There aren't many consolations to a rainy day-- cosy sofa time, soothing sounds of water on the roof, and perhaps a rainbow or a puddle-splash afterwards. But you can add yet another by building a water tank to capture some of that downpour: it'll diminish your environmental footprint by reducing your demand on mains water and the volume of stormwater runoff into rivers and oceans, and can also cut your water bill in the longer term.
Rainwater tanks are no more just huge, round and hideous; they can be found in all shapes and sizes that can make efficient use of tiny or tricky urban spaces. Water for outdoor or indoor use? The absolute most important issue to consider before you buy and install a rainwater tank is how you wish to use the water. Employing the water outdoors-- for watering the garden and washing the car, for instance-- is the fastest way to start, as you possibly just need the supplier to set up the rainwater tank, as opposed to a licensed plumber. And it will instantly cut your utilization of mains water. Save even more by sending the rain water to your toilet, washing machine or hot water system, but you'll need to have a licensed plumber to connect the tank to your mains supply. What size tank do I need? The storage capacity you choose will depend on the size and shape of your household and garden. Round, squat tanks fit efficiently under a deck, while slimline tanks are good for narrow spaces. An underfloor tank or bladder storage system is a good out-of-sight space saver, although is more expensive. Your roof area and the annual rainfall in your region will also need to be considered. To help determine the size and shape that's ideal for you, sellers often provide calculators on their internet sites, or your water authority may have the opportunity to help. What else do I need to identify before acquiring a water tank? Materials Water tanks normally can be found in the following materials: Metal tanks are made from corrugated or flat rolled metal, which may be galvanised or coated. They often include a plastic inner lining (Aquaplate) that will boost the quality of life of the tank and protect the water quality. Polyethylene (plastic) tanks are well-known as they are relatively cheap and durable. Because rust isn't a conern, they are a very good option for people living near the ocean. Other synthetic materials, like PVC and geotextile, are applied for bladder storage. Bladders are useful for water storage below a deck or floor; while their material is strong, it's not intended for outdoor installation. Fibreglass tanks are rust and chemical-resistant and designed to withstand extreme temperature levels. They're not the cheapest choice, and more suitable for above-ground installation, while all other types can also be installed below ground. Concrete tanks, more often used for agricultural and industrial intentions, won't rust, burn, melt or blow away. They can be bought ready-made, or custom made onsite. Regulations Ask your local area council and water supplier which rules and regulations are applicable in your location. You may need to forward a development or building application, and there may be guidelines around drinking rainwater or mosquito breeding prevention, as well as restrictions on the tank's placement, colour, height and labelling or noise regulations for a pump. Are you remodeling, building new or retrofitting? If you are refurbishing or building, in lieu of retrofitting, you may have to incorporate energy and water-efficient elements in your plans to follow new legislative requirements. Extra expenditures When obtaining quotes, ask if there are any supplementary costs for delivery and installation; extra materials (such as pipes, fittings and taps); alternative extras (such as a first-flush or backflow-prevention device); a pump (unless you can use gravity for water pressure); and a stand (unless you wish to put it on the ground or below it, by which case you'll need to think about the cost of special ground prep or excavation). If you intend to connect the tank to your mains water system, look into the cost of a licensed plumber, and costs for any additional work that needs to get done to your roof and/or guttering. Can you obtain a water tank rebate? Check with your local water or government authority to see if you're entitled to a cash rebate or bill reduction-- the answer may depend on the size of the water tank and whether it's connected to a toilet and/or washing machine. Cost Rainwater tanks can fluctuate from around $700 to $2000, starting from a small, freestanding model without pump or extras, to large, custom-built models. Costs vary depending upon the size, material, finish and strength of the tank.
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April 2019
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