SUPADIVERTA - syphonic rainwater diverter

WATER TANKS

WARRANTIES

Some quality plastic tanks manufactured by reputable established companies have 10+ year warranties but would you trust a similar warranty for a cheap imported tank being sold by a `Johnny come lately’? Here is a small check list to consider:

• Is the invoice sufficient or are you required to fill in and post forms?
• Does a time limit apply from the date of purchase to filling in and posting the warranty?
• Will you have proof the warranty is registered?
• Have you been given warranty paperwork? Paperwork is often left sight unseen stuck to the side of the tank!
• If tank is supplied by a third party installer, who does the manufacturer’s warranty apply to?
• Check the terms, conditions and length of warranty prior to purchase.
• Will the warranty still apply if the tank is moved?
• Ensure the invoice lists all relevant details.
• If the tank was advertised with a warranty that did not state `conditions apply’ and you purchase the tank prior to being given warranty paperwork, keep a dated copy of the ad.

OTHER COSTS

• Tank delivery fees can be expensive if the plumber (and assistant) picks up and delivers! Most tank suppliers have very reasonable delivery fees (and some are free) but always ask first.
• Shop around for the pump. Expos often have specials on a variety of products but buy quality! Choose a pump appropriate for your intended use and a pump cover is a wise investment.
• An electrician will need to install an outside power point for the pump. Do you have other jobs that need doing while he is there?
• What tank base is required? Remember, full water tanks are very heavy! Get quotes or do you know someone who is competent to do the job? If concreting, don’t forget the Reo!
• Avoid costly time wastage by having the tank in place before the plumber turns up.
• Many water tank dealers offer packages that include plumbing, concreting and electrical connections. Such packages are often excellent value but again, do your homework!
• Have you considered a garden tap? Where do you want it? What depth does the supply pipe need to be and can you dig the trench yourself? Don’t forget the rainwater tap signage!
• Extra inlets/outlets are inexpensive and well worth optioning. For household use, the draw off tap is best located at least 100mm above the bottom of the tank and a suitable filter is recommended.
• Have the fittings needed to connect the SUPADIVERTA to the tank ready.
• Have SUPADIVERTAS installed on other downpipes to double or triple rainwater harvesting.

DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ

• A favourite ruse is to exagerate the average square meterage of roofing, then claim a tank or a diverter can harvest all the water each time it rains! Not many houses have just the one downpipe and remember; it is the actual area of your roofing to be harvested that matters!
• Does that glossy photo of an installed tank with accessories show the overflow pipe? Many photos don’t! Typical examples will show accessories extending from the downpipe that leave nowhere to plumb the overflow while others will show `wet systems’ plumbed to a tank away from the house but without the overflow pipework connected.
• Remember, if water with its head height above the bottom of the overflow outlet is diverted to a tank, the overflow pipework must be connected. What may look clean and tidy in a photo is not always practical in real life!
• Additional plumbing from other downpipes is expensive (but avoidable) and often not compliant with plumbing regulations. Despite this, many ads and sites show questionable installations. Many consumers get caught!
• All downpipes do not drain equal volumes of water and householders often unwittingly site tanks next to low yielding downpipes. If using SUPADIVERTA to harvest additional downpipes, this will not be a critical issue.
• Our advice is to do your homework, talk to tank owners and seek advice from reputable companies.