Installing rainwater tanks in small spaces

Installing a rainwater tank is a great way to reduce household water consumption in the home. If you have limited space for a tank, however, here’s a guide on how to install a water catchment device without difficulty. 

1. Slimline rainwater tanks

If there's hardly any room to move on your block, a slimline rainwater tank that can fit against a wall or fence might be the best option. These tanks can be lined up in a row, with the water flowing from one tank into the next.

2. Hidden rainwater tanks

If you're worried about the tank being visbile, you can always go for an under-house rainwater tank (providing your house is on stumps or piers). Under-house tanks come in hard plastic or 'bladder' varieties.

The hard plastic tanks can be linked in a series and hold about 2000 litres of water each. Bladder tanks work by cutting into the stormwater and come in capacities of 2000 to 7000 litres.

3. How can I use the rainwater around the home?

It's important to think about what the water you collect will be used for in order to decide what size rainwater tank you'll need and which extras it should have. For example, if the water is for home use, such as for a washing machine or toilet, you'll need filters and probably a pump as well.

4. What about rainwater tank installation?

It's pretty straightforward to install a rainwater tank yourself - as long as the water isn't going back into the house. If the water is going to be used in the home, you'll need a qualified plumber to install the tank.

5. What else do I need to consider?

The number of downpipes that you can get to the rainwater tank may determine the size and type of tank you'll be able to install. The location of your stormwater overflow may determine whether or not you're going to need extra lengths of stormwater pipe.

6. Do rainwater tanks need any maintenance?

The ideal is to not have to do any maintenance on your rainwater tank, so before you buy, check that the tank comes with a leaf diverter. It's also worth checking whether the tank has a 'first flush' device - this diverts the first lot of water to hit the roof, which may contain debris, away from the tank.

Contact a specialist to discuss ways you can install rainwater tanks in small spaces: