Benefits of water tanks for new homes

Building a new home can be an exciting and complex process for families. When building a sustainable home, a rainwater tank is a solution that will allow you to save money and help the environment at the same time.

 

Rainwater tanks provide a valuable source of water for many households and offer many benefits for homes that have a proper rainwater tank installed.

 

See how you can benefit from installing a rainwater tank:

  • It saves using (and paying for) mains water and also helps reduce the impact of stormwater run off
  • It is a readily available resource to water your garden, and because it is untreated it is better for your lawn and garden
  • Water from your tank can also be used in your home, in your toilet cisterns, laundry etc, which could save you around 50,000 litres of town water a year
  • The water used from a rainwater tank is softer than mains water, so you need less detergent to wash your car

 

Contact Sydney Water Tanks to see how we can help you choose and install the right rainwater tank.

Visit www.sydneywatertanks.com.au/archive, call us on 1800 041 111 or email sales@sydneywatertanks.com.au/archive

How to determine what size rainwater tank you need

You’ve made the decision to install a rainwater tank in your home, but sometimes it is hard to know where to go from there. How do you know what size rainwater tank will best suit your home?

When trying to calculate your rainwater storage needs, there are a few things that you need to consider to help determine what size rainwater tank you require:

  • total water demand
  • roof catchment area
  • rainfall characteristics

We recommend using an online calculator to help you find out what rainwater tank solution would best suit your needs. We have done some research and we have found that these two calculators are very helpful.

Just click on the links below, input the required information and the output will help you figure out the best rainwater tank solution for you.

Tankulator: http://tankulator.ata.org.au/questionnaire.php

If you know someone who would like some helpful tools in helping them decide what type of tank they need, share this article with them. Or call Sydney Water Tanks and speak to one of our sales representatives who will be able to answer any of your questions or offer you a rainwater storage solution to suit your needs. Call us on 1800 041 111 or email sales@sydneywatertanks.com.au

A Bushfire Resistant Tank can help in the event of a fire

We have already seen the devastating results of the current bushfires in NSW and with weather conditions set to worsen, it is extremely important that precautions are taken around your home to help protect it from the threat of fires. In addition to having a bush fire survival plan, you need to consider having a Bushfire Resistant Tank that can help protect your home and also save you the cost of installing a new system in an event of a fire.

 

A plastic water or septic tank(s) during a fire will melt in the heat just when you need it the most. What you need is a Bushfire Resistant Tank that is durable and fire proof and can deliver you lifesaving water when you need it. During bushfires where homes had plastic wastewater treatment plants or plastic rainwater tanks, homeowners were left with a round pit of melted plastic, no water and/or evaporating sewerage. They were then faced with cleaning up the mess and the costs of installing a new system or tank, in addition to the heartache of losing their homes.

 

BioSeptic wastewater treatment systems use hardy concrete tanks and all treatment equipment is contained inside the tanks, preventing bushfire damage. During past bushfires, even when the house was devastated by fire, the BioSeptic tanks withstood the heat.

 

As an alternative, you may also want to consider installing a concrete rainwater tank that can be installed above or below the ground through Sydney Water Tanks. The concrete rainwater tank can be designed to have both retention and detention, providing a source of water to help fight fires. This tank can also have a stortz valve fitted for the fire fighters to connect to when it is needed the most.

 

In rural areas or where bushfires are a threat to homes, it is worth taking into consideration the implications of the type of wastewater treatment system or rainwater tank you choose. You can help protect your home and potentially save yourself money and inconvenience by installing a BioSeptic wastewater treatment system, or a Sydney Water Tank on your property.

 

Plastic tanks melt in a bushfire, concrete tanks will not.

 

Make sure you are taking all the precautions you can to help protect your home in the event of a fire. Call Sydney Water Tanks on 1800 041 111 or BioSeptic on 1300 658 111 to find out more about how a bushfire resistant tank can help you.

Collection well to suit existing drainage works

A sports ground in Sydney required a customised collection well to suit the existing drainage works that were on site. Our client also needed a solution that would be suitable for pumps that they were supplying for the job.

The client required a 10,000 litre collection well, or what is commonly known as a rainwater tank, to collect surface water collected by the existing drainage. This water is then pumped out of the tank, utilising the pumps supplied by our client.

To suit the existing drainage works on site, our in-house drafting department designed a collection well with a customised turret height and a customised inlet and outlet system. The tank was also designed so it was suitable for the client’s pumps. The team at Sydney Water Tanks worked closely with the client to ensure that their needs were met.

On job sites, there are often existing works that need to be considered and worked around. At Sydney Water Tanks, we can develop customised solutions that suit the individual needs of your job.

