Rainwater Collection System Care and Feeding
Do you already have a Rainwater Collection System? Would you like more information on the maintenance of a Rainwater Collection System to aide in the purchase decision?
Here are the steps for cleaning your Rainwater Collection System. Please refer to the picture below while reviewing the procedure.
Cleaning of the System
*Before attempting this for the first time, we advise that you put on clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting wet.
1. Drain the the water from the system by opening the valve indicated by the #1. If you would like, save some of the water to rinse out the barrels on step 6. Five to ten gallons for each barrel should do.
2. When the water is done draining, loosen the two 5/16" bolts indicated by the #2, and slide the connecting pipe off. You may need to work the pipe up and down a bit to free it.
3.Lift the rain gutter downspout connection from the top of the barrel at point #3. This is easily done due to the flexible tube used to connect the downspout to the barrels.
4. Now the barrels are disconnected from the rain gutters, and each other.
5. Now, remove either the overflow screens, #4 (two small screws each), or remove the plugs on top of the barrels, #4a. This will allow access to pour water in, and flush debris and dirt out.
6. Using the water saved from step 1, rinse the barrels out while tipping them slightly forward. Depending on how much build up is in the bottom, it may be necessary to roll the barrels side to side or “stir” with a broom handle.
7. Once you are satisfied with the barrels, reinstall them by reversing steps 1-3. When reassembling, a light coating of vegetable oil will ease the installation of the connecting pipe (the pipe held in place by the bolts at #2). Apply the oil to the pipe stubs on the barrel, that the rubber sleeves slide onto.
Other Care Items
-The screens indicated by #4 will have to be cleaned from time to time. The cleaning frequency will depend on the amount of direct sunlight received by the barrels, and also how much debris makes it past your rain gutter protection. When the Rainwater Collection System is installed, a spare set of screens will be supplied. Additional screens can be ordered from Hart at Work, or you can cut them yourself from nylon mesh available at most home improvement centers.
-During the winter months, the valve at #1 should be left open to prevent freezing. However, should the valve freeze and crack, it not difficult to replace. Replacement of this valve can be done by us, or by most homeowners.
-Most of the hardware on your Rainwater Collection System is standard hardware that can be found at most home improvement centers. Should your system ever need repairs or replacement parts, you can contact us or attempt repairs yourself.