Rainwater Tank Installation in Farmers Branch, TX
- Fully licensed & insured
- Trusted locally for over 25 years
- Like family, always
- Fully licensed & insured
- Trusted locally for over 25 years
- Like family, always
Collecting Free Water
Helped a guy install rainwater collection for his garden irrigation. Collects water off his garage roof into a 500-gallon tank. Uses it all summer for watering plants. Hasn’t watered his garden with city water in two years. Smart setup that paid for itself quick.
Rainwater harvesting makes sense in Texas. Free water for outdoor use reduces demand on the city supply and helps your plants since they prefer rainwater.
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Why Collect Rainwater
- Free water Once the system is paid for, the water is free.
- Better for plants Rainwater lacks chlorine and minerals found in tap water.
- Reduce city water bills Outdoor watering is a large portion of summer water bills.
- Drought preparation Stored water helps when watering restrictions are in place.
- Environmentally friendly Reduces strain on water infrastructure.
- Stormwater management Reduces runoff from your property.
System Components
- Collection surface Usually, the roof. Larger roof equals more water.
- Gutters and downspouts Direct water to the tank.
- First flush diverter Removes initial dirty water.
- Storage tank Holds collected water.
- Pump if needed Provides pressure for irrigation.
- Distribution Hose connections or irrigation tie-ins.
- Overflow Directs excess water away from the foundation.
Tank Sizing
Think about your water needs and available roof area. An average roof collects about 0.6 gallons per square foot per inch of rain. A 1000 square foot roof with one inch of rain collects about 600 gallons. Farmers Branch averages 35 to 40 inches of rain annually. Tank sizes range from 50 gallons for small systems to over 10,000 gallons for large systems. Most residential systems use 250 to 1000-gallon tanks.
Types of Tanks
- Plastic poly tanks Affordable, durable, and available in many sizes. Most common option.
- Metal tanks Galvanized or stainless steel. More expensive but long-lasting.
- Fiberglass tanks Lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
- Concrete cisterns Permanent with very large capacity. Expensive to install.
- Rain barrels Small 50 to 80-gallon units. Good starter option.
Above Ground vs Underground
- Above ground Easier installation and simpler maintenance. Visible in the yard.
- Underground Hidden and saves yard space but far more expensive.
Most residential systems use above-ground tanks due to cost.
Location Considerations
Place tanks near downspouts for easy connection. Install on a level surface or proper foundation. Keep tanks away from the house foundation. Ensure access for maintenance and cleaning. Consider distance from where the water will be used.
Installation Process
Prepare and level the tank location. Modify or install gutters and downspouts. Install first flush diverter. Set and secure tank. Connect inlet plumbing from gutters. Install overflow system. Add pump and distribution if needed. Test system during first rain.
First Flush Diverters
These divert the initial dirty water away from the tank. The first rain washes dust, leaves, and bird droppings from the roof. The diverter captures this water and then allows clean water into the tank. Simple but important for water quality.
Overflow Management
Tanks will fill and need overflow routing. Overflow must be directed away from the foundation. Can route to rain gardens, dry wells, or storm drains. System must handle heavy rain events.
Pumps and Pressure
Pumps provide pressure for irrigation systems. Pump size depends on flow requirements. Can be automatic or manual on demand. Electric pumps require a power source. Gravity feed systems work only for limited pressure needs.
Mosquito Prevention
Standing water attracts mosquitoes. All tank openings must have screens. Lids must fit tightly. First flush diverters also need screening. Some owners use mosquito dunks as added protection.
Water Quality
Rainwater from roofs is suitable for outdoor use. It is not potable without treatment. Avoid using untreated rainwater on raw edible crops. Safe for lawns, ornamental plants, and car washing.
Permits and Codes
Texas generally encourages rainwater harvesting. Outdoor use systems typically do not require permits. Indoor plumbing connections require permits. HOAs may have rules regarding visible tanks.
Costs
- Rain barrel systems range from $50 to $200.
- Mid-size systems from 250 to 500 gallons cost $500 to $1500.
- Larger systems with pumps range from $2000 to $5000 or more.
- DIY versus professional installation affects cost.
Maintenance
Clean gutters and screens regularly. Flush and clean tanks annually. Inspect and clean first flush diverters. Check plumbing connections for leaks. Winterize systems if necessary.
Winter Considerations
Freezing temperatures can damage tanks and plumbing. Some systems are drained during winter. Others use insulation or tank heaters. Approach depends on tank material and weather conditions.
Irrigation Connection
Rainwater systems can connect to existing irrigation. Backflow prevention is required to protect city water. Pumps provide pressure for sprinkler systems. Systems can be zoned to use rainwater or city water.
ROI Calculation
Rainwater systems pay for themselves through water bill savings. Typical payback period is three to seven years. Rising water costs improve return over time. Many homeowners also value sustainability benefits.
Starting Small
You do not need a large system to begin.
A single rain barrel is a good starting point.
You can expand the system later as needs grow.
Interested in rainwater harvesting? My Local Plumber at http://www.mylocalplumber.net can design and install rainwater collection systems for your property.