Rainwater
Advantages
Collecting rainwater is ecological and even saves a little money. Currently, the daily consumption of drinking water is around 140 liters per person. In some areas, however, the use of precious drinking water could be dispensed with altogether. Rainwater can, for example, be used for
- garden irrigation
- the toilet flush
- the washing machine
With optimal use, drinking water consumption can be reduced by up to 50 %.
You save:
- Water charges because you use less drinking water.
- Wastewater charges because the rainwater is retained on your property.
Rainwater tank as retention
Heavy rainfall is occurring more and more frequently and causing expensive damage. Rainwater and retention systems store the water to relieve the sewer system. In many municipalities, this protective measure is already mandatory.
Environment
- Rainwater harvesting conserves drinking water reserves
- Rainwater tanks serve as water storage for dry periods
- Rainwater is less calcareous than drinking water, which is more digestible for both machines and plants
Function
Rainwater is fed from the roof surfaces via a filter system into the rainwater storage tank. A pressure-controlled pump – installed in the tank or externally – draws in the water below the water surface and pumps the rainwater to the collection points.
Toilet flushing and washing machines are provided by a Pump center for smooth operation. If the tank is almost empty, a fill level sensor automatically switches to drinking water.
As soon as the rainwater tank is full, an overflow directs the excess water either into an infiltration system or into the public sewage system.
Conversion
Are you planning to replace your heating system and don’t want to leave your old heating oil tank unused?
We have the solution: convert your heating oil tank into a rainwater storage tank.
The conversion is simple and straightforward.
Whether your tank is in the cellar or buried in the garden – we offer you a customized solution for every tank system.
How does a tank conversion work?
Step 1:
- Decommissioning the tank
Step 2:
- Conversion inside the tank: Steel tanks have a protective coating on the inside, which only provides short-term protection when storing rainwater. To permanently protect the tank from corrosion and prevent unwanted foreign substances such as paint residues in the water, the tank must be treated on the inside.
There are 2 options for this:
- Inner tank shell
- Tank coating
What is a tank liner?
The inner tank cover is a customized film that is inflated in the tank like a balloon and thus protects the tank from corrosion. Magnets are welded to the outside of the foil so that it adheres to the tank wall, which means that no leak monitoring is necessary.
Advantages of the inner tank cover
- Most cost-effective option for the conversion
- Many years of experience in the installation of inner liners
- Closed system - foil protects the tank from corrosion damage and at the same time prevents foreign matter from entering the rainwater
- The use of inner liners has proven itself in heating oil tank systems over decades
Rainwater purification
Stage 1
The first cleaning stage of the system is the filter. The rainwater flows from the roof into the filter, where the dirt is separated from the water. This purified water flows into the cistern, the dirt is flushed into the sewage system with a small amount of rainwater or ejected to the outside or retained in a basket.
Level 2
Sedimentation is promoted by the calmed inflow. Fine dirt particles remain in the water and slowly sink to the bottom. The calmed water inlet prevents this sediment layer from being stirred up and at the same time oxygen is added to the lower part of the storage water. The oxygen prevents anaerobic decomposition in the tank. The water remains fresh.
Level 3
Dirt particles that are lighter than water, e.g. flower pollen, rise slowly and float on the surface of the water. This floating layer is removed by the specially shaped overflow siphon when the cistern overflows. Regular overflowing of the cistern is important for consistent water quality in order to prevent the water from rotting. The floating layer could seal off the water surface so that no oxygen gets into the water.
Level 4
The rainwater should not be drawn directly from the lowest point of the cistern, as otherwise sediment will be stirred up and pumped in. For this reason, it is advisable to draw the water from higher regions of the cistern.
New tank system
Collecting rainwater is environmentally friendly and saves money. Thank you for your interest in this topic. There are the following options for storing rainwater with a new tank system:
According to the location of the tank
- Underground tank systems
- Rainwater tank, installed in the cellar, in the garage, behind or next to a building
According to the material of the tank
- Plastic tank
- Steel tank
- Concrete cisterns
Professionally installed rainwater systems provide water of a quality that is perfectly adequate for the legal and recommended areas of application. We work with you to plan the best possible solution. If you are interested in converting a heating oil tank that is no longer required, click here.
Maintenance
Rainwater systems are basically maintenance-free. Depending on how dirty the collected water is, we recommend cleaning the tank from time to time. This removes deposits and ensures long-term trouble-free operation. How is a rainwater tank cleaned? The water in the tank is pumped out using a vacuum truck. The inside of the tank is then professionally cleaned. Finally, a little water is put back into the tank so that the delivery system can draw in water again.
Do you have any questions or would you like a personal consultation? Contact us – together we will find the best solution for you.
Accessories
Filter
The filter forms the first cleaning stage of the system. It separates the dirt from the rainwater that flows in from the roof. While the cleaned water flows into the cistern, the dirt particles filtered out are either flushed into the sewage system with a small amount of water or retained in a sieve.
System Center
Feed pump
Do you have any questions or would you like a personal consultation? Contact us now – together we will find the best solution for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shower or wash up with rainwater?
No. Rainwater can be used as garden water, for flushing the toilet and for the washing machine.
Does it make sense to wash with rainwater?
As the water is soft, the use of detergent is reduced by up to 50%. The virtually limescale-free water also deposits much less in pipes and in the washing machine.