The Benefits of Installing a Rainwater Collector at Your Home
If you are planning to install a rainwater collector at your home, you might be wondering what the benefits are. Here are a few of them:
AN ECONOMICAL SOLUTION
If you have a rainwater collector installed on your home, you can save on your household water costs. Not only do you reduce your dependence on municipal water, but you also help protect the environment by reducing the impact of stormwater runoff on local watersheds.
Depending on your needs, there are different methods for collecting and storing rainwater. Most people choose to use an integrated rainwater harvesting system, which is designed to capture and store runoff from an impervious surface, like your roof. The benefits of this type of system include reducing household water usage, protecting the environment, and saving on property taxes and stormwater fees.
For those interested in cutting their water bills, there are options to use purified rainwater for drinking, cleaning, washing cars, and gardening. The process involves collecting rainwater, putting it in a Ziploc bag, and heating it to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Water borne bacteria can be eliminated using heat treatment.
An integrated rainwater harvesting system is also an economical solution for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint. It can also provide a quick return on investment. On average, a $15,000 investment in a rainwater collector will yield $1200 in annual savings.
If you have a home with an impervious surface, it’s worth looking into the best residential rainwater harvesting solution. The costs associated with this method are typically small, but the resulting savings can be significant. Many municipalities offer rebates and tax breaks for residents who install rainwater harvesting systems. In addition, your city may offer a rainwater audit, which can help you determine the most efficient approach for reducing your water bills.
OTHER BENEFITS
There are a number of benefits to installing a rainwater collector at your home. The obvious one is that you will have access to free water. You can use it to irrigate your lawn or plants and it will save you money on your mains water bill. Other advantages include better looking landscaping, less runoff, and a healthier environment. Some states even require you to install a first flush diverter to prevent your tank from filling with sediment and debris. This may be an additional cost, but it is worth it.
If you are looking for a great way to save money and improve the look of your yard, you may want to consider installing a rainwater collector. These are available for both the residential and commercial sectors. They are easy to install and will save you money and time on your next landscaping project. In addition, you can install a large, fenced off tank that will add curb appeal to your property. Also, some homeowners use their rain barrels as outdoor furniture. However, there are a few things you should know before you start collecting your own water.
HOW TO INSTALL A RAINWATER COLLECTOR?
The installation of a rainwater collector at your home can help you reduce your water bill and also reduce your risk of flooding. But you will need to be careful to make sure your system is safe and well-maintained.
If you’re unsure about how to install a rainwater collector at your home, you should consult your local health department. They will have recommendations for collecting and treating the water.
Depending on your local area, there may be stipulations on the size and type of system you can have. You can use a rainwater harvesting calculator to determine the right size for your roof and location. For a small system, you can choose a barrel with a spigot.
If you’re looking for a bigger tank, you might consider burying it. This can add to your curb appeal and conserve space in your yard. Also, if you want to collect a lot of water, you might want to consider a more sophisticated system. A larger tank might cost you around $15,000 to $15,000, but you’ll also need a water treatment system.
To ensure your system is safe and properly maintained, you should clean and check it regularly. Rainwater can carry chemicals, viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s important to ensure that it doesn’t reach any pipes containing drinking water.
To be able to use the collected rainwater, you will need to have it tested to make sure it’s safe to drink. Some counties require a first flush diverter, which filters out the dirty first layer of rainwater before it reaches the stored water. That is usually a $20 to $60 investment.
In addition to using it for drinking, you can also collect it for your garden projects. However, you should keep it away from light.
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR RAINWATER COLLECTOR
If you are considering installing a rainwater collection system in your home, you should be aware of the maintenance required to make it function as smoothly as possible. Not only is the task important for aesthetic reasons, but the resulting water is also of great use. It can be used for a variety of purposes from drinking, toilet flushing, and even fire suppression. To ensure that the system works in tip-top shape, it’s a good idea to schedule regular maintenance visits.
One of the simplest ways to keep the system in tip-top condition is by cleaning out the tanks as regularly as possible. Aside from removing debris, it’s also a good idea to make sure that there are no external cracks or defects that might allow contaminants to enter the system.
Of course, maintaining your system is not just a matter of cleaning out the tank, but also performing routine checks on the pump, valves, and the like. This is especially true if you intend on using your rainwater for more than just drinking. In addition, you might want to install a first flush diverter to prevent debris from getting into the first purge of water. The best part is that it’s a relatively cheap and simple process.
Another tidbit you should keep in mind is that it’s probably not a bad idea to hire a professional to do the heavy lifting for you. It’s not hard to find a reputable contractor with a track record of making people happy. With that in mind, you should be able to find a company that offers an affordable annual maintenance contract, which can include full tank clean outs. By keeping the system in tip-top shape, you can rest assured that your water will be drinkable for years to come.