing a 'Blue Mountain mesh' as an example of a gutter mesh, which is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of the rainwater harvesting system.

💡Gutter Outlets

Gutter outlets are the points where water exits the gutter system, usually leading to downspouts. The script advises fitting gutter outlets from the underside of the gutter to prevent obstruction of water flow, which is essential for ensuring that collected rainwater can be directed away from the building effectively.

💡Leaf Eater

A leaf eater is a device designed to prevent leaves and debris from blocking downpipes or downspouts. It is mentioned in the script as a way to keep gutters clear and to prevent rainwater from being contaminated by debris. This device helps maintain the cleanliness of the rainwater collection system.

💡First Flush Diverter

A first flush diverter is a system that allows the initial, most contaminated portion of rainwater to be diverted away from the storage tank. This is important for improving the quality of the stored rainwater, as the first flush often contains pollutants picked up from the roof surface. The script emphasizes the installation of such diverters to prevent contamination.

💡Tank Screen

A tank screen is a protective cover installed at the entry point of a rainwater tank to keep out mosquitoes and other pests. The script mentions ensuring a tank screen is installed to maintain the cleanliness of the stored water and to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, which could contaminate the water.

💡Insect Proof Screens

Insect proof screens are fine mesh screens designed to keep insects, particularly mosquitoes, out of the water storage system. The script suggests attaching these screens to the end of all pipes to prevent pests from entering and to ensure the water remains clean and safe for use.

💡Tank Overflow Outlets

Tank overflow outlets are points on the rainwater tank where excess water can escape to prevent the tank from overflowing. The script mentions installing an air gap to these outlets to prevent stormwater backflow, which could contaminate the stored rainwater during heavy rainfall.

💡Tank Top Up System

A tank top up system is a mechanism that automatically replenishes the rainwater tank with mains water when the water level falls below a certain point. This ensures that the tank does not run dry and that there is always a supply of water available. The script suggests utilizing such a system to maintain consistent water levels.

💡Pump System

A pump system is used to distribute water from the rainwater tank for various uses, such as indoor plumbing or outdoor irrigation. The script mentions selecting a pump system to facilitate the use of harvested rainwater, making it a practical resource for the household.

💡Rainwater Filter

A rainwater filter is a device that helps reduce sediment, color, and odor in stored rainwater, making it more suitable for use. The script advises installing a purpose-designed rainwater filter after the pump to improve the quality of the water for household use.

💡Tank Gauge

A tank gauge is a device used to monitor the water level in a rainwater tank. The script recommends installing a tank gauge to help track water usage and ensure that the tank is being managed effectively. This is important for planning and maintaining an efficient rainwater harvesting system.

Highlights

Check roof surface is suitable for collecting quality rainwater.

Install gutter mesh, such as Blue Mountain mesh, to prevent leaves and debris from blocking gutters.

Fit gutter outlets from the underside of the gutter to prevent obstruction of water flow.

Fit leaf eater or leaf be terrain heads to down pipes or downspouts to prevent blocking.

Install first flush diverters to help prevent the most contaminated rainwater from entering the tank.

Ensure a tank screen is installed at a tank entry point to keep mosquitoes and pests out.

Consider annual rainfall, roof catchment area, and water usage when determining the tank size.

Attach insect-proof screens or flap valves to the end of all pipes to keep mosquitoes and pests out.

Assure the tank is vented properly.

Install an air gap to tank overflow outlets to prevent stormwater backflow into your tank.

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

Select a pump system to distribute water for use inside or outside the home.

Fit a purpose-designed rainwater filter after the pump to help reduce residual sediment, color, and odor.

Install a tank gauge water level indicator to your rainwater tank to monitor your water level and usage.