The Aussie Water Savers GUIDE to DIY Rainwater Tank Installation

Note before you start:

You might be interested in purchasing our DIY Water Tank Pak it has everything the Do-It-Yourselfer needs.

Please note: The instructions provided are only a guide to assist with the DIY installation of your rainwater tank. Outdoor installation is purely for outdoor use such as gardening, topping up the pool and any other outdoor tasks; but not for drinking purposes. Aussie Water Savers is not at all responsible for any injury or result incurred from these instructions; they are onlya guide and we will not be held liable. It is recommended that you use a licensed plumber to install the rainwater tank for you.

When installing a rainwater tank in your home, you can only install a basic set up. Any plumbing needs to be dony by a licensed plumber. The best way to avoid this risk is to consider getting a licensed Aussie Water Savers plumber to do the job for you. It will avoid wasting time, and you will be able to rest assured that you are dealing with best.

Step 1: Decide on a spot for your rainwater tank

When choosing a spot for your rainwater tank it is always best to put it under the roof of your home or garage, close to any existing downpipes; this assists with an easy connection and easy roof run off into your rainwater tank. To minimize the cost of installing, make sure that your rainwater tank is as close to your down pipes as possible to reduce the amount of PVC pipe needed to connect to your  rainwater tank.

Once a spot has been located close to a roof run off and down pipe, make sure that the base for your rainwater tank is relatively flat, either concrete, paved, or flat compacted soil which is a little bigger than the rainwater tank itself. Make sure that the rainwater tank has a decent amount of space at the top to fit the PVC pipe into the rainwater tank. Once this is done, position your rainwater tank safely on the level base.

Step 2: Run the PVC pipe from your downpipe to your Rainwater Tank

Tools Required:

• Ladder to reach the gutter
• Level to ensure PVC pipe is sitting a slanted angle into the tank
• Hacksaw to cut the pipes
• Drill
• Tape measure

Fittings – can be purchased from Aussie Water Savers – one of our consultants will let you know the correct amount you will need for your rainwater tank installation.

• PVC glue to put the joins together
• 90mm PVC pipe ( always buy a little bit more to allow for mistakes)
• PVC elbows and connectors
• Brackets and saddles to hold the pipe in place

Ensure that the rainwater tank is a bit lower than the gutter; then work out how many corners you will need to get the correct flow of pipe from the gutter to your rainwater tank. Starting from the top of the down pipe, slowly work your way down to the raintank, then sand the ends of the cut PVC pipes off before gluing together.

Before gluing the parts together, place them next to each other to see that they fit; then glue and screw where needed, continue to piece it all together until you are happy with it for what you want.

Step 3: Direct your water tank overflow

There will be times where your rainwater tank will be full. You will need to be prepared for the overflow, it needs to be directed somewhere. Usually it is most commonly directed back to the gutter. In order to do this you will need a 90mm Hole saw to drill the overflow through a flat vertical face in the rainwater tank, this can be put where ever easier for you to ensure it works properly.

The overflow screen needs to be tapped in using a rubber mallet so it does not get damaged. Once in place, seal it with silicone to make sure it is water tight. You may also want to fasten it with screws as well. Lastly you have to attach the overflow pipe into back to the drain, where your storm water is running too.

Step 4: Fit Your Tap and accessories

When fitting your tap to your rainwater tank, it needs to be connected to the outlet which comes standard with our Aussie Water Savers rainwater tanks. In order to do this, you simply have to wrap Teflon tape around the outlet (this can be purchased from Aussie Water Savers) then simply screw the tap onto the outlet.

Another method which is used when using a pump to hose the garden is a ball valve, as shown in the picture below the outlet has been wrapped in Teflon tape to make the outlet water tight to stop leakages, and then attached with the ball valve. This is used for pumps, flexible hoses and garden hoses. It can be seen in the picture below:

To ensure maximum pressure from your rainwater tank for your outdoor purposes, a pump is the best way to do this. When fitting your pump, it is best to see an Aussie Water Saver consultant who will be able to give you the best pump for you at the right price.

Any other accessories that may be needed to make your home a water saving home can also be purchased from our Aussie Water Savers showroom. Connecting your rainwater tank to your washing machine or toilet can also be done, however we recommend that you use a licensed plumber from our team at Aussie Water Savers; call us for a FREE quote or just for some advice; we are here to help.