Blog>Expert Advice>Rainwater harvesting systems: Domestic and professional
Last updated: 10 May 2023
Rainwater harvesting systems: Domestic and professional
Water is as essential to us as the air we breathe, but unlike oxygen, water isn’t free. Thankfully, the UK has an abundance of rain and a great way of saving money on water bills is to install a rainwater harvesting system on your property.
In this guide, we take a look at the advantages, uses and types of domestic rainwater harvesting systems. Plus, we’ll answer your questions on “What is a rainwater harvesting system?” and provide guidance on how to build a rainwater harvesting system.
What is a rainwater harvesting system?
Building a rainwater collection system can help you to reuse rain that may otherwise be wasted and reuse it in your home. Usually, the rain will be syphoned from rooftops and gutters through a downspout into some kind of vessel.
The most basic rainwater harvesting system may just comprise of a barrel that is positioned below a gutter and downspout to collect any rain. Whilst the system needn’t be complex, if you keep things too basic, you may be less likely to collect a good amount of rainwater.
Types of rainwater harvesting system
When it comes to choosing the best type of rainwater harvesting system for your home, you’ll need to consider your different options. Below are the most common choices available:
Basic system: Purchasing a water barrel or butt is inexpensive and makes it easy to set up and start collecting rainwater. For better results, connect this container to your downspout
Direct pumped: These rainwater collection system pumps are usually positioned underground. Any rainwater that is gathered will be pumped into your home
Indirect gravity: Here, rainwater that has been harvested will usually be pumped into a raised tank, and then gravity is used to send the water into your home
Indirect pumped: These rainwater harvesting tanks can be fitted at any height in your home. Gravity is not necessary, and a pump is used to move the water to where it needs to go
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What are the most common uses for a domestic rainwater harvesting system?
It’s not safe to drink rainwater as it falls from the sky, however, it’s possible to purify this water, making it ok for consumption. Even if you don’t plan to purify your collected rainwater, it can still be used in a number of ways, including:
Cooking
Toilet flushing
Watering plants and lawns
Washing fruit and veg
Filling swimming pools and hot tubs
Washing your car
Rainwater harvesting system advantages and disadvantages
Growing populations mean higher demand for clean, drinkable water. As such, reusing rainwater is becoming more and more popular throughout the country and many homeowners are looking to make their homes more self-sufficient.
As such there are a number of rainwater harvesting system advantages and disadvantages including:
Advantages of a rainwater harvesting system
Savings on your water bills
Reducing consumption of groundwater
Easy maintenance
Helps to prevent floods and soil erosion
Water can be used in a range of ways
Disadvantages of a rainwater harvesting system
During warmer months there will be little to no rainfall
Need to invest in setting up your rainwater harvesting system
Only store a limited amount of water
Needs to be maintained
Risk of chemical contamination from roofs
Rainwater harvesting system design
Designing your perfect rainwater collection system can be a little confusing thanks to the range of different options available. You’ll need to decide on a number of varying components as well as figure out exactly what your requirements are.
If you’re looking for rainwater harvesting system design tips, consider the following:
Size of roof: You’ll need a large enough roof to funnel the rainwater into your collection system
Size of tank: Larger tanks will be more expensive, although they can store a lot more water than smaller options
Position of tank: Your tank could be installed anywhere either underground or above ground so carefully think through the ideal placement
Weight of tank: When your water collection tank is full, it will be very heavy so needs to be installed somewhere strong enough to support the weight
Rainwater usage: You’ll need to work out how much rainwater you plan to use throughout your home and ensure you install a large enough system
Purification: Consider whether or not you’ll be using your collected rainwater for drinking. If yes, you’ll need to properly filter the water to remove any contaminants
Rainwater harvesting filter systems
While rainwater can be used for anything from watering your garden to flushing your toilet, unless it’s properly purified, it’s dangerous to ingest. Adding a rainwater harvesting filter system can combat this by removing anything nasty from the water before you drink it.
There are a few different types of rainwater harvesting filter systems, including:
UV light: A great way to create drinkable rainwater is to purify it using UV light. This clever light is used to prevent any organisms from spreading through the water. This makes the rainwater safe to drink
Chlorine: Although chlorine can be dangerous in high amounts, it’s actually a fantastic option to decontaminate rainwater. You’ll only need a small amount of chlorine to kill any water-based diseases and make the water safe for consumption
Filters: Using filters to clean your rainwater can be costly but effective. The rainwater passes through a filter that stops any debris. Please bear in mind you’ll also need to use UV light or chlorine to remove contaminants from the water
How to build a rainwater harvesting system
If you’re eager to start reaping the benefits of a rainwater collection system, you can go as far as to build one yourself. If you’re wondering “how to install a rainwater harvesting system at home” use the below tips:
Consider using a drum or barrel with a pipe to collect rainwater from your roof
Install a rain chain running from your roof to a tank or storage container. This will help to channel the water while also making an attractive garden feature
If you’re looking for a traditional rainwater harvesting system, follow the below steps:
Gather your tools and materials
Create a stable platform for your rainwater barrel or tank
Strip the surrounding area, add a layer of gravel and some strong blocks
Use a drill to make a spigot hole then install the spigot
Create and add an overflow valve
Join your downspout elbow and your downspout
Next, attach the elbow to your barrel or tank
Add a filter to the top of your downspout
You can now start collecting rainwater
Domestic or professional systems?
Domestic rainwater harvesting systems
You may be unsure about whether a DIY rainwater collection system is the best option for you, so let’s sum up the main reasons to install a rainwater harvesting system at home.
Firstly, you’ll be helping to take some of the pressure off local water companies, especially during water shortages. Reusing water is also a step in the right direction for helping our planet.
Financially, it also makes sense to install a rainwater system at home. You’ll see reductions in your water bills, making the initial investment well worth it. Remember, you can even purify rainwater to make it safe to drink and cook with it. What’s more, domestic rainwater harvesting systems are easy to clean and maintain.
Professional rainwater harvesting systems
If this project seems too complicated or confusing to do yourself, but you still want to install a rainwater harvesting system, now is a great time to contact a professional.
Take a look at our rainwater harvesting system cost guide for more information about installation.
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