If you live in a region that receives an abundance of rainfall every year, it makes sense to invest in a rainwater harvesting system. Rainwater harvesting systems are made up of several components that are used to collect and store rainwater for household, gardening, agricultural, or other uses. The water is usually stored in a large water storage tank.
In order to move the stored water from the tank to intended points of use in an efficient manner, some sort of water delivery system will be required. This is where rainwater tank pumps come in. Typically located at ground level just beside the tank, a rainwater tank pump is a crucial component in your rainwater harvesting system. However, it requires careful consideration to purchase correctly, as there are many different types of water tank pumps on today's market.
Before you purchase a water tank pump, make sure you consider these important points.
Pump flow rate
To understand whether a water tank pump is adequate for your needs, you should know its maximum and rated flow rates. The maximum flow rate of a pump describes the amount of water that can be pushed out of the tank by the pump itself. The rated flow rate, on the other hand, refers to the amount of water it can supply in certain operating conditions. The rated flow rate of a water pump is typically less than its maximum flow rate because water pumps rarely operate in ideal conditions.
In Australia, the pump flow rate is measured in litres per minute (l/min). The more outlets you'll need to be serviced by your water pump, the higher the flow rate of your pump should be. To ensure efficient water usage, make sure you consider the recommended flow rate requirements for the various water outlets on your property.
Pump horsepower
Although many people think that the flow rate and horsepower of a water pump are the same thing, they are two different things. While pump flow rate refers to the volume of water that a pump can supply per minute, horsepower describes how powerful the pump is.
Pump horsepower is calculated by considering many factors other than the desired flow rate. It takes into account the distance between the water storage tank and the various water outlets, the height the water needs to travel, friction losses within the water supply pipes, and many more factors.
The more work your pump will need to do to deliver water where it is required, the more horsepower it should have.
Pump energy consumption
While collecting and storing rainwater is a clever way to save money on your water bills, operating a water pump does require electricity. Once you have determined which size of pump is adequate for your needs, consider its energy consumption.
An efficient water pump model can cost you more upfront but lead to energy savings worth several thousands of dollars over the long term.
Plumbers play an instrumental role in helping Australians ensure efficient use of water by giving technical advice and providing assistance with rainwater harvesting systems. If you need more tips or information on buying a water tank pump, don't hesitate to contact a professional plumber near you.