If you don’t want to go through the hassle of complicated plumbing, but want to increase the water storage capacity, consider linking rainwater tanks. Yes, you heard that right!
At this point, you may wonder if it is possible and, if so, how. Worry not! You’re in the right place.
There are two options – filling the tanks evenly so that all tanks receive water at the same time or filling one at a time. The instructions below cover linking two rainwater tanks but can easily to apply to linking multiple rainwater tanks.
Evenly Filling the Rainwater Tanks
This method involves the tanks being linked in a series at the bottom of the tank. When you plan on choosing this method for linking the rainwater tanks, consider the following:
- You can link the tanks using pipes near the bottom of the rainwater tanks.
- The rainwater will fill up the first tank and reach the height of the link.
- It will then start flowing to the second tank until it reaches the same height.
- After this point, you will notice both rain tanks filling up evenly until they reach their capacity.
- Consider using isolation valves to avoid losing water from both tanks if one tank fails. If a leak or failure occurs in one tank, close the isolation valve on that tank so that the other tank can continue to collect water.
This method gives you the advantage of needing only one tap or pump outlet and a single overflow. Should you have tanks of different sizes, it’s important to ensure that the tops of the tanks are aligned, otherwise, the added height of the taller tank will be unused.
Filling One Rainwater Tank At A Time
This method involves the tanks being linked in a series at the top of the tank. Consider the following:
- When tanks link in series, one tank fills up before rainwater fills up the next.
- If there are multiple tanks, your last rainwater tank will have an overflow set up to remove excess water. This water gets collected in the stormwater drainage.
- If using taps, you will need to tap each tank individually to use the water.
- If using a pump, there is an outlet at the side of each tank. From the outlet, each tank is individually connected to piping, which is then connected to the pump.
- For this method, you can also use isolation valves to control the release of water should any one tank spring a leak. When you open the valves, the tanks can fill up at the same time. But, if you want to fill one at a time, you can close all valves except the one filling up, and as you go on and need the next rain tank, you can open the valve in the series. This opening/closing can be done manually, but you can also opt for auto-switching.
Final Words
If you are not sure about the tank installation, it’s best to talk to a professional. A buyer’s guide can help you to some extent, but a professional has the knowledge and expertise to make sure you get it right! To discuss any of the concepts described here in more detail, our friendly staff can help.
