Rainwater drainage is an important activity that helps in reducing the overall cost of water bills in many households. Here are eight easy ways to ensure that you succeed in rainwater drainage:
Start with a long and thoughtful observation
Start with making a budget. This will be inclusive of your average annual rainfall roof catchment area, location, and cost of the tank that will be used to collect the water. Ensure that your water system supply is dual so that it can automatically fill the tank with water if the water levels go down in the tank. Also, ensure that you install a pump system that will help pump water to the house.
Right roof
Ensure that the surface of your roof can collect quality rainwater. Some roofs are toxic since they are made of lead-based paints and tar-based coatings. The best roofs are cement tiles, steel sheets, composite tiles, and clay tiles. You can talk to your roof manufacturer to ensure that your roof is suitable for rainwater drainage.
Glorious gutters
Make sure you install roof gutters that go hand in hand with the required building standards and codes. Ensure you go for a material that is fireproof and can allow as much sunlight as possible. Also, consider a material that is rough to discourage the breeding of spiders in the gutter. Ensure that you reduce sludge build-up by installing gutter outlets on the underside of your roof. However, fixing the gutter outlets directly on the gutter is the best method since it helps in ensuring the water has an easy flow without obstruction.
Consider using dry gutters
Dry gutters last longer and ensure that water does not accumulate in the gutter. They are also the best since they discourage mosquitoes from breeding. If you decide to settle for wet gutters ensure that you install insect-proof screens that and make sure that the opening to and from your tank remains open. This facilitates the flow of water and ensures that water does not remain stagnant.
First flush
It is very important to install a first flush diverter in your downpipe so as to ensure that you collect quality water. They prevent the first contaminated rainwater from getting into your tank.
Tanks
Make sure that the tank you purchase fits into both the available space and your budget. Your tank should be made from dark and non-transparent material so as to discourage the growth of algae. It should be positioned under a shade and far from trees so as to keep leaves from contaminating the water. Your tank should also have an overflow valve at the outlet. It is also advisable to have a fitting lid that can be removed when need be. If you intend on having a large tank, consult an engineer that is licensed to help you design and construct the appropriate structural support.
Water at the bottom and water at the top
Ensure that your tank has two outlets, one at the top and one at the bottom. Water from the top of the tank is considered to be of better quality than water from the bottom of the tank. Fix a valve near the top of the tank and one at the bottom. The top valve can supply the water needed in the house and the bottom valve can supply the water needed outside the home. Ensure that you aerate the water frequently to discourage stagnation.
Keep the system in order
Once you have the right system to help with successful rainwater drainage ensure that you maintain cleanliness inside the tank so as to have quality water. This should be done after every few years. The whole system needs to be checked regularly.
For more information on how to do better rainwater drainage in Phoenix, feel free to contact us at Diamondback Plumbing (602) 674-3255