How do I pressurise rainwater tank output?

Ace3000

Hello experts,

I have a rainwater tank at my property which has a small brass tap outlet at the moment. This works fine for filling a watering can and such applications, but is not enough pressure to use a soaker hose or hose gun effectively (or anything more complex such as irrigation). 

What sort of system is required to pressurise the water coming from the rainwater tank? Would I need to replace the brass tap output with some sort of poly piping system, or could such a system attach to the tap? The tank is quite full.

Thank you.

JacobZ

Hi @Ace3000,

Thank you for your question about pressuring water from a rainwater tank.

To increase the water pressure from your rainwater tank for more demanding tasks such as using a soaker hose, hose gun, or irrigation system, the solution is to install a pump system. The existing small brass tap outlet works well for filling watering cans, but it doesn’t provide the necessary pressure for other applications. By incorporating a pump, you can enhance the water pressure and make your rainwater system far more versatile.

A rainwater tank pressure pump is key to boosting the water flow. A system like the Ozito 800W Constant Pressure Pump or ClayTech Ecoboost 3+ Constant Pressure Pump is well-suited for residential use. These pumps are designed to maintain consistent water pressure, automatically engaging when you turn on a hose or irrigation system. By installing such a pump, you can achieve the necessary pressure to run a hose gun, soaker hose, or even more complex irrigation setups with ease.

When it comes to connecting the pump, you won’t necessarily need to replace the brass tap outlet or overhaul the plumbing. Most pumps come with adapters that can connect directly to your existing tap, allowing you to keep the current setup intact.

If your rainwater tank collects debris, you may want to consider installing a filter to prevent particles from entering the pump and clogging your irