Besides the obvious benefit of clean, fresh rainwater, there are quite a few other reasons to invest in a rainwater tank. After all, why pay for your water when you can collect it free?
Fresh Drinking Water
Any health-conscious person knows the dangers of drinking tap water. Unless you have a water purifier, it’s best to avoid ingesting the chemical-laden water from your taps. Investing in a rainwater tank will ensure you always have a constant supply of clean drinking water.
Alternative Water Supply
In recent years there have been water restrictions in place at various times of the year, usually in the summer months. Having your own rainwater tank means you’ll have plenty of water for the garden and lawn, and you won’t have to use, and pay for, precious mains water.
Invest in the Environment
If everyone used their own rainwater from tanks on their property, it would significantly reduce the amount of water taken from dams, rivers, and reservoirs, and preserve our natural water levels. The cost of maintaining water supply infrastructure would be reduced, and less stormwater runoff would result in less local flooding and water damage.
Modern, New Rainwater Tanks
Gone are the days of metal rainwater tanks that rust out and contaminate the water. Modern tanks are made from UV stabilised polyethylene, or steel with a flexible poly liner. They come in a range of colours and sizes. Generally, the bigger the tank, the more cost efficient it is.
If you’re building a new home, you can have your rainwater tank buried underground to save space. This means you can install a bigger tank without losing half of your garden. As long as you can access the pump for servicing and get into the tank for cleaning, having your tank underground in the backyard makes a lot of sense.
Connecting Your Tank
Most people want to use their free rainwater inside the house, so you’ll need to connect your tank to your main plumbing. You also need to connect the tank to the downpipes to collect the rainwater from the roof of your home. You’ll need a pump and most likely a smaller holding tank, so when you turn on a tap inside the pump will automatically come on to replace the water you’re using from the holding tank.
When you purchase a rainwater tank, it’s delivered and installed on site and connected to your roof plumbing to ensure maximum rain catchment.
Rainwater Tank Maintenance
Your rainwater tank will need regular maintenance to keep it clean and efficient, especially if you’re planning to use the water for drinking. Gutters need to be kept clean to avoid contaminated water, and blocked downpipes. Installing gutter mesh to prevent debris from falling into your gutters is a great investment.
Your tank will also need mesh and filters to prevent small creatures such as frogs and mosquitos from getting in, and to filter the water before it comes into your home.
The pump will need regular servicing, and the tank should be completely cleaned at least every five years.
Contact Air Roofing
Installing a rainwater tank is a worthwhile investment for any home to save money and ensure you always have a supply of fresh water. Call Air Roofing on 08 6166 0545 to find out which rainwater tank is best for your needs, or contact us online.
