ᐅ Use of Rainwater

Created on: 13 Jul 2010 17:48
L
lox_2
L
lox_2
13 Jul 2010 17:48
Hello to all home builders....

I have a few questions about using rainwater:

- How clean is the rainwater?
- How often do I need to clean the cistern?
- Do algae or similar things (leaves, etc.) form in the cistern?

Would you install something like this again or would you advise against it? What problems or experiences have you had with it?

Thanks in advance for your answers and have a great evening!
H
Holzzauber
2 Aug 2010 06:56
Hello lox2,

So far, I have only had positive experiences using rainwater. My father-in-law has been using it for at least 15 years and hasn’t had any problems, except when there is an extended dry period. Then the tank simply runs empty. In our house, I also have a tank and use the rainwater for the garden and toilets.

Now to your questions:
1. Rainwater is basically clean. You should of course install a filter at the inlet to keep out leaves and similar debris. Most importantly, however, rainwater is very low in lime (calcium).
2. You won’t really be able to clean the cistern often because it usually contains water.
3. Algae won’t develop if no light can enter the cistern.

As mentioned, rainwater can be used for the garden, toilet flushing, and the washing machine. However, not everyone prefers to use it for the washing machine, since the laundry may sometimes develop a musty smell.

Enjoy using your rainwater system.

Best regards,
Peter
L
lox_2
2 Aug 2010 09:46
Thank you for the response! How does saving work in this case? Can I save on this "rainwater tax"?
B
Bulla2000
2 Aug 2010 12:25
What does a 5,000-liter (1,320-gallon) concrete cistern including installation typically cost?
At our intended building site (fully serviced), there are two sewer lines: one for domestic wastewater and one for rainwater. Therefore, I wanted to have a cistern installed and connect the overflow to the rainwater sewer. This way, with a pump, you have a good reservoir for garden irrigation or car washing and need to pay significantly less for surface drainage.

What is the cost of such a system? I figure that if the excavation contractor is already digging the foundation for the slab, they can just as well dig the hole for the cistern at the same time, right?