Rainwater harvesting pump systems

The pump is an essential part of a rainwater harvesting system.

A reliable and high quality pump specific for your needs is a must so that your rainwater system keeps working for years to come without a glitch. First, determine what the budget is and what is the most convenient pump for your household.

Other key elements which will influence the selection of the right pump are the flowrate and the water pressure needed for your household. Basically, how you are going to use the water effectively. It is recommended to have a 250-300 kPa flow rate which will allow you to run 2-3 devices at the same time for eg kitchen sink, laundry and shower/toilet flush or laundry and reticulation system.

Water pressure is also an important aspect as without pressure some appliances will not work for example your washing machine. Choose the smallest pump size (measured in Power Absorbed) for the required household flow rate. This will minimise the use of electricity hence reducing the energy bill.

There are 2 ways to install pumps: inside or outside the water tank. Both internal and external pump systems have their pros and cons.

Internal pumps:

Produce less noise,
No need for pump weather protection or cover,
Safe for young kids and animals – no trip hazard,
Less space required for install,
Harder to reach inside the tank for pump maintenance,
Can be costly.

External pumps:

Need protection from the weather
All the connections/cabling can become trip hazards for kids and pets,
Noise level can be a nuisance so keep the pump system away from bedrooms or get a proper cover to reduce noise,
Take up more space,
Need a good suction line to allow for expansion and contraction of the tank,
Easier to maintain and monitor,
Fault finding is quicker to spot.

Assuming the pump has been correctly installed, the benefits for both are:

Good water pressure to perform household tasks like watering the garden and laundry at the same time.
Reduce cost of water, save money, conserve water.
Self sufficiency – not relying on mains water supply.

Internal pumps:

Produce less noise,
No need for pump weather protection or cover,
Safe for young kids and animals – no trip hazard,
Less space required for install,
Harder to reach inside the tank for pump maintenance,
Can be costly.

External pumps:
Need protection from the weather ,
All the connections/cabling can become trip hazards for kids and pets,
Noise level can be a nuisance so keep the pump system away from bedrooms or get a proper cover to reduce noise,
Take up more space,
Need a good suction line to allow for expansion and contraction of the tank,
Easier to maintain and monitor,
Fault finding is quicker to spot.

Assuming the pump has been correctly installed, the benefits for both are:

Good water pressure to perform household tasks like watering the garden and laundry at the same time.
Reduce cost of water, save money, conserve water.
Self sufficiency – not relying on mains water supply.

At Beyond Reticulation, as members of Rainwater Harvesting Australia, we can help you with all the decision making. We will also help you become water wise through urban Rainwater Harvesting and have a better understanding of how the system will benefit you and your family.

Give Beyond a call to book your consultation today.

Rainwater harvesting pump systems

There are 2 ways to install pumps: inside or outside the water tank. Both internal and external pump systems have their pros and cons.

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