It is estimated that 78% of all the rain water that falls is lost to evaporation or perks into the soil before it can reach a reservoir. Discounting the loss that happens once it does find its way there; it is easy to see that only a small part of this most basic resource is made available for our use through our mains.
To put in simple terms the farther the water has to travel, the less of it is actually available for our use. The answer to eliminating this waste is to collect the water in rainwater tanks and use it before it has a chance to be lost. An added benefit of this practice is that we can save ourselves some money and/or live in areas where main service may not be readily available.
To gain the greatest benefit from our rainwater tanks though, it is necessary that they be installed and maintained properly. This is of major importance, for health reasons, if it is to be the primary source of water in a home and to avoid costly and repair bills in any setting.
First Things First
To begin with, you must start out with a quality rainwater tank and ALL of its appropriate accessories such as pumps and filters. Then your system must be properly installed according to the manufactures guidelines.
A poorly designed, built or installed rainwater collection system cannot and will not deliver quality water to you over the long haul.
Maintenance
Rainwater tanks can deliver you years of clean, healthy water, but they must be properly maintained. It is best to establish a regular maintenance routine for your rainwater system from the beginning. This will assure you of the best possible service with the fewest headaches and doesn’t require that much effort.
Every system is slightly different and the great variance in locations makes giving service periods near impossible, but here are some key factors to keep in mind.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris.
- Clean the inlet mesh regularly
- Clean or replace the filters between your pump and house regularly to minimize the grit that gets into your home.
- Install a flush valve so that you can periodically clear any sediment from your lines.
- Have a licensed plumber check and clean your backflow preventers at least yearly.
- Have the bottom of your tank (below the outlet pipe) checked for sediment build-up and cleaned if necessary. A semi annual inspection should suffice.
Rainwater tanks are a wonderful way to save yourself some money and better utilize the water that falls from the sky. With a minimum of effort they will deliver you a lifetime of service.
If you live in Sydney or surrounding suburbs, contact the team at Deluge Rainwater Tanks and find out how cost effective a rainwater tank is for your home or office.