How to Choose a Pump for Your New Rainwater Tank
Have you noticed that the rainfall in certain parts of Australia is unpredictable? As the old saying goes, "when it rains, it pours" but unfortunately, this can often be followed by long periods of drought. So, if you want to save some of that pouring rain for your own use to help you achieve a degree of predictability, you may need to install a rainwater tank. Once you've done so, you'll obviously need a way of using that water and must then turn your attention to an appropriate pump. What factors do you need to consider when choosing the best rainwater pump?
Configuring the Pump for Water Pressure
The first thing to consider is the pump's power and how much water pressure it can generate. Designers typically measure this in litres per minute, and you need to ensure that this figure matches your requirements. Your plumber or pump supplier can help you figure this out, and it'll depend on the number of people in your household, the distance the water needs to travel and your expected usage. You may need a larger pump if several people take showers simultaneously or the delivery point is far from the tank location.
Taking Energy Usage into Account
If you believe you should buy the largest pump you can find to take into account any excess needs or future expansion, think carefully. Remember, the more powerful the pump, the more energy you will use. In this situation, your electricity bills may be much higher, and you may not be too happy with the size of your carbon footprint. However, you may be able to take other steps to reduce your energy usage by buying a variable speed pump designed for energy efficiency.
Positioning the Pump for Noise Abatement
Some people choose to place a rainwater tank underground and may also choose to put the pump inside the tank. This approach can certainly be a good idea if noise could be an issue. For example, if you have neighbours who may not take too kindly to an energised pump first thing in the morning, consider the submersible. Alternatively, you can install your pump at ground level but may need to add a special cover. This cover can muffle the noise and protect the pump from the elements, but remember to allow a certain amount of airflow to ensure the pump does not overheat.
To get further information and help with choosing your water pump, reach out to a plumber near you.
Hello! My name is Carl. I live in the city of Sydney, Australia. I recently moved into an older property which has many period features. Unfortunately, it also had a period hot water system. This hot water system was so old, it barely functioned at all. I soon got tired of taking cold showers in the morning so I decided to call in a plumber. He did a great job of installing a modern hot water system which now means I can enjoy a steaming hot shower every morning. I'm that impressed with his work, I decided to learn more about plumbing and start a blog.