Discover the proven benefits of rainwater tanks

Think rainwater tanks are just for country folk? Think again! Urban homeowners are discovering the many benefits of having a rainwater tank. From reducing your water bills to improving your home’s sustainability, there are plenty of reasons to invest in a rainwater tank. Plus, you’ll be surprised how low maintenance they are. Keep reading to find out more.

There are so many advantages to installing a rainwater tank, a green garden is just the beginning, here are just a few:

Boost your home water-saving efforts

A rainwater tank can help to conserve water around the home, as it can collect and store rainwater for you to use that would otherwise go to waste. This can be helpful in areas where water is scarce or costly.

The more water you use from the tank, the less you are paying for mains water.

Reduce stormwater runoff

Installing a water tank can have a significant environmental impact, by collecting the rain runoff rainwater tanks can help to minimise the stormwater surplus in your area. This can assist with the prevention of soil erosion, decrease flooding, and help to keep waterways clean.

Guilt-free lush green gardens

So often in the dryer areas of Australia, a thriving garden with a luscious green lawn is seen as an extravagance. Rainwater tanks allow you to water your garden without feeling guilty. Plus, rainwater is often softer than tap water and has very low levels of contaminants, making it ideal for watering plants and gardens.

Emergency water supply

In the event of a mains water outage, or water restrictions during a drought, a tank can provide you with an emergency water supply enabling your household to flush the toilet, wash clothes or the car.

Rainwater tank maintenance

While rainwater tanks are very low maintenance, some upkeep is important to ensure that it collects rainwater efficiently and the quality remains high. Our specialists recommend carrying out most of these tasks every 3 months to keep your tank in top condition.

Tips to maintain your rainwater tank

1. Regularly check the roof & guttering for debris

Debris such as leaves and branches can clog up gutters and prevent water from flowing into the tank. Keeping gutters clean and clear will help to ensure that rainwater is collected effectively, the water is clean, and prevent gutters from overflowing at blockages.

2. Clean the tank

Over time (years), dirt and algae may build up inside the tank, reducing its storage capacity and causing water to discolour or become contaminated. If your water tank is metal, rust can also become an issue as the tank ages.

3. Keep the inlet cover closed & in good condition

It is important to keep the tank closed at all times and ensure the mosquito mesh is intact. This can prevent debris from entering, stop insects from breeding in the tank and reduce the evaporation of stored water.

4. Inspect plumbing fittings regularly

It is also important to inspect the tank’s fittings regularly, as leaks can occur. Checking for leaks and repairing them promptly can help to stop water wastage.

5. Pump maintenance is a must

Pumps should be regularly checked and serviced to ensure they are working properly. This can help to avoid issues such as pump failure, which could lead to a loss of water pressure.

Rainwater tanks are a great way to conserve water and reduce your environmental impact. By following some simple maintenance tips, you can ensure that your rainwater tank continues to function properly and provides you with a great source of water for many years.

References – https://rainwaterharvesting.org.au/care-maintenance-of-rainwater-tanks/