If you need a customised solution, call us today on 1800 041 111 and speak to one of our friendly salesmen or email us at sales@sydneywatertanks.com.au

Do you have a water smart garden?

Now that we have entered into a warm spring and about to come into an even hotter summer, it is important to consider how to best create your yard into a self-managing, thriving garden. Included in this, is ensuring that your garden is a water smart garden. Meaning you will spend less time maintaining your garden, save on your water bills and save water and ideally have a garden that looks after itself.

The following will see you through some of the hottest days of our spring and summer.

Plants

  • Invest in Australian natives. These types of plants have adapted to the Australian climate, meaning that need little watering and also encourage birds and insects into your garden.
  • Purchase plants that suit your home’s climate. For example if you live in a dry area, purchase plants from around the world that have similar habitats – again they will need little watering.
  • Use mulch to keep moisture in your soil.
  • If you have large trees, plant your garden under here – keeping them out of the sun and in the shade, preventing them from drying out.
  • By grouping similar plants together, you will end up using less water – as you will not be spreading the water all over the garden; where it is not needed.

Water

  • Use water crystals in your garden, they increase the amount of water dispersed to your plants.
  • Invest in rainwater tank for your garden, that way you are using fresh and free water on your garden; saving on your water bill!
  • Using air temperature rainwater is best for your garden as it does not shock your plants.
  • When washing your car, if possible, wash on the lawn, that way the run off goes straight into the earth.
  • Plants don’t need to be watered every day. Minimise water usage by planning your watering times.
  • Water your plants in the afternoon, that way it won’t evaporate and need to be done again

For more information on how you can save water this spring and summer, contact us at Sydney Water Tanks on 1800 041 111 or email sales@sydneywatertanks.com.au/archive.

This article was first published on LivingGreener.gov.au and reposted on www.sydneywatertanks.com.au/archive and www.bioseptic.com.au

The dos and don’ts of installing a Sydney Water Tank

To ensure that your tank works most efficiently once installed, there are a few guidelines that should be adhered to in the process. Correct installation will ensure that your Sydney Water Tank will give you long lasting service and mean less likely hood of maintenance issues in the future. Below are guidelines on the dos and don’ts of installing your Sydney Water Tank correctly.

Excavating the tank hole

Do: Use a suitable machine such as a backhoe or excavator to dig the tank hole

Don’t: Arrange to have the stormwater drainage excavation done by an inexperienced drainer – expensive mistakes can be made by those who do not have the appropriate experience

Do: Make sure that the plumber/drainers arranges excavation as part of their work to install the stormwater drainage system

Do: Ensure that the base of the dug hole is prepared by spreading a 75mm layer of sand or blue metal to form a firm foundation for the tank

Truck access

Don’t: Have anything in the way of the truck’s path

Do: Have clear access to the tank hole – allow space for a 10-metre long, eight-wheel (four-axle) 27 tonne truck

Don’t: Keep stockpiles of excavated material around the tank hole

Do: Keep a clear area for the crane to be able to extend its stabiliser legs to its complete capacity. If the crane cannot safely reach the tank hole the installer must provide a larger mobile or Franna crane.

Backfilling the excavation

Don’t: Backfill your installed tank with hard rock, large rocks or boulders

Do: Backfill your installed tank with the material excavated from the hole – but only if it is soft

Don’t: Let garden beds sit higher than the turrets of the tank.

Do: Construct garden beds over the tank, yet they need to be finished 50mm below the top of the access turrets

Don’t: Let laid turf sit higher than the than the tank turret

Do: Make sure that the turf on your tank sits flush with the top of the turret and the finished turf is sloping away from turret

By following these tips you will ensure you will be placing your tank in the ideal condition for longevity. Once you have ordered your Sydney Water Tank, before tank delivery you will be provided with our complete installation manual, outlining all necessary information required. For more information please contact Sydney Water Tanks on 1800 041 111 or email sales@sydneywatertanks.com.au/archive

Tips and hints for living greener in spring

 

Water and energy saving actions
As summer approaches, our water and electricity usage can rise along with the temperature as we try to keep cool and keep the garden alive. Here’s a handy list of household actions that will help keep your appliances running at their best and reduce bills.

