Comments Please on Rainwater System Idea

[Iain]

Hi
I think you will need more storage for the dry spells. I have 6 IBCs and they have just coped. I went down to 200 lts at one time. They only feed the toilets and washing machine and a bit for the garden. (2 people in the house)
http://www.navitron.org.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2960.0.html

Iain

[knighty]

personally, I wouldn't worry about separating the water into 2 separate IBCs.... especially as you're not drinking it....

you could instead, seal the lid of the bottom tank, and add a small tank fitting to join it to the bottom of the top tank.... then have all the water going into your top tank... and the pump fitted to the bottom tank...

added bonus of that system is, you don;t have to mess about trying to get water from 1 IBC to the other when 1 runs empty..... it would also mean, you could add a float valve low down in the bottom IBC, to fill it if it runs empty... meaning you're toilets never run dry !


also, you need to remember to add an overflow to the top IBC (of both if you decide not to join them) so they don't overflow into your garage if they get too full !



Alan.

[pipesmokingman]

have a similar system - but smaller  consists of 4 rainwater butts interconnected - 2 inside are float valved - then a small 12 volt  pump and non return valve ( local camping shop ) - straight to the cistern of the loo  ( valved so i can switch over as needs be )  - all available rain from roof diverted to this - and for one person lasts very well 

run my pump from solar charged  ex mobility scooter gel batteries ( they may be a bit weak to run a scoot - but OK for most things and hold charge fine )
whatever - saves me a fair amount over the year - dependent on rainfall of course

don't bother with any filtering - and just flush /clean system once a year during summer ( whenever we get those 2 days  )

would love some bigger tanks - but cant get em down here and transport costs too much from the midlands - ho hum

( less of course any of you know of a cheap source near Plymouth ( UK ) ??   

[Iain]

Hi
I got my IBC's and drums from here
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=2&ved=0CA4QFDAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymouthpalletanddrum.co.uk%2F&ei=A68xS96zFsmx4Qb16p2qCA&usg=AFQjCNF81bLrEi8LRFMQqMDdoK5lHhR41A
Iain