Many Australian homeowners are continuously looking for the most effective ways to make their homes more sustainable. An aspect that’s gaining popularity in homes of all sizes is sustainable plumbing.
Typically this aspect involves adding water saving fixtures and replacing older systems with more eco-friendly alternatives. These can all be done by the plumber Narre Warren locals use for everything from blocked drains to adding water-efficient faucets. Another key aspect of sustainable plumbing is water harvesting.
What is Water Harvesting?
Typically, water harvesting refers to the concept of catching rainwater and storing it in large water tanks. This is done by attaching gutter pipes to your roof and then connecting them to the tank, which can be placed in places where it’s most convenient. This can be next to your house, garage, or garden shed.
The only requirement is that the roof be sturdy enough to secure a guttering system to. Rainwater will then fall from the roof into the gutter pipes and the tank. The number and size of tanks you install depend on the amount of water you would like to harvest.
Taps are installed on the lower section of the tank so that you can easily let water into buckets or even attach it to a hose so that you can water your crops, garden, wash your vehicles, or use the water for other outdoor purposes. If you’re going to use the water indoors for your toilet, you will need a filtration system.
Plenty of Good Reasons Why You Should be Doing it
Australians have long seen the benefits of rainwater harvesting which is why at least 1 in 4 Australian homes have some type of water tanks installed on their property. This can be smaller tanks on suburban properties or much larger tanks on farms or industrial spaces. Our plumbers specialising in sustainable plumbing have compiled a list of reasons why adding at least one rainwater tank to your home or commercial space is a good idea.
1. Allows You to Save Money
The primary reason why investing in a water harvesting system is a good idea has to do with the overall money you’ll save on your water bill. While you’ll still be using be using municipal water for drinking, bathing, and cooking, much of your other water usage can come from the tanks.
This can include the washing your cars, watering the garden, flushing toilets, and even washing your roof or walkways during maintenance season. Industrial companies can also use this water in their treatment processes, which will have to save a significant amount on water bills.
2. Minimises Soil Erosion on Your Property
Catching a considerable quantity of rainwater reduces the overall amount that falls into your garden when it flows off your roof. If you place your water tanks in the right spots, you can reduce the stormwater runoff that usually causes localised flooding and also higher soil erosion. This will be a huge benefit to your gardens and crop fields. Speak to your plumber to help you choose the best spots for your tanks.
3. Your Property is More Sustainable
If your goal is to make your space more sustainable, then adding water tanks will definitely put you on the right path. Homeowners living in water scarce areas will benefit immensely as they will be able to use fresh water for important functions in the home without wasting it on the garden or washing cars.
Rainwater tanks are easy to install and even easier to use. This means that you will be able to start using it immediately after your next rainfall. Catching water in this way will dramatically reduce your carbon foot print and minimise your reliance to municipal water.
4. Eliminates the Need for Groundwater
Some Australians are using groundwater as a way to avoid the high costs of municipal water. Doing this may seem like a cost effective solution, but it can be damaging to your local environments. Taking water directly out of the environment can lead to aquifer depletion, water quality degradation as well as have negative impacts on various ecosystems.
Opting for rainwater ensures that you are also doing your bit for the environment. You can further enhance this by ensuring that you don’t use harmful cleaning agents when you use your rainwater to wash cars, roofs, and walkways.
5. Can be Used Indoors
If you want to use your rainwater indoors, speak to your plumber about adding a filtration system to your tanks. This will allow you to use rainwater for your dishwasher and washing machine. Since rainwater is softer and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, you will also be saving your plumbing pipes from long-term damage.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of adding rainwater tanks to your home or commercial property are an effective way to reduce your overall water bill. It’s also a huge step toward making your home more sustainable and reducing your overall demand on the main water supply. Since a water harvesting system can easily be installed by your local plumber, getting a tank added to your property is easier than you think!