  • Check the filter on your air conditioner and clean to manufacturer’s instructions to keep it working more efficiently – it will use less energy and save you money. Dust ceiling fans before turning them on to avoid spreading dust around the house.
  • Check the thermostat on your storage hot water system to ensure it is set to 60 degrees Celsius – any higher is wasting energy and a lower temperature may allow harmful bacteria to thrive. Set instantaneous hot water systems to no more than 50 degrees Celsius. Insulate pipes to limit heat loss.
  • Take shorter, cooler showers where possible to save on water and energy. You can install a simple timer to act as a handy reminder for your household.
  • Wash clothes in cold water on the eco setting if your washing machine has one. Washing in hot water uses 80 to 90 per cent more energy than washing in cold water.
  • For a simple water-saving action, capture greywater from sources like your shower, bath or washing machine for use on the garden.
  • Switch to drying your clothing on the line or a clothes rack if you’ve been using a dryer over the cooler months.
  • Run your fridge efficiently. Clean and defrost your fridge and ensure it is set to the right temperature – between 3 and 4 degrees Celsius for the fridge and minus 15 to minus 18 degrees Celsius for the freezer. Running your fridge too cold uses excess energy, costs more to run and will mean your fridge may not last as long. Avoid turning on second fridges unless needed and consider getting rid of additional fridges and freezers to save money and energy.

 

Water smart in the garden
Other things to think about before you lift the shovel to plant your own produce are ways to make your garden water smart. Key tips include grouping plants with the same water needs, minimising paved areas to stop soils drying out, and improving soils so they retain moisture. Starting a compost heap from your kitchen waste and layering it with mulch around new plants are fantastic ways to stop water evaporation and keep soil moist and fertile.

 

Planning ahead will help you save a lot of water over the life of your garden and keep it looking its best, even when you have to spend time away from it. Get advice from your local garden centre and friends and neighbours with green thumbs.

 

Assess the long-term water needs of your garden and consider whether it’s worth installing drip irrigation around your garden beds. If you are considering water saving initiatives in your garden, check if you’re eligible to receive any rebates for a rainwater tank, greywater system or garden assessment.

An outdoor tidy-up
A well-maintained home is less likely to leak energy, will have fewer fire risks and won’t require expensive repairs as often. To make your home safe, comfortable and ready for the summer months, take a walk around the outside to assess what chores need doing.

  • Check the exterior, including: roof, gutters, flyscreens, windows and doors for any damage, gaps and potential risks. Touch up exterior paint to protect surfaces, mow long grass, prune and remove branches, and identify and remove any other fire and storm hazards. If you’re in a climatic zone prone to flooding or cyclones, you might want to think about installing shutters or screens to protect glass areas.
  • Be water wise. If you have a rainwater tank, clean out the inlet screens and your gutters and downpipes to ensure water is effectively making its way into your tank. Check your sprinkler system (if your water restrictions allow you to use one) and adjust where necessary so that only your lawn and garden is watered and not your paving, house or footpath.
  • Think about shading. Take a walk around the house and note which windows will soon attract the blazing summer sun. Now may be the time to install blinds or awnings before it gets too hot. Plant fast-growing deciduous trees that will keep out the summer heat but allow the winter sun in. They can also provide a shady spot in your garden for you, your pets, and local wildlife.
  • A swimming pool check-up should include cleaning the pool filter, skimmer and pool pump baskets and checking the chemicals to ensure the correct balance for good pool hygiene. If you haven’t been running the pool filter pump during the cooler months, read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure correct pump operation and water filtration. Set the correct daily run time, taking into account the season and pool use and use a timer to save energy. Running your pump at the lowest recommended speed that still maintains correct pool hygiene will also use much less energy and save you money.

 

Be bushfire ready

“Prepare, act, survive” is the national slogan for readying your home for the summer bushfire season. Key to being prepared is to understand the level of bush fire risk you and your property are exposed to and the ways you can reduce this risk. Some of the things you should do include:

  • Check and/or change the battery on your smoke alarms.
  • Cut back any overhanging trees or shrubs and dispose of cuttings appropriately.
  • Check the condition of your roof and replace any damaged or missing tiles.
  • Clean leaves from the roof, gutters and downpipes and fit quality metal leaf guards.
  • If you have a water tank, dam or swimming pool, consider installing a Static Water Supply (SWS) sign.
  • Store wood piles well away from the house and keep covered.
  • Keep garden mulch away from the house and keep grass short.
  • Ensure you have a hose which is long enough to reach every part of the home.
  • Remove and store any flammable items away from the house.
  • Check the condition of external walls, cladding and seal any gaps.
  • Consider doing a quick online fire safety audit to reduce your risk of a house fire.

 

An underground concrete rainwater tank will not be damaged in the event of a fire. At Sydney Water Tanks, we can design a tank that combines both retention and detention so it can be used as an additional water source to help fight the fire and protect your home. Talk to us today to find out more! Call us on 1800 041 111 or email sales@sydneywatertanks.com.au/archive

 

If you know of someone who will benefit from these tips, why not share this article with them?

 

This article was first published on LivingGreener.gov.au and reposted on www.sydneywatertanks.com.au/archive and www.bioseptic.com.au