Australia, with its extensive land areas and varied weather conditions, has long understood the importance of collecting rainwater. It is not just an eco-friendly decision but can also be a sensible approach to saving water in both countryside and city locations. So, less expensive choices are present for those who want to buy tanks for storing rainwater but have limited budgets. However, it is essential to keep up with regular maintenance for these cost-effective solutions to continue over time and keep delivering pure water.
Here’s how you can obtain maximum worth from even the cheapest rainwater tanks.
Table of Contents
Choose the Right Tank for Your Needs
You can find water tanks made using various materials. These include polyethylene- a type of plastic- fibreglass, and galvanised steel. Each material has advantages and disadvantages regarding durability, the need for maintenance and the quality of water it holds. Please consider the size that fits your needs for water use and the space where you will place this tank.
Making the correct decision will make sure you are not spending too much on extra capacity or resources that bring higher upkeep costs in the future.
Regular Inspection and Cleaning
Checking your rainwater tank is crucial to keeping it in good condition. It’s also necessary to inspect all parts of the tank. These include inlet screens and overflow and outlet pipes. These components are vulnerable to blockages from leaves, debris or sometimes dead animals. Experts recommend that you carry out a visual inspection every three months.
Furthermore, it is advisable to conduct a comprehensive clean-up at least annually. The cleaning process includes emptying the tank, eliminating residue from its bottom and scrubbing its inside surfaces. If you choose not to do this yourself, there are accessible expert services for tank cleaning, which can be a sensible expenditure to extend your tank’s lifespan.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
The condition of your gutters greatly influences the performance of your tank and the quality of water it holds. It is essential to clean them regularly, removing leaves, branches or any other debris from your roof gutter. A clever step could be installing leaf guards to lighten maintenance work while enhancing water’s purity. Remember, the cleaner your gutter, the less likely you are to encounter issues with your tank.
Protect Your Tank from Algae
Growing algae in rainwater tanks, especially under the sunny climate conditions of Australia, is quite usual. Algae not only degrades water quality but can also clog filters and pipes. To combat this, install a proper seal from the light in your tank. For poly tanks, choosing a darker colour can help inhibit algae growth. You may also put on a reflective cover or position your tank where there is less sunlight to lessen the danger further.
Regular cleaning also plays a crucial role in keeping algae at bay.
Repair and Protect
Quickly dealing with problems like leaks, breaks, or rusting can help you avoid more extensive and costlier troubles in the future. There are repair sets on sale for tanks made of plastic and fibreglass. For metal tanks, rust spots may require patching or sealing. Furthermore, protecting your tank from physical damage is essential. Position it away from heavy traffic areas and potential impact from trees or construction activities.
Conclusion
Getting the best value out of cheap rainwater tanks is entirely achievable with the right approach to maintenance. Doing so extends the life of your tank. It also preserves the quality of water you rely on, proving that a bit of care can make even the most affordable rainwater tank a valuable asset to your home.
