How can rainwater tanks help your house?

With a growing impact of the centralised Rainwater Tanks on environment and the increasing costs to the homeowners of Adelaide, a lot of people have already considered and a lot of them are considering investing some money in the decentralised system for harvesting and re-using the system. 

For gaining the most from the investment you make in the system, there are certain factors which need to be considered:

1. Available space

Generally in proximity of the roof downpipes, given tremendous potential of the system, it is highly recommended to invest in the large systems for giving the ground space as well as height available.

There are usually no complaints about the system being too large. On the other hand, people do comment about the system which they buy that it is emptied easily and they wish that they had invested in larger ones.

The capacity of storing water is the biggest reason why most of the people buy a rainwater tank. It is quite important to consider that rainfall is not necessarily consistent. It is the best to catch whatever is available in Adelaide.

2. Access to proposed tank location

For avoiding the cost of employing the equipment, it is quite important to keep in mind the access the location of your proposed system. You need to think if your system can be moved readily in the end location. You also need to check if the width of the gate is sufficient enough. Also need to do Planning ahead for this helps in preventing issues in the long run.

3. Aesthetics

The system would be a part of your house and thus it is quite important to keep the visuals in mind. Most of the systems available in the market these days especially plastic as well as steel are easily available in a range of colours. Such colours are the exact matches of the colours used in the other components of the house. Definitely, other option is blending in with the surrounding foliage. One of the different colours of greens available which the modern systems come is are the best.

4. Lifestyle benefits

A lot of people have a lot of stark memories of stringent restrictions of water which are introduced often by the Government entities following the sustained droughts. Rain water from the rainwater tanks represents the hassle free and clears avenue of keeping the lawn lush and the gardens green.

Definitely, there are a number of lifestyle benefits of enjoying such a system around even in the smallest of homes in Adelaide. The ability of washing the house, car, dog, etc. whenever you wish to, guilt free in an eco-friendly manner, is a couple of benefits of these kinds of systems.

There are numbers of benefits of employing rainwater tanks in the house. That is why more and more people have either considered or are considering the option of installing such a system in their house in Adelaide.

Rainwater Tanks in Bushfire Areas

Here in South Australia, bushfires can be a real threat during our long heatwaves. Residents living in particularly prone areas, such as the Adelaide Hills or in regional areas are well aware that Installing a Reliable Rainwater Tank in Adelaide can be lifesaving. However, there are particular considerations to put into effect in the event of an actual bushfire. 

Firstly, tanks can be a very handy source of water to help fight the fire for those who choose to stay. This is of course providing that your tank is fitted with a pressurised pump to ensure water flow to a hose. Electric pumps which take water from dams or bores will risk being cut off and cannot be relied upon.

If you do intend to fight as part of your bushfire plan, then authorities advise a 3.7kw portable diesel or petrol motor coupled with a 38mm centrifugal fire pump. Residents can only attempt to fight with a tank if it is made of Aquaplate or galvanised steel. Poly tanks or fibreglass materials are simply not equipped to deal with the extreme pressures. Not only will they damage, but that are considered combustible, making it extremely dangerous for anyone nearby. 

If the situation is not that dire, then authorities suggest installing a system which will easily and instantly disconnect your roof with the collection system. This is to prevent the ash and toxic debris from entering the water supply which you may have been carefully gathering for months. If you do not intend to fight the fire, or have alternate water supplies, then it is recommended that the disconnection be made at the first hint of threat. 

It is not just the ash that can contaminate your supply. Fire suppressant water dropped from planes can also be harmful.  Any burning of the pipes or tank itself is immediate cause for concern, and water should not be consumed or used indoors. The first priority is to have the water tested to ensure that you can begin cleaning the roof and reattaching the pipes. If it is not fit for drinking, then either use the water elsewhere, or drain it fully and have it professionally cleaned so that potable water can begin to be collected.

Now it is time to thoroughly check and clean the roof, providing no structural damage has occurred. All the ash and debris needs to be removed, and pipes and gutters cleaned. Unfortunately, finding dead animals on the roof is also a high possibility. Once a decent manual job is done, residents should complete a first flush. A first flush diverter is an absolute necessity in bushfire areas. This device was intended to rinse off the roof when the first rains fell, to prevent any build up over summer from interfering with the water. Once that first rinse is done, the water collects as normal. 

It cannot be stressed enough the importance of a great mesh filter, both over gutters and at the tank entrance. A good mesh will remain smooth so that leaves and debris slide over the edge while only letting in water. Mesh which is too coarse will trap leaves. Dry leaves and debris on the roof is large quantities is a huge bushfire hazard. Occasional cleaning may be necessary, but overall a good quality mesh product should do the job.   The sooner a tank is installed and set up responsibly, the sooner families can feel at ease about their bushfire safety. Please contact Taylor Made Tanks to arrange a Professional Rainwater Tank Consultation in Adelaide with our talented team.

