Make the Most out of your Rain Water: Install a Water Tank

By installing a rainwater tank, you can utilise an easily accessible resource for domestic and gardening purposes in an eco-friendly manner, especially during water restriction periods. However, due to their substantial size and weight when filled, it's crucial to ensure proper installation and upkeep. Discover how to select the suitable tank, obtain professional assistance, and fulfil all prerequisites before installing it. Next month, learn about maintaining your rainwater tank to keep it in optimal condition.

Check any regulations in your Local Government Area

Council approval is generally not required for tanks with a capacity of 10,000 litres or less. Nonetheless, you must adhere to specific conditions. To obtain current details on approved and compliant development, access the latest version of the NSW Housing Code from NSW Planning & Infrastructure.

If you intend to utilise rainwater from your tank in your washing machine or toilet, you must evaluate the site, examine the backflow prevention specifications, and potentially install a customised backflow mechanism. Additionally, you must apply for a connection at Sydney Water Tap in.

Always check with your local council to see if they have any specific local requirements you must comply with.

Find your install location

You need to check the suitability of the water tank location well before the tank arrives so you can:

• Make the most of the rainwater tank’s catchment area i.e roof
• Reduce plumbing and connection costs
• Full water tanks are heavy. You’ll need a safe, strong and stable foundation or footing. You also can’t install a tanks over the top of a water or wastewater mains.

A trusted water tank supplier can assist you with this.

Select the right tank

There are myriad water tank options to choose from. Here are some helpful points to consider.

Tank capacity

Determine the optimal tank size to generate the highest cost savings for your household. Various websites and apps are available to assist you in selecting the appropriate tank capacity. It's also crucial to factor in your budgetary constraints and the amount of space available.

Type of Tank

Tanks are available in diverse sizes, shapes, and colours. Additionally, you have the option of selecting an underground tank, which is considerably pricier to purchase and set up, and necessitates supplementary backflow-prevention measures. The placement of your tank will determine the type of tank suitable for your needs.

Water pumpPump

Again, there are many options available. External pumps are durable and submersible pumps are considered to be quieter. As a submersible pump is inside the tank, it doesn’t take up extra space. Ideally, submersible pumps should have their intake raised from the bottom. This stops the pump from taking in any dirt that settles at the bottom of the tank.

There can be a variety of problems that affect your pump and stop it from working, including water leaking into the pump and shorting the circuit, or parts deteriorating due to wear and tear. If you have a problem with your submersible pump, we recommend that you contact a pump repair specialist to assess and quote to fix it. If you need a new pump, buy an external pump if possible and ensure it’s fit for purpose.

We recommend a small external pump for simple residential use. This will depend on your property size, irrigation needs and how you use rainwater in your home. Smaller pumps tend to be more energy efficient. You can buy a pump cover to minimise noise and protect the pump from the elements.

Type of Pump

Typically, tanks require a pump to supply water at the same pressure as your drinking water supply. These pumps can be external and placed on the ground, or submersible and situated inside the tank.

External pumps are renowned for being hard-wearing and durable.

Submersible pumps, on the other hand, are quieter and don’t take up extra space since they’re located within the tank. It is recommended to have their intake elevated from the tank bottom to prevent drawing in any sediment.

For residential use, we suggest a small external or submersible pump, which depends on your property's size, irrigation requirements, and water usage habits. Smaller pumps are more energy-efficient and can be outfitted with a pump cover to minimise noise and protect the pump from the elements.

Installation options

Consider how the tank will connect to your existing downpipes and then flow or feed in to the pipes. Maximising the roof area flowing to your tank is the best way to get the most out of your water savings.

Price

If you’re looking to reduce the cost of your tank install investment, consider a minimum tank size of 2,000 L that can be utilising 75% or more of your roof catchment area. Ensure you can afford to have it connected to at least one regularly used internal plumbing fixture such as a toilet or washing machine.

Summary

Minimum recommended size of tank is 2000L and check all your considerations such as existing pipes and roof catchment area before making your decision. If you’d like help selecting the right water tank, contact our specialist sales team today.