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How to harvest rainwater to use in your garden

Tools and materials for installing a rainwater tank laid out on the grass.

Overview

Rainwater harvesting is an environmentally friendly way to keep your garden healthy and green while conserving water. It can also help save you money on water bills. Installing a 250L rainwater tank can be a straightforward D.I.Y. project with the right tools and equipment. Check out our step-by-step guide to installing a rainwater tank in your garden.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Water collected by harvesting rainwater is suitable for outdoor use only. As the water is untreated, it is not suitable for drinking, cooking or bathing.

Steps

1Choose the right location

Set up your rainwater tank in a suitable area near a drainpipe. Place the tank stand on a firm, levelled surface in your chosen location. Raising your water tank on a stand helps build water pressure and allows enough room under the tap for water collection.
A black step stands on grass with a plank of wood placed horizontally on top of it.

2Prepare the downpipe

Following the instructions and template that came with your rainwater diverter, carefully cut the downpipe at the designated spots using a handsaw. Make sure to secure the downpipe with brackets before cutting.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Set up the diverter within easy reach and higher than the tank inlet.
A white pole with instructions of how to cut it.

3Insert the diverter

Insert the rainwater diverter between the gap in the downpipe. The diverter will send water into the tank – simply twist it off when the tank is full. Check the debris filter regularly to ensure that no debris is blocking the water flow. To access the filter, twist out the unit.
A Bunnings employee holding white, downpipe in his hands.

4Install the tank fittings

Remove the plastic nut from the tank fitting. Place the inlet fitting through the top hole of the tank and reattach the plastic nut securely.
A Bunnings employee removes nut from rainwater tank.

5Install the hose hanger

Use a power drill to drill pilot holes at the marked spots indicated in the instruction manual. Place the hose hanger and drill screw holes into the designated area. Install rubber seals onto the hose bracket. Align the hose bracket inside the tank and screw it tightly into place.
Hand wearing glove places hose hanger onto rainwater tank.

6Install the tap fitting

Apply thread sealing tape on the tap thread and fix onto the bottom of the tank.
Rainwater tank lies on the ground as sealing tape is applied to the bottom.

7Place the tank

Place the tank onto the tank stand next to the downpipe. Connect one end of the hose to the rainwater diverter and connect the other end to the tank fitting. To start collecting rainwater, simply twist the rainwater diverter to the ‘on’ position.
Bunnings employee attaches downpipe to rainwater tank

8Pour the harvested water

Place a bucket or watering can beneath the tap. Once you’ve collected rainwater in the tank, you can fill your container by turning on the tap.
Bunnings employee turns on rainwater tank tap and water runs into a blue bucket.

9Looking for more great ways to conserve water in your home?

Check out these eight ways to save water at home.

 

Photo credit: Emily Chalk

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.