So many people these days are asking us: How do rainwater tanks work? If you’re among them, we don’t blame you at all – because rainwater tanks are becoming more and more popular all across Brisbane.
Why do we think that’s happening? It’s pretty clear that readers like you are looking for ways to:
- Save water
- Lower your bills
- And make better use of the rain that already falls on their roof.
Rainwater can be really handy for providing water inside and around your property, too! But while the idea sounds simple, a modern rainwater tank system has quite a few moving parts working together behind the scenes that you need to get your head around.
In our guide, we’re breaking it all down clearly for you – so you can understand how rainwater tanks:
- Collect
- Store
- And supply water to your home.
Hopefully, we’ll also help you answer whether one might be perfect for you! Let’s get started:
1. Rainwater collection starts on your roof
Every rain water tank system begins with your roof. When it rains, water runs off the roof surface and flows into your gutters, just as it always has.
Metal roofs are particularly effective for rainwater collection, but most modern roofing materials can be used. The cleaner the roof, the better the water quality entering the system.
2. Gutters and downpipes direct the water
Your gutters and downpipes play a critical role, channelling the rainwater towards the tank. This is exactly where correct plumbing design really matters, because poor drainage or blocked gutters can reduce how well your rainwater tank works – not to mention contaminate the water.
Most water tanks are connected to one or more downpipes, depending on roof size and tank capacity.
3. Leaf diverters and first-flush systems filter debris
Before the water simply enters the rainwater tank, it passes through basic filtration systems designed to keep debris out.
Leaf diverters remove leaves and larger particles, while first-flush devices discard the initial runoff from the roof. This first flow will contain things like:
- Dust
- Bird droppings
- Other contaminants.
So it’s really important that it’s diverted to keep the water quality inside your tank as high as possible.
4. Water is stored inside the tank
Once it’s filtered, the rainwater flows into the tank for storage. Rainwater tanks come in many shapes and sizes, from slimline tanks tucked beside a house to large round tanks for high water demand. A rainwater tank plumber will help you decide what’s best for you.
The tank itself is sealed to prevent insects and light from entering, which helps maintain water quality and prevent algae growth.
5. Overflow systems manage excess water
When your water tank fills up, excess water needs somewhere to go. That’s where the overflow system comes in.
Overflow pipes safely redirect excess rainwater away from the tank and into stormwater drainage or designated soakage areas. Proper overflow design is absolutely essential to prevent flooding around your home.
6. Pumps deliver water where it’s needed
Most household rainwater tanks use a pump to move water from the tank to where you need or want it. The pumps automatically activate when a tap, toilet, or appliance calls for water.
Depending on how the system is set up, rainwater can be used for:
- Garden irrigation
- Toilets
- Laundry
- Outdoor taps.
And in some cases, your entire home can be supplied by rainwater tanks!
7. Mains water backup ensures reliability
One common question we hear is what happens when the tank runs dry. Well, modern rainwater tank systems are usually designed with mains water backup.
That means that when the tank level drops too low, the system automatically switches to mains water, ensuring an uninterrupted supply without you needing to do anything manually.
8. Where rainwater is typically used in homes
In Brisbane homes in particular, water tanks are most often hooked up to non-drinking uses – which means toilets, washing machines, outdoor taps, things like that. What this does is help reduce your reliance on mains water while keeping the installation fairly straightforward.
With additional filtration and treatment, rainwater can also be used for drinking, although this requires careful design and ongoing maintenance – so make sure to ask us about that.
9. Maintenance keeps the system working efficiently
The really good news is that rainwater tanks are relatively low maintenance – but they do need occasional checks. This includes:
- Cleaning gutters
- Inspecting filters
- Ensuring the pump and overflow systems are working correctly.
Get your regular maintenance schedule right, and you’ll help extend the lifespan of your rainwater tank whilst ensuring consistent performance all year round.
Why homeowners choose rainwater tanks
Thinking of getting one installed? Great idea! You’ll be joining thousands of Brisbane homeowners who install rainwater tanks to:
- Reduce water bills
- Make use of free rainfall
- Support gardens during dry periods
- Reduce stormwater runoff
- Increase property appeal & more.
With the right setup and the right ongoing support, rainwater tanks can quietly work in the background, delivering long-term benefits with minimal effort from you!
Professional installation makes all the difference
So while the concept itself is extremely simple, proper rainwater tank installation requires:
- Correct plumbing connections
- Backflow prevention
- Compliant drainage
- And integration with your existing water systems.
A fully licensed plumber ensures your system meets all regulations, works properly and reliably, and has been sized perfectly for your home and water usage.
Thinking about installing a rainwater tank?
If you’re considering rainwater tanks for your Brisbane home, getting the setup right from the start is key. S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting can do it all, from assessing your property, recommending the right water tank system for your property and needs, and handling the entire professional rainwater tank installation from start to finish.
Get in touch to find out how a rainwater tank could work for your home.