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Thread: Rainwater tank gauges

  1. 30th September 2010, 12:01 PM #1
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    Rainwater tank gauges

    I am currently in the process of installing 2 rainwater tanks that will be fed from the new shed. Yes, I know the rules, but the shed isnt up yet, so that's why there are no photos...

    The question to the knowledgeable folk is this: how do you, or what do you use to keep a check on the water level inside the tank?

    I have seen a couple of different things on Evilbay, and the one that has caught my eye is actually the cheapest. And made in Oz... I understand how to make a simple float level, and could even make it read the right way up, but for the $25 that this guy wants for his kit, why bother?

    Due to circumstances beyond my control, (read - I stuffed up) the tanks will be at opposite ends of the shed, and not next to each other. Due to the lay of the land, this means that 1 will be about 200mm higher than the other. This isn't a major problem, as they will be interconnected, and both will have taps on them. The taps will only be turned off when the lower of the 2 is full, so that I can get a little bit more into the other tank.


    BTW - a handy hint I was given... If the overflow of your tank is an elbow that is facing down, as most newer tanks are, undo the screws and rotate it 180 degrees so that the opening inside the tank faces up.

    This means that more water will enter the tank before it overflows. The guy I bought mine from said that you will probably get another 200 or so litres into the tank, and with no bad side effects.
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  2. 30th September 2010, 12:10 PM #2
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    i used to just tap the tank with my ring finger and the different noise gave it away

    new fangled high technology solutions.....
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  3. 30th September 2010, 12:12 PM #3
    d@rk51d3 Guest
    A company called "rain harvesting" (I think) do a wireless level gauge.

    Attach the sender unit to the top of the tank, after setting the DIP switches to designate your tank size.

    Next plug in the receiver (about the size of a small transformer, with a LCD screen) unit in a convenient place.

    Has a range of 200m and shows the tanks water level with a series of bars.

    Should cost less than $100 too.

    EDIT

    Thanks for the link Slunnie.
    Looks like the price has gone up drastically.
    http://www.rainharvesting.com.au/rain_alert.asp
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  4. 30th September 2010, 12:38 PM #4
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    There are also some float ones that have an indicator on the side that goes up and down with the water level. Its setup to represent the water level rather than working backwards. I think Bushmans have these.

    But, likewise I just tap on the side of the poly tank. The house has a concrete tank, but it's buried so I just lift the mesh over the fill hole and look inside. When need be I just measure it with a tape measure from the top or like you would a dip stick from the bottom.
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  5. 30th September 2010, 01:18 PM #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by incisor View Post
    i used to just tap the tank with my ring finger and the different noise gave it away

    new fangled high technology solutions.....
    An even simpler solution that works with some tanks in some locations. Rest your hand or your cheek against the tank. The bit with water in it feels cooler.

    Cost $0

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  6. 30th September 2010, 01:21 PM #6
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    I'd put in a t-piece between the tap and the tank and run a piece of clear tube up the side of the tank. You may wish to put an isolation valve between the t-piece and the tank to isolate the clear tube for cleaning or replacement.
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  7. 30th September 2010, 01:31 PM #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by vnx205 View Post
    An even simpler solution that works with some tanks in some locations. Rest your hand or your cheek against the tank. The bit with water in it feels cooler.

    Cost $0
    but that method sucks when you get down to three rigs
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  8. 30th September 2010, 01:45 PM #8
    Ean Austral Guest
    Our last house was rainwater tanks and we just had the T-piece with the clear hose type guage..works fine, just ensure you can Isolate that part of the T-pice incase that end breaks or you get a hole in the hose.

    Also when you plumb into the tank, if using PVC, put some screw cap fittings down low before you go up into the tanks, this way you can let the first hour or so of rain at the start of each winter wash all the dust/crap out by simply unscrewing the caps and letting it run onto the ground , then screw the caps on and no leaves, dust and dead bird etc get flushed down off the roof into the tank..


    Cheers Ean
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  9. 30th September 2010, 01:52 PM #9
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    I just have a mesh on top to strain the incoming water. Just clean out the mesh after a rain or whenever i remember.
    Cheers
    Slunnie


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  10. 30th September 2010, 04:34 PM #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ean Austral View Post
    Also when you plumb into the tank, if using PVC, put some screw cap fittings down low before you go up into the tanks, this way you can let the first hour or so of rain at the start of each winter wash all the dust/crap out by simply unscrewing the caps and letting it run onto the ground , then screw the caps on and no leaves, dust and dead bird etc get flushed down off the roof into the tank..
    Very good advice. If you have flowering trees nearby the pollen can make the water smell completely rank if it is all washed from the roof into the tank as well.
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