Water Storage Solutions: Rainwater Harvesting

Provides an independent supply of rainwater ideal for non-potable uses.

Rainwater Harvesting

JoJo’s Rainwater Harvesting Solution consists of a tank that accumulates water whenever it rains. It requires the installation of a pre-filtration solution, as well as suitable guttering and piping to transport the rainwater to the tank. Simple to install, its advantages include self-sufficiency and the convenience of not being dependent on regulated water resources.

Rainwater Harvesting Benefits

Free & unlimited water supply (when it rains)
Store rainwater accessed from roof
Rainwater filtered prior to entering tank
Water suitable for irrigation, washing, topping up the pool etc.
** If used for consumption, additional filtration is required

System Components

1. Water tank

2. Base / foundation

3. Pre-filtration

Improves the quality of the harvested rainwater and protects the pump. Keep in mind that the more pre-filtration options installed, the cleaner the water will be that enters into your tank.
3a. Tank Filter Screen – fitted beneath lid
3b. Rainhead
3c. First Flush Rainwater Diverter

4. Tank Mozzie Screen

Fitted to the outside of your overflow, or the inside/outside of your tank inlet. This accessory allows water to pass through while blocking entry for mosquitoes and other insects. Note: if you want to fit this accessory to the inside of your inlet, and you bought a JoJo tank prior to 2020, you will need to purchase our Full Thread 50/40mm Reducer.

5. Pipes – standard plumbing pipes in 110/80 or 75mm

Sizes and lengths will vary depending on installation and preference.
5a. From beneath Rainhead to the top of the First Flush Diverter T-junction (110, 80 or 75mm)

5b. For the First Flush Diverter Chamber (110mm is advised for this section)

5c. From side of First Flush Diverter T-junction to the elbow (110, 80 or 75mm)

5d. From elbow through lid into the tank (110, 80 or 75mm)

6. Elbow – according to pipe size

7. Pump and pump cover

When choosing a water pump, it is important to consider the water source, the application and the pressure required to ensure that the pump will meet your requirements.

To ensure all connections are visible, a pump cover was not included in this illustration, but we do recommend using a pump cover to protect your pump from the elements.

8. Pump to tank connector kit

An all-inclusive kit that permits seamless connection from the tank to both our 0.37kW and 0.75kW Booster Pumps.

*Whole-house Filter

Rainwater that is utilised for full domestic supply needs to be filtered to potable drinking water standards. Ensure that you choose a filtration system that meets these standards. It needs to be able to remove sediment, particulates and contaminants such as bacteria and other potentially harmful substances that could be present in the water. For more information on our whole-house filter visit our filtration section here.

Note

This is an example of a basic Rainwater Harvesting System. Each installation will vary based on the setup and your personal preferences.

Maintenance

Although rainwater systems are relatively maintenance-free, there are certain things that you should regularly undertake in order to prolong your system’s life, reduce the potential for damages and ensure you enjoy maximum benefits.

1. Rooftops

Rooftops should be cleaned regularly to avoid contamination of the runoff. Dust, leaves, animal excrement and dead insects accumulate on the roof during dry weather. It is therefore important to ensure that the roof is cleaned before the rainy season starts, followed by a monthly check to keep it clean.

2. Overhanging branches

See to it that branches overhanging the roof are regularly trimmed back.

3. Gutters

Ensure that gutters are free from leaves. It is a good idea to consider installing gutter mesh.

4. Pre-filtration

Regularly check the pre-filtration device(s) to ensure that it is free from leaves and that rainwater is able to pass through.

5. First Flush Diverter

If a First Flush Diverter is installed, check and clean it out on a monthly basis. Ensure that the diverter is dripping out sufficiently in order to reset the system.

6. Keeping your tank clean

Inspect the inside of your tank every 3 months to make sure that leaf litter has not built up at the bottom of the tank. A properly designed system should not allow leaves and other material to enter the tank.

7. Water Quality

Remember that water collected from your roof will not be clean. If you intend to use the rainwater for drinking purposes, consult an installer with experience in installing water filtration systems. For irrigation purposes, however, this water is ideal.

Installation guide

1. PRE INSTALLATION

1. Choose a tank

Consider the rainfall in your area, your roof size and what the water will be used for. (The most common mistake in unsuccessful rainwater harvesting systems is a lack of storage capacity.)

A quick calculation to use: 1mm of rain on 1m2 of roof surface = 1 litre of water

Example: Roof area of 100m2 = 2500 litres in a rainfall event of 25mm

Alternatively, you can use the below size guidelines:

ROOF P/M2	TANK SIZE
50 – 100	750lt – 2400lt
100 – 300+	2700lt – 10 000lt

2. Tank placement

Should preferably be at a downpipe, or alternatively be repositioned by use of proper piping/guttering.

3. Base/foundation options

Tanks must be installed on a sound, level and smooth surface. Level paving will suffice, or a properly designed tank stand. Alternatively a concrete slab needs to be built, ideally with a concrete surface bed at least 85mm thick.

Recommended base sizes are:

It is recommended that the foundation should be at least 100mm wider than diameter of tank.

TANK	DIAMETER	BASE
750lt	760mm	860mm
1500lt	1410mm	1510mm
2400lt	1420mm	1520mm
2700lt	1420mm	1520mm
5250lt	1820mm	1920mm
10 000lt	2200mm	2300mm

2. INSTALLATION

M_Overview

1.RW_Base

Ensure tank is installed on a suitable base. The base must be sound, level, smooth, free of
any protrusions and at least 100mm wider than the base of the tank (refer to pre-installation).

2.RW_Pre-filtration

Select desired pre-filtration options. Pre-filtration will differ depending on
preference and what the water will be used for.

3.RW_Rainhead

a. Ensure the tank screen is fitted beneath the lid of the tank.

b. Fit the rainhead to the downpipe (for more detail on installation of our rainhead,
please refer to the product page section here).

4.RW_First-Flush_2

Install the first flush rainwater diverter as per instructions provided on our product page here.

5.RW_Cut-hole-in-the-tank-lid

Cut a hole of 110.5mm in the middle of the lid and fit the pipe through the hole,
stopping before the mesh/tank screen.

6.RW_Connect-Pump-to-Tank

Use our pump to tank connector kit to connect your Booster Pump to your water tank.

Note: ensure you follow the pump installation and priming instructions as per the manual.

Tip: use your overflow run-off wisely. Install an additional elbow and pipe to the overflow,
and route to a suitable/required area to ensure no water goes to waste.