Install a rain water tank – tips & info

• Catch a free supply of water
• Wash your car and water the garden during water restrictions
• Help conserve one of our scarcest natural resources

Choose a system and water tank supplier

To choose the best rainwater system for your household, it’s a good idea to get information and advice from a range of sources.

• Work out the best rainwater tank for you. Consider the size of water tank, location (including above-ground or below-ground), use of the rainwater and maintenance requirements.
• Decide if you want to use your rainwater indoors, outdoors or both. If you are going to use your rainwater indoors, you will need to have it plumbed into your home.
• Talk to several suppliers or manufacturers about your options before you commit to buying a rainwater tank.
• Check the warranties for different water tanks as this can vary greatly.
• If you want to use your rainwater indoors, it may need to be installed by a licensed plumber. Talk to your plumber first to make sure you get a water tank that is suitable for plumbing into your home. This will be a requirement if you’re applying for a rebate or other financial assistance.
• Ask suppliers about any additional costs such as extra fittings, a first-flush diverter or pump.
• Talk to suppliers about specific requirements for different types of tanks, options for positioning the tanks, preparing the site and anything else you need to do before the tank arrives.

Install your water tank

• If you are installing the water tank yourself, ask your supplier to provide you with a copy of the instructions before the tank arrives.
• If you are having the water tank installed, ask the installer to show you how the system works and explain any maintenance needs.
• Have your builder check for lead flashing and seal it if you’re collecting from an old roof and using the rainwater for drinking. You may also need special gutter treatments such as screens to keep out debris.
• Install a first flush diverter. When it rains, this device will prevent the first flow of water from the roof entering the tank—it is this first flow of water that is likely to have contaminants.
• Make sure that your tank is correctly screened so that birds, insects and animals can’t get in. To prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your tank, screen the inlets and overflow outlets with fine mesh.

Maintain your water tank system

Over time, water tanks can become contaminated with animal or bird droppings from the roofs or gutters or from lead flashing if you have an old roof. It’s important to keep tanks in good condition so that the water will be clean and safe to use, especially for drinking. Not all states allow rainwater to be used for drinking water so check with your local council.

To maintain your system and keep your water tank water clean you should:

• always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions, including how often the water tank should be drained and cleaned
• check and clear your roofs and gutters often for vegetation and debris
• keep the roof clear of overhanging vegetation
• check and maintain screens around the tank
• if you’ve installed a first-flush diverter, ask the installer to show you how to clean it
• drain and clean your tank, generally every few years, to remove sediment.

Source: Living Greener

If you live in South Africa, JoJo Tanks manufacture a wide range of water tanks, rainwater tanks, tank stands and other high quality products. JoJo Tanks vertical and horizontal water tanks carry an 8-year warranty – one of the best in South Africa. Click on the links below to view the wide range of JoJo Tanks products available.

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.