No Hidden Fees!
No Hidden Fees!

Rainwater Tank Installation in Farmers Branch, TX

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.

OUR SERVICES

Contact Us

What Your Neighbors Are Saying About Us

Miles H.
My Local Plumber is the absolute BEST! I have used them multiple times, usually when there is an emergency. They always respond quickly, arrive on time and get the job done the same day, usually within just a couple of hours. The staff, both field and office are super friendly, courteous and respectful. I am VERY satisfied with every aspect of My Local Plumber!
David R.
My local plumber has provided me excellent service two times! Once fixing my backyard sump pump. And then the second time helping clear a difficult clog in the courtyard. Even came out in the rain! Very nice and respectful employees who communicate well!
Leo C.
My water heater was not working and it was Friday evening. I reached out to My Local Plumber and they showed up in the promised time frame and then fix my water heater! Zach and Marco are very professional and provide construct suggestion for me. This experience gives me confidence that they are reliable and I will continue to hire their plumbing service whenever I need.
Tracey Dry
We have used My Local Plumber for years and they continue to provide excellent plumbing services. Today, we had them out to handle a backed up kitchen sink drain. The technicians were friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. Thank you so much!
Mack Bartle
Very impressed with the professionalism of Ish and his partner. I had a highly-unusual problem, they were able to locate the issue, brainstorm to find a solution, and ultimately fixed the issue without increasing the bill. I will definitely use them in the future.

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.