Monthly Archives: January 2022

Guide to Collecting and Using Rainwater

Harvest Rain Water, Uncategorized

Whether you live somewhere rural, far from mains water supply, or simply wish to live as sustainable as possible then you might want to collect rainwater. Rainwater is excellent for watering your garden, washing clothes and flushing toilets. If properly treated, rainwater can also be used for drinking.

How to collect and use rainwater

Generally, the simplest way to collect rainwater is by collecting it from your roof. Connecting a small plastic tank to your gutter allows you to store the water that would otherwise go down the drain.

This system can actually get you quite far. A simple plastic barrel at the bottom of your drain is perfect for those looking to use rainwater on their garden. This use case is simple, cheap, and small. However if you plan to use rainwater for more than just your garden, you will soon find this solution to be less than ideal.

The average garden water tank is usually small, holding about 200L – 500L. If you plan on collecting rainwater for indoor supply a much larger tank is required. A 5000L plastic water tank in areas with year round rain, such as Auckland, is perfect. Dryer climates may need a tank larger than 10,000L.

Rainwater Tank Materials

You can buy tanks in all kinds of shapes, sizes and materials. We offer a selection of plastic tanks. However, you can also find concrete and steel tanks on the market. Each offers their own benefits. Such as concrete which is often used for in-ground tanks. Plastic retention tanks however are a common choice for their durability, light weight and low cost.

It is important to note that regardless of what tank you have it will need to be supported by some kind of foundation. 1L of water weighs 1Kg. So, even a 250L tank can become heavy enough to sink into the ground.

There are many different configurations, sizes and types of rainwater collect systems. It is best to consult with a professional before getting to work. However, if you are after some New Zealand designed and made plastic water storage tanks do not hesitate to give us a call on 0800 768 284.

Types Of Water Tanks

Water Tanks

Water storage tanks are essential in households today because they ensure that homeowners have enough water supply for their daily needs, like washing food, cleaning the dishes, and laundry. They also make a great addition to homes because they promote water conservation and rainwater collection.

However, it’s no secret that finding a suitable water tank can be a bit tricky because of the different options available. Moreover, they come with varying pros and cons. If you plan on buying one for your home, we suggest going through our quick water tank shopping guide and product comparison below.  

Above-ground tank vs. Below-ground tank

When shopping for water tanks, homeowners mostly choose between the above-ground or below-ground type. As their names suggest, their key difference lies in where you can install them.

Below Ground Tank

If you want to have a water storage tank but want to conceal it and save space in your property, then you might likely prefer the below-ground or in-ground type. It also makes a good choice for people who want to protect their tanks from harsh weather elements, vandalism, and premature damage.

However, you might have to contend with a few disadvantages if you opt for an in-ground tank. Some examples of these cons include:

  • Difficulty seeing cracks, leakages, or other signs of damages
  • High installation cost because of added excavation costs
  • High operational price because you need to install a pumping system

Above Ground Tank

If you are eyeing a practical and affordable water storage option, the above-ground type might suit you. Because it’s far simpler to set up than the latter option, as an above-ground water tank doesn’t come with the expensive installation cost. Moreover, you can move the water tank wherever and whenever you want – a perfect compromise if you don’t plan on staying in a property for a long time.

However, just like the other type of water storage tank, the above-ground option also comes with a few disadvantages, including:

  • Increased vulnerability to damages (vandalisms, accidents, etc.)
  • Poor insulation, causing the water temperature to fluctuate depending on the season
  • It can be costly to run if you want to keep the water temperature consistent

Additional Water Tank Shopping Tips

When choosing between an above-ground or below-ground water tank, we highly recommend considering the things we shared above. Additionally, it would help if you also looked into other factors like:

  • The type of material used: Water storage tanks are made from varying materials, including plastic, metal, and fiberglass. In most cases, it’s better to opt for plastic because they require very little maintenance. They are also lightweight, affordable, and non-corrosive.
  • The location where you intend to install the tank: The size of the area plus other factors such as sun exposure, road access, and whatnot also plays a crucial role when planning what type of water tank to buy.

Detention vs. Retention Tanks

Besides the two options we shared above, you might also be interested in buying a detention or retention tank. Essentially, you can find both tanks underground. They also collect stormwater, but for different reasons: the detention tank manages drainage water while the retention tank collects rainwater. Here are other insights that might come in handy when choosing between the two:

  • Retention tanks make an excellent addition to your home if you live in areas with little to no access to reticulated water sources.
  • A detention tank is a must-have for homes that need to boost their drainage efficiency during the rainy season. However, we recommend opting for detention tanks equipped with a dual filtration system to prevent debris from getting stuck.
  • Choose a tank based on the materials. While you might find ones made from steel or fiberglass, the ones made from polyethylene are the best option because of their durable make, high water capacity, and non-corrosiveness.

We hope our quick guide will come in handy when you shop for a water tank. Do you need further help choosing a water storage tank for your property? We can help! Call us today at 0800 768 284 for more information about water storage tanks.