Slash Your Water Bills in Adelaide by Installing Rainwater Tanks

Installing rainwater tanks in your Adelaide backyard is the perfect way to slash your water bill. With the cost of water on the rise, many families are buckling under the pressure to pay their hefty bills. Coupled with the price of living also rising it can be very stressful for a young family. However, rather than cutting back on a necessity like water, there is a simple way to enjoy the water you need without paying a lot for it. Installing a rainwater tank on your property will allow you to stop relying on mains water as your only water source. Instead of paying top dollar for water, you can enjoy clean, fresh water straight from the sky. The best part is, rainwater is completely free. Don’t let the gift of free waters from the sky simply roll off your roof and evaporate into the ground. Using your rainwater tank capture the environmentally friendly source of water and utilise it in your household.

In addition to rainwater cutting your water bills there are also countless other benefits. If your council has placed your area on water restrictions, you can turn to your other water source to tend to your garden. That way you can enjoy a beautiful, lush, green lawn all year round without have to go against your council’s restrictions. It’s not just your garden though that can benefit from rainwater. With the right sized tank and climate, you can reduce your reliance on mains water by a staggering 100 per cent. By cutting your reliance on mains water down by so much, not only will you dramatically reduce your water bills but you will also help the environment. You will reduce the demand for new desalination plants and dams, as well as protect outstanding environmental flows in rives. Furthermore, it will decrease the cost of infrastructure and operations.

While you may want to reduce your reliance on mains water as much as possible, it’s important to note that there are restrictions on utilizing rainwater for drinking and cooking. Most states and territories in Australia have restrictions regarding the consumption of rainwater, as a matter of safety. While it is possible to consume it, the rainwater tank must be designed, operated and maintained to the highest of standards to ensure the water is safe to drink. If you have a weakened immune system or someone in your family does, it’s advised to ensure the rainwater you consume is disinfected. It is also worthy to remember that mains water is disinfected, filtered and most likely fluoridated, while rainwater is not.

The great thing about installing a rainwater tank is that it doesn’t really cost you anything. While the initial cost of set up will need to be paid, once it’s installed there’s not much more to worry about. For tanks fitted with a pump they may rely on electricity to run but this is not a big cost. Another factor is maintenance, however, the homeowner can carry this out. What’s even better is you can enjoy rebates from the state government. If you are interested in finding out the rebates of offer in your area, you can contact your council directly, who will be more than happy to tell you.

If you want to enjoy the benefits rainwater tanks can bring you, it’s time to contact a rainwater expert. The team at Greener Housing Solution can assist you with all your rainwater tank needs. To find out more about their Rainwater Tanks on Offer in Adelaide.

Choosing From Above Ground Rain Water Tanks in Adelaide Can Be Tricky

You only need to peek in backyards in Adelaide to discover the popularity of above ground rain water tanks. While there is the option to install your rain water tank underground or even beneath your house, above ground has always come out the winner. With a rainwater tank above the ground, it’s much easier to maintain. This is a big advantage if you are looking to use your Rain Water Tank in Adelaide as a source of water to drink.

With above ground rain water tanks so popular, there is a variety of different options to choose from, which we have explored below.

Above ground small plastic water tanks
If you live in a small property where there isn’t too much extra space, a small plastic tank is the perfect option. The tanks come in a range of different shapes including cylinder, square and round. With the capacity to hold about 2000 litres, you won’t be able to run your entire home’s water needs on this type of tank but it will be more than enough to water your garden. Another downfall of this type of tank is it does not have the longest lifespan. As it is manufactured from plastic, the UV can begin to damage the tank. Being proactive and keeping the tank out of the sun or even painting it can help reduce this problem.

Above ground big plastic water tanks
For a home that is looking to substitute much of their mains water supply with rainwater, a big plastic water tank can be suffice. With the potential to hold up to 15k litres, it will definitely fulfill your household needs. As the tank is so large, it must be shipped to the property and must be placed on special sand based pads when installed. Once it is dropped into your property, it’s ready to go. With this type of tank also being manufactured from plastic, is also can degenerate when exposed to UV. They are also renowned for not standing up to bushfires.

Above ground metal water tanks
If you are in the market for a tank that is relatively inexpensive a metal water tank could be the rain water tank for you. Within the tank there are some internal treatments that decrease the effects of corrosion. The tank can hold up to a whopping 150k litres and is relatively inexpensive. However, with the metal acting in two roles as both the water lining and for structural purposes makes the tank vulnerable to breakdown if moved. To combat this problem, the tank is usually mounted on a frame to prevent movement. Another factor that can reduce the tanks lifespan is rusting.

Above ground concrete water tanks
In the instance where you need to access millions of litres of rainwater, an above ground concrete water tank is your answer. This inexpensive option is reinforced and often shaped like a box or a cylinder. There is no need to worry about rusting, however, do keep an eye out for settlement, which can cause cracks to your tank. It’s also important you think carefully about where you want the tank placed, as good luck moving it again in one piece.

Now that you know the difference between above ground tanks, it’s time to contact a professional that can help you make the important decision. We advice talking to the professional team at Greener Housing Solutions or checking out their website at http://www.greenerhousingsolutions.com.au.