DIY Rain Water Tank System

Small water tanks, drums or ‘rain barrels’ are great for the hobby rainwater collector & DIY enthusiast but we advocate bigger water tanks, if possible. Many people start off with a very simple rain collection system with low storage capacity and quickly find out that bigger water tanks are required for collecting useful amounts of rainwater. However, as the article below outlines, you can start off with a simply water drum rain collection system which is both inexpensive and easy to install.

Smaller water drums can be used but we recommend larger water tanks such as the 5000 litre JoJo water tank on the right

If you are just looking for a simple and easy way to collect a bit of extra rainwater to use for washing the car or watering the garden, you may not want to go to the hassle and expense of getting a full rainwater system installed for you.  Instead, you can easily make your own rainwater tank with a little bit of time and knowhow.  Here’s what you need to know.

Why Make Your Own Rain Water Tank System?

If you like to keep your car looking spic and span, or you have plants that have large water requirements, you might like to have access to a little extra water, especially in these days of water restrictions and shortages.  A little extra water tank gives the freedom to do so, and can also save you a bit of extra money on your water bills.  In these cases, you only require a small water tank or water drum, and it may not be worth the time and money of installing a proper rainwater tank system.  A  water tank or drum that you can make and install yourself is the perfect solution.

Steps to Build a Rainwater Tank

1. The first thing that you need to do is to source a drum that you can use for the purpose of rainwater collection. This drum should be made from food grade materials (so that the water quality does not degrade).  You can use an old drum but make sure that it has only held food or drink previously and never chemicals.
2. The next step is to locate the tank and prepare the site.  Make sure that the site is level. It is a good idea to pour some concrete down and let it set to provide a sturdy base.  For extra strength, put some reinforcing material in the concrete.
3. Next, you want to build a stand for the drum to sit on.  This just needs to be some masonry or Hebel blocks stacked onto one another.  Make sure that the blocks are located so that they support the tank as much as possible.
4. Once this is done you will need to drill some holes in the tank – one for your water tap or spigot and one at the top of the tank (in the lid) so that the water from your roof can get into the tank.  Locate the hole at the top of the tank underneath the downpipe opening. If you like, you can run a special extension so that the downpipe connects directly into your tank.  If you are not doing this, cover the hole with fine mesh so insects and debris can’t get into the tank.  Screw your tap or spigot into the hole at the bottom of the tank.  Fill the tank with some water so that you can test if the tap is tight fitting with no leaks and that water comes out as it is supposed to. Run some sealant around the join between the tank and the tap.

Now, all you have to do is wait for some rain and you’re ready to use your water tanks!

Source: Home Improvement Pages (By Jaclyn Fitzgerald)

All JoJo water tanks and JoJo drums are made from virgin, food grade polyethylene and are rated for storing water for human consumption. Whatever your liquid storage needs, JoJo Tanks will be able to offer the right tank for any situation – from a 50 litre drum right up to the 20000 litre water tank. Click on the links below for more information.

JoJo Tanks South Africa offer a wide range of products such as plastic water tanks and chemical tanks to suit every household, business or agricultural need, including silo tanks and silo tank stands as well as other high quality JoJo Tanks products.  See JoJo Tanks’ VERTICAL TANKS, HORIZONTAL TANKS (transporter tanks), STEEL TANK STANDS and OTHER JOJO PRODUCTS and see JoJo Tanks’ NEW 6000 LITRE UNDERGROUND TANKS. Also see our FAQ and WATER TANK PRICES.