Rainwater harvesting

beetlebum_2

As I now have everything up and running now, I have uploaded some photos with comments that I hope you'll find interesting:

http://flickr.com/photos/mattplunkett/sets/72157607795149430/detail/

Ken68

You done well, beetle, looks good, beats my buckets.

beetlebum_2

Thanks Ken. It's been a very interesting project. I think I will hook the dishwasher up next.

beetlebum_2

Andrew_K_Fletcher wrote: »

Ran an energy check on the pump after running a bath hosing down the patio and general deliberate over usage for 2 and a half days. Came to a staggering thirteen pence in electricity used. Energy checked with an EM Monitor from Lidl

Hi Andrew,

I've got my Lidl energy meter plugged in and monitoring electric usage. I know you said it cost you 13p for 2½ days, but do you know how much water was used during that period I'd be interested to see how much your system costs ro run, compared to mine.

Zoomer

I am in a new-build and a Rainman system was installed during construction. It flushes the loos, fills the washing machine and powers the outside tap.
I have 2 kids under 5 so do about 5 loads of washing a week. Showers 2x daily. Loo flushing (yellow/mellow etc)
Monthly cost less than 20 quid a month.

veggieblob

I think you guys are great sorting all that out. My system cost me £1 lol. My oldest daughter bought me a new water butt for my birthday and I bought myself a watering can from the pound shop. I do live alone in a bungalow and I only use the rainwater for flushing the loo (apart from garden purposes) but my metered water costs were £20 down on the previous 6 months, I get a virtuous glow and my arms get toned from carting heavy watering cans around.

beetlebum_2

veggieblob wrote: »

I think you guys are great sorting all that out. My system cost me £1 lol. My oldest daughter bought me a new water butt for my birthday and I bought myself a watering can from the pound shop. I do live alone in a bungalow and I only use the rainwater for flushing the loo (apart from garden purposes) but my metered water costs were £20 down on the previous 6 months, I get a virtuous glow and my arms get toned from carting heavy watering cans around.

I done that too for about a month, prior to my rainwater harvesting system coming online. Great until you trip up and having to mop up 6 litres of water!

Andrew_Bellinger

Hi,

Check out my blog on my Rain water harvesting project? Both the project and my web site are a work in progress at the moment:

www.andrewbellinger.site90.com


Let me know what you think!

beetlebum_2

Andrew_Bellinger wrote: »

Hi,

Check out my blog on my Rain water harvesting project? Both the project and my web site are a work in progress at the moment:

www.andrewbellinger.site90.com


Let me know what you think!

Lots more work in progress, but you've made the first steps. Oh and you can never have enough water storage. Plenty of water now, but come the summer months...

What do you propose supplying the rainwater to? Do you want to direct feed or via a header tank in the loft. Your pump appears to be a simple on/off one, so you will have to find a way to turn it on/off when needed. My pump does this automatically via a pressure switch.

Have a look at my webpage with photos and comments (listed in a previous message here) and see if that helps you in designing your system.

Andrew_Bellinger

Thanks Beetlebum.....

I have already looked at your pictures and they are really great!

I have decided to go with the water tank in the loft option. I got the Idea of using an IBC from your pictures in fact.

I got a good deal on the pump and the IBC and got a good deal from a friend at my local plummbing outlet on the tank and pipe fittings.

I am going to use 2 float valves and a relay to control the pump.

I am picking up the loft tank tonight and will try and post some more details on my blog soon.

Due to my house type I can only collect water from 1 side and I need to divert the gutter to the end of the garage similar wo what you have done. I am also going to get another IBC when I see one locally.