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RainSaver Harvesting

Frequently Asked Questions for Texas Rainwater Collection Systems

We’re passionate about designing and installing custom rainwater harvesting & collection systems, plus sharing our knowledge about them.

This rainwater harvesting FAQ was made for Texans who are interested in any aspect of capturing rainwater for use at a home or your business. If your rainwater harvesting question is not on this page, please call or contact us and we'll help as best we can!

There are 5 Key Components of any Rainwater Collection System, which includes these components needed to efficiently capture, store, and utilize rainwater:

DesignInstallPipesFilters

Rainwater System Design

How To Diagram 2

The collection system design is fundamental, ensuring optimal water capture from roofs and gutters, which serve as the primary catchment area.

Ask Your Question About Design

  • What size rainwater storage tank do I need?

    • Tank size is evaluated on how many people will be using the system and for what purpose. 
    • A general rule of thumb is to size your tank for 6 months of storage w/o receiving rainfall to support (X) people using 1,000 gallons per month per person. 

  • How much rainwater can I collect?

    • For every 1,000 sq. ft of roof, you can capture approx. 600 gallons per one inch of rainfall. Based on annual rainfall rates of your region, you can determine the average amount of rain you can collect in any given year.

  • How do you collect rainwater off the roof?

    • Gutters are collected by using 4” PVC installed where downpipes are located along the roof structure. 

  • How does the rainwater reach the tank?

    • Head pressure generated by gravity and elevation change provides sufficient energy to channel rainwater collected from roof structure to the rainwater catchment tank.

  • Where can I install my rainwater storage tank?

    • Tanks can be located anywhere on the property provided enough head pressure is available.  A minimum of 2’ elevation change from the rainwater storage tank inlet to the bottom of the gutter is required dependent on friction loss.  RainSaver Harvesting uses laser levels to help identify appropriate tank locations. 

  • How much will the system cost?

    • Every job is different and is based on the following factors:  Supplemental or Primary use, dependents, location, tank size, structure capture, and more… Every property is different and requires a dynamic process and solution, please call us if you are interested in a turn-key rainwater collection system. 

  • What is the timeline of a Rainwater Collection System Install?

    • After a proposal is accepted by the client, lead times range from 4 – 8 weeks to complete the tank build (locally built) to an average of 3 – 5 days for project completion. 

Pad Construction & Tank Install

Pad Site Cropped

The pad construction provides a stable base for the storage tanks, which vary in styles and sizes to accommodate different volumes of water. Filtration and treatment systems, such as first flush devices and filters, are vital for removing debris and contaminants, ensuring the collected water is clean for use.

Ask Your Question About Tanks

  • What pad do I need for my rainwater collection tank?

    • 2 ring rainwater collection tanks are primarily installed on an aggregate pad.  A common misconception is the necessity of a concrete pad.  Concrete pads are required for tanks with 3 ring exteriors.  In most cases, 2 ring pads are installed due to efficiency and cost savings. 

  • Will my aggregate pad erode?

    • In the instance that an aggregate pad is installed in an area of water shed, berms can be built to negate any erosion risk. 

  • How long will it take to build the pad and tank. 

    • Pads can be built weeks in advance or the day of a tank install. 
    • Tanks are typically erected on the same day the build begins. 

  • How does the rainwater collection tank hold water?

    • All Aqualine Water Tanks are equipped with Bartlett Tank Liners and installed on a “ground sheet” to prevent abrasion and wear.

     

  • What material is the storage tank liner made from?

    • Bartlett Tank liners are constructed of polypropylene (PP) exterior and lined with food grade NSF – 61 certified & BPA free polyethylene (PE) material. 

  • What are the warranties for both tank and liner?

    • Both Aqualine Water Tanks & Bartlett Tank Liners are warrantied for 20 years.

  • What is the timeline of a Rainwater Collection System Install?

    • After a proposal is accepted by the client, lead times range from 4 – 8 weeks to complete the tank build (locally built) to an average of 3 – 5 days for project completion. 

Pipe Conveyance

Screenshot

Pipe Conveyance systems, including downspouts and pipes, are essential for directing water from the catchment area to the storage tanks.

Ask Your Question About Pipes

  • What in included in Pipe Conveyance?

