FAQ For Rainwater Tanks Direct Web Site

Q. Will I need a pump for my tank and how do I choose a suitable pump?

A. Pumps do vary in several ways. Choosing a pump depends on how many fixtures you wish to run off the system. Our pump selection will provide a guide to your needs.  Pumps 

Council mains range from 200 kPa to 1000 kPa

Household pumps range from about 103-300 kPa

A tank on a stand at 10 mtrs (33 ft) will give 103 kPa

1 metre gives 10.3 kPa

kPa = kilopascal

Q. Slimline or Round water tank?

A. That depends on your personal preference and space requirements. Slimline are great for space saving and smaller water demands. Round water tanks are more economical in terms of $$ per Litres but take up more room. If you have the spaces go for a round water tank.

Q. Can I install a tank under a deck or under the house?

A. Yes, there are several under deck and bladder style solutions available to suit many situations.

See under deck Bladder 

Q. What colours are available?

A. Most manufacturers have many colours available. All of the colours available are at the bottom of each tanks brands page.  Example Colours

Q. How big does my tank need to be?

A. Sydney Water suggest minimum of 5000 Litre, but if your only going to water a few pot plants, smaller tanks from 1000 Litre to 3000 Litre will be suitable. If you want to irrigate gardens and lawns, wash cars and flush toilets, we recommend the largest you can fit into your chosen area as best option.

Q. How do I get the government rebate?

A. You will have to check with your local council or water authority. Most have forms you can download and fill in. For information on relevant sites and links to the appropriate forms for your area, please go to government Rebates

Q.  Can I install the rainwater tank myself?

A. In some cases yes.  You must check with your local authority first. If you are only going to use the rainwater tank for simple outdoor use you can install it yourself. In fact, we have literature and e-books written with guidelines on how to do this. 

Guidelines on how to install a rainwater tank.  If you need to connect to a pump or existing plumbing fixtures, you will need to employ a licensed plumbing contractor.

Q.  If my tank is connected to the house fixtures, what happens if we run out of water?

A. If you are connecting your tank to indoor fixtures like toilet and washing machine, you can install a mains water top up valve.  Again you will need to check with your local authority. See Accessories 

Q. How much rain can I harvest from my roof?

A. Every 1mm of rainfall over 1m2 = 1 litre of water.  Therefore, if your roof is 20m long x 10m wide you will be able to harvest approx 200m2 = 200 Litres.  10mm of rainfall x 200m2 of roof will provide you with approx 2000 Litres of Rainwater.  You will need to work out how many m2 of roof you have draining into your down pipe that service your rainwater tank. Check your areas monthly or annual rainfall average and multiply this by your available roof area to estimate your potential monthly or yearly water catchment.

Q. How Do I keep the tank water clean?

A. By using a first flush diverter and inlet strainer on the tank. Gutter Guard is also highly recommended as is the leaf eater downpipe connections available.

Q. Can I drink the rainwater from my tank?

A. Yes. If you live in a rural area you have probably been drinking rainwater stored in tanks for years. We recommend that if you intend to drink your rainwater you should install a good quality water filter system. If you are in a suburban area you should not drink the rainwater unless a very good quality water filter is installed. Many water authorities recommend that you should drink mains water if it is available and use your stored rain water for flushing toilets, washing clothes and watering gardens. Check with your local authorities on the rules and regulations that apply to your area.

Q. 7 great reasons for buying a rainwater tank?

1. You will save money off your water bill

2. You can water the garden or wash the car whenever you want without having to worry about nosy neighbours or about water restrictions

3. You need to comply with council requirements or basix regulations

4. In some areas it is a council requirement that when you renovate you may have to install a water tank of a certain size

5. You care about the environment and want to do your bit to reduce the demand on mains water as well as the amount of stormwater runoff into rivers and oceans

6. You may want to Harvest water that tastes better and is generally less salty, which is better for appliances and plants   

7. It may be a council requirement that you need to have a reserve of water for fire fighting purposes.

 

Q.   What payment methods do you accept?

A. We accept cheque, direct bank deposit, Visa and Mastercard and Amex.

Q.   What are your delivery charges?

A. Delivery to certain areas is included  in the listed price of the water tanks. For more information about delivery costs, please see our Tank Delivery page.

Q.   Is GST included in the price?

A. Yes, GST is included in all the listed prices on the website.