FAQs
How much rainwater does the downpipe diverter collect?
The downpipe filters collect approximately 90% of the water that falls down the downpipe. Water coming into the downpipe falls down the outside (of the inside) of the downpipe allowing for maximum collection.
What happens when my rainwater tank is full?
The unique design of the downpipe filter means that when your tank is full, the water is pushed back along the downpipe filter and continues down the downpipe. There is no messy overflowing and no need to manually turn the diverter off when the tank is full.
How much water do I need?
This is a really difficult question to answer, how big is your garden? How often do you need to water your plants? How much rain will there be? How big is your roof? These variables will affect the answer.
How long will it take to fill my rainwater harvesting tank?
We have had some great feedback from our customers that with a decent downpour the tank will fill in a matter of hours - makes you realise how much we are losing down our stormwater systems!
What about insects?
As these are 'sealed' units, insects such as mosquitoes and flies are unable to sit in the water and lay larvae.
What do the rainwater harvesting tanks ship with?
The Rainwater tanks come as a complete kit and ship with everything you need to get it up and running including a downpipe filter and a standard chrome or brass tap (the Basic range ship with a plastic tap). The majority of the Designer range come with our Designer chrome tap.
What if my downpipes are rectangular?
No problem, when you select your tank there is also an option to select whether your downpipes are round or rectangular. We will ship the tank with the appropriate connections.
Can I install a submersible pump?
In some of our tanks you could install a submersible pump to produce extra pressure rather than just relying off the gravity fed system. You could not install a submersible pump into the Rocky Wall or Amphora tanks as these are sealed units and there isn't access to place the pump in the bottom.
What if I don't want to install the rainwater tank myself?
We understand completely that you may not want the hassle of installing your new Designer Rainwater Tank, so we are working hard to develop partnerships with local providers who are happy to help.
What are the rainwater harvesting tanks made from?
The tanks are made from 70% recycled polyethene (PE) plastic. They are 100% recyclable.
Where are the rainwater harvesting tanks made?
These tanks are made in a state-of-the-art factory in Germany. Graf owns a significant share of Wilken Plastics Energy, where it produces all process energy and heat in its own biogas plant. They shred, wash, and dry recyclable plastics collected from Germany's "yellow bag" plastics collection system, among other sources (plasteurope.com/news/OTTO_Graf_t245683/,Aug 2020).
What are my options for shipping?
We have a few options to be as flexible for you as possible:
- Collection - With prior arrangement (we both work full-time), you are more than welcome to collect your tank from our site in Cook Street, Cambridge. We would love to meet you!
- Point to Point - our freight company will ship to their closest warehouse for you to collect. This is a more cost-effective option than door-to-door delivery
- Door-to-door - Our freight company will deliver directly to your door. This is probably the most convenient option for you, but it will cost more as our freight company needs to travel further. This option will be priced individually based on your location.
Maintenance Tips
Cleaning your rainwater tank
It is a good idea to drain your tank fully once a year and clear out any sediment that may have built up in the bottom.
Step 1 - It is best to wait until after summer, when the water level will be at its lowest.
Step 2 - Drain the tank. To do this, empty the water from your tank using the tap. Once no more water is draining from the tap, you can disconnect it from the downpipe. When you have done this, you can tip the tank on its side and completely empty all the water.
Step 3 - Use a hose and perhaps a broom to loosen the debris in the bottom and then tip it out. When you have finished cleaning the tank, connect it back up to the diverter, and it is ready to fill again next time it rains.
How do I clean a tank without a lid?
If you want to clean your tank, but it doesn’t have a lid? Don’t panic, please watch the step-by-step explanatory video.
https://www.garantia.com/en/garantia-tv/how-can-you-clean-a-tank-without-a-lid.html
Maintaining Your Rainwater Tank
Collecting precious rainwater from your roof and diverting it into a rainwater harvesting tank can provide you with a valuable source of water that can be used throughout your garden or for any other outside use. Just a few simple steps can help keep the water flowing into the tank and reduce the amount of debris that can end up in it.
- inspect your roof, gutters, and diverter once every 6 months.
- remove any leaves, droppings, dead insects and the like from your roof and gutters.
- For the Speedy diverter, clean out the little filter basket regularly.
Other Maintenance Tips
- Cutting back nearby trees or branches that overhang your house will stop leaf accumulation and reduce any animal droppings and insects on your roof.
- If you want to clean your roof, please ensure you detach the pipe from the diverter to your tank.
Installation of Antique Amphora tanks
Installation of Speedy downpipe filter