Top Things to Consider When Determining if Using a Rainwater Tank is Ideal

A rainwater tank has a number of different components, but most feature a catchment area for the rainwater, a conveyance system and a storage or distribution system. This allows you to reduce your monthly water bill by using harvested rainwater and also allows you to store rainwater that can be used for landscape irrigation purposes. Before you have a rainwater tank installed for rainwater harvesting, it is important to know what factors you need to consider.

Use

It is important that you determine what types of uses you have for water. You can't use harvested water to replace your water system. The type of water tank that you buy will be dependent on if you want to use harvested water for just outdoor use or for both outdoor and indoor purposes. It is possible to use rainwater for toilets and laundry, which means that you would need a rainwater tank that could be used within the home. The type of set-up that is required for your tank would be different if it is going to be used for indoor use.

Amount

It is also important to consider the amount of rainwater that you will need when you are looking to buy a rainwater tank. You want to be sure that you are buying a tank that is large enough to handle your harvesting needs. Again, how you will be using the rainwater will determine the amount of rainwater that you will need to harvest and store. If you are only using it for landscape irrigation purposes, you will need a smaller tank than if you will be using it for indoor water use. The age and efficiency of your plumbing fixtures also need to be factored in when you are considering rainwater tank size. If your fixtures are less efficient, you will need a larger tank.

Material

The material that the rainwater tank is made out of is also an important consideration that you need to make. Those that are made out of concrete usually leach calcium, which can contaminate the water. This means that it is much safer to choose a rainwater tank that is made out of a material like plastic or polyethylene. Staying away from fiberglass tanks is recommended because they have a tendency to break down over time. Plastic lined iron tanks are not a suitable alternative to traditional plastic rainwater tanks because they can rust easily, which is not ideal for rainwater storage.

For more information about your options for rainwater tanks, contact a local installation company.