Installation of a Rainwater Tank to Save Water

Installation of a rainwater storage tank for rain water harvesting is a great way to reduce your household's water consumption. But if you live in a home that has limited space to install a water storage tank or rain barrel, however, it takes some extra skills or equipment to install a water catchment device like a slimeline strorage tank.

Installation of large rainwater storage tanks in small spaces

Slimline rainwater storage tanks

If you don't have much room for the installation of tanks on your block, using slim-line rainwater tanks that fits against a wall or fence might be a good option. These rainwater tanks can be lined up together in a row, with the water flowing from one tank into the next to form one big tank.

Hidden rainwater storage tanks

If you don't want the tank to being visibile, but still be able to harvest rainwater you should go for under-house rainwater tanks (providing your house is raised). Under-house tanks come as hard plastic tanks and so called 'bladder tanks'. These hard plastic tanks can be linked in a series and can hold about 500 gallons of water each. Bladder tanks work by cutting into the storm water and come in capacities from 500 to 1200 gallons.

How can I Make Use of the Rainwater Around the House?

It is important for you to think about what the water you harvest will be used for, to decide what size rainwater tank you'll need and which extras it should have. If the water is for home use, such as for a washing machine or toilet, you'll need filters and probably also a pump.

Can I install the rain barrel myself?

The installation of a rainwater tank is pretty straightforward, as long as the water isn't going back into the house. If you are going to use the water from your rainwater tank for inside your home, then you are going to need to fin a local plumber to install the tank.

Things to consider before installing a water barrel.

The amount of downpipes that you can get to the rainwater tank will determine the size and type of tank you will need for your installation. The location of your stormwater overflow may determine whether or not you are going to need some extra lengths of storm-water pipe.

Does a rainwater tank need any maintenance?

Ideally you should not have to do any maintenance on your rainwater tank, but before you buy, check that the tank comes with a leaf diverter. It's also worth checking whether the tank has a 'first flush' device - this diverts the first lot of water, which may contain debris from your roof, away from the tank.