Municipal backup
JoJo Tanks Municipal Backup Solution consists of a tank that is tied to the main water supply line and fills automatically when mains water is available. This water can then be used in the event of a water cut, providing you with an uninterrupted, pressured water feed that is clean and safe for household use and consumption.
Municipal Backup Benefits
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Uninterrupted water supply
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Tank filled with municipal water
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Pump water from tank back into home
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Pressure sensor starts and stops pump operation
**Water is normally fit for consumption, but this may vary based on the quality
of your water. If unsure, rather opt for a water filter.
System Components
1. Water tank
2. Base / foundation
3. 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.
For more information, refer to our pump range section here.
4. 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. Important: if our pump to tank connector is not used for connection from your tank to your pump, you will require 25mm diameter (minimum) pipe for this connection, as well as a gate/ball valve between your tank and your pump to isolate the water supply as and when needed.
5. Pipes
Assumed ¾ inch galvanised pipes
5a. 20 mm diameter (minimum) - from pump to house, to tie into mains.
5b. Supply tank with municipal feed to float valve at the top of tank.
6. Elbows
Sizes according to pipes and quantity according to installation/setup.
7. Float Valve Kit
Allows for effortless filling of a JoJo tank with an automatic shut-off. This can be manually done with a hose, or for a more permanent solution (like the one in our illustration), you can connect it to your plumbing line.
8. Ball valve/s
To isolate components and better manage the system. Note: it is advised to use these between your municipal feed and your tank, your tank and your pump, as well as your pump and the feed into your house.
9. Non-return valves
To ensure no back pressure to the main supply.
*Filtration
Option 1 - Undersink or Countertop Filter (placed inside at one tap for drinking purposes).
Option 2 - Whole-house Filter (placed outside to filter all the water used in your house).
Treated municipal water is adequate for household use, but can require additional filtration depending on the quality. If you are unsure of the quality of water, we advise using a filter to remove any potentially harmful contaminants before using the water for drinking or cooking. For more information, refer to our filtration section here.
Note
This is an example of a basic Municipal Backup System. Each installation will vary based on the setup and your personal preferences. It is advised to make use of a plumber/professional installer as the system is required to tie into the building’s main water supply line. To find an installer in your area click here.
Maintenance
Here are two tips to prolong your system’s life, reduce the potential for damages and ensure you enjoy maximum benefits:
1. Keep your tank clean
Inspect the inside of the tank every 3 months to make sure that everything is in order. If it is not clean, identify the cause of the problem - your lid might be loose or an overflow pipe might not be covered correctly.
2. Rotate the water
Under ideal circumstances, municipal water can be stored inside a JoJo tank for extended periods of time due to the fact that it is chlorinated. To keep your water fresh, however, it is recommended to rotate the water every two weeks.
Tip: Draw up a roster for your tank and rotate/circulate the water at set intervals by using it to wash your car, fill up the pool, water the garden etc. This will get the water level down inside your tank, after which you can fill it up with fresh municipal water.
Installation guide
1. Pre installation
1. Choose a tank
How to estimate what size tank would be sufficient
for municipal backup:
Size of tank = litres p/day X total days backup required
i.e. 4 x people (600L) X 3 days = 1800L
| PEOPLE | LITRES P/DAY |
|---|---|
| 1 | 150 |
| 2 | 300 |
| 3 | 450 |
| 4 | 600 |
| 5 | 750 |
2. Tank placement
Should be placed where municipal supply can be intercepted, before entering the house.
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
1. 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. Plumbing – tank to pump
Use our all-inclusive pump to tank connector kit to connect your tank to your pump. Connect the pump to the electrical main supply (refer to pump manual for detailed guidelines).
3. Plumbing – pump to house
a. Use minimum 20mm pipe from pump to cut into mains (where possible)
b. Install non-return valves between pump and mains, as well as the house and mains to ensure no back pressure to mains and pump.
4. Plumbing - municipal feed to tank
Supply the tank with municipal feed to float valve kit at the top of the tank. Ensure a ball valve is installed between the municipal feed and the float valve to shut-off feed as and when required.
5. Fill the tank
Ensure that the ball valve is open and fill the tank from municipal supply. When full, the float valve will close the water supply and when it drops it will open and allow the tank to be filled.
6. Recommendation
It is recommended that the water is run once every two weeks to rotate the water and ensure system functions properly.
Buy a JoJo Tank
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Install a JoJo Tank
Whether you’re looking for an installer or prefer the DIY-route, we’ve got all the information you need.
The installers listed below have been carefully screened to ensure that they have the right equipment and level of experience to provide you with satisfactory service.
If you’d prefer to install your own tank, please consult our comprehensive, easy-to-use DIY-Installation Guide.
Why JoJo?
Tank Benefits
When you purchase a JoJo tank, you invest in a high-quality product from South Africa’s leading manufacturer of polyethylene tank solutions.
Our products offer the following benefits:
- All JoJo polyethylene products come with a 10-year guarantee (extended from an 8-year guarantee as of 1 September 2017).
- Tanks are available in different formats, with a variety of fittings and accessories to extend performance capabilities and versatility.
- Products are manufactured with the best food-grade, quality virgin LLDPE.
- With a UV-stabilised outer layer, our products are designed to withstand the harsh African climate.
- The food-grade, black inner lining in our water tanks prevents algae growth and keeps water fresher for longer.
- A stringent quality-control system ensures that products meet specified design standards.
- All JoJo Water and Chemical Tanks are manufactured in accordance with the specifications outlined in SANS 1731:2017*
- All Vertical, Horizontal and Septic Tanks carry a quality certification from the Agrément Board of South Africa.
Find more information on our compliance to Industry Tank Standards here.
Testimonials
Wow, JoJo Tanks you rock! I just spoke to the most friendly, polite, knowledgeable and most helpful customer service lady at your call centre called Lesedi, and she provided all the information I needed about your JoJo Tanks and where to find them. Thank you guys!
On behalf of Rainbow Warriors SA, The Bonecrusher Crew and The Stray Cat Gang, we would like to thank JoJo Tanks for their life-saving donation of a 5000lt water tank to the Rainbow Warriors animal shelter in Hibberdene, Kwazulu-Natal.
For the past five years the Lower South Coast has had severe water problems. This year we were hardest hit and had to endure 16 straight days without a drop of water. As a shelter this becomes a major crisis, as water is like gold to us. Our dogs and cats drink between 80 and 100lt per day, our kennels are washed and scrubbed down each day in order to prevent various diseases that are spread from animal to animal and animal to human.
Unless you have had to face a water crisis day after day, knowing that so many lives depend on you for water, you will never understand just how much this has meant to us.
Thank you once again,
Terence (Tee) Olivier - Rainbow Warriors SA
Solutions
From filters to tanks, JoJo offers a wide range of solutions to suite various applications including domestic, agricultural, industrial and commercial.
Having trouble finding the ideal solution for you? Have a look at what we have available and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance should you need any guidance.
Resources
Find installation guides, brochures & specification sheets, our 10-year warranty and other important documents here.