    • Gutter downspout catchment
    • PVC pipe installation for rainwater capture to storage tank.
    • Untreated rainwater transfer pvc piping
    • Treated rainwater transfer pvc piping
    • Pump lead conduit piping

  • How is rainwater transported from roof to rainwater storage tank?

    • PVC pipe is used to capture rainwater from gutter downspout to storage. 

  • How is the PVC pipe installed?

    • RainSaver Harvesting is capable of PVC pipe suspension, lay-up, or in-ground pipe installation dependent on the job. 
    • Pipe suspension: Suspending pipe along the structure to tank or to a point where pipe can be installed in-ground
    • Pipe lay-up:  Pipe is installed using fasteners along the structure foundation to a point where pipe can be installed in-ground
    • In-Ground Pipe:  Pipe is installed in-ground from point of capture (downspout) to tank using a Mini-X or Rock Saw. 

  • What damage will be caused by the pipe install?

    • Project dependent, we try to minimize collateral damage where possible.  RainSaver avoids digging under tree canopies where possible. 
    • Existing irrigation lines are repaired when broken, but it is the owners responsibility to replace any sod that may be damaged or lost. 
    • Gas lines are repaired when broken if unable to identify and avoid prior to digging.
    • Electric lines are identified prior to digging using a toner. 
    • In general, RainSaver prides itself on leaving the job clean and better than when we arrived, just reference our client reviews to feel more secure in knowing we deliver a superior end product. 

  • What should I consider if there are freezing temperatures?

    • The rainwater collected in your tank shouldn’t freeze, however there are other issues to watch out for.

    • With a “dry” in-ground system, you wont have to worry about freezing/cracking pipe conveyance.

    • The housing for all your rainwater equipment should be climate controlled to prevent small water lines and equipment parts from freeze cracking.

    • Something else to watch out for is ice dams on your roof area that can prevent rainwater from flowing into storage tanks.

Equipment, Filtration, & Purification

Water Filtration System 3

Filtration and treatment systems, such as first flush devices and filters, are vital for removing debris and contaminants, ensuring the collected water is clean for use.

Ask Your Question About Equipment

  • What is required for the above criteria?

    • Equipment varies depending on whether the client wants a full time system or part time.  For full-time, a submersible pump requires a VFD controller, pressure tank, and air pump.  For part-time, a Mini DAB pump (inclusive) requires only a 110v outlet. 
    • Filtration equipment varies depending on potable or non-potable use.  Potable use requires the installation of a carbon and sediment filter whereas non-potable does not require either filters. 
    • Purification consists of a UV disinfection system post filtration prior to potable use.  UV is not required for non-potable use. 

  • What other methods of filtration are used?

    • All Aqualine Water Tanks are equipped with a leaf basket.
    • RainSaver Harvesting highly suggests the installation of fine mesh gutter screens regardless of location and surrounding fauna. 

  • Can you drink collected rain water?

    • It’s possible, if the rainwater has been treated. This is called potable water. Some people actually prefer drinking rainwater because of the softness and taste.

      If the intended use of a rainwater collection system is for drinking, it needs to be designed with filtration in mind.

    • For potable use, rainwater must be filtered & purified with UV treatment.  Non-potable use does not require filtration or purification but we recommend a sediment filter for irrigation use.

Maintenance and Warranties

Team 3

Maintenance program is crucial for the system's longevity, involving tasks like cleaning gutters and inspecting the conveyance system to keep the water collection process efficient and effective.

Ask Your Question About Maintenance

  • What type of maintenance plans do you offer on your Rainwater Collection Systems?

    • Annual & Semi-Annual plans available, which includes
      • Leaf Basket cleanout
      • Filter replacement
      • UV bulb replacement
      • First flush cleanout

  • What type of warranties are included with your systems?

    • Equipment manufacturer warranties for rainwater equipment honored by manufacturer.  
      (1 – 5 year equipment warranties, dependent on type of equipment)
    • 1 year labor warranty.
    • 20 year Aqualine Tank & Bartlett Tank Liner warranties.

  • What type of regular maintenace does the home owner need to handle

    • Homeowners are responsible for gutter cleanout.  We recommend all systems have fine mesh stainless steel gutter screens installed. 
    • Additional leaf basket cleanout quarterly. 
    • Winterize rainwater equipment to prevent freeze cracking & draining the first flush line prior to a freezing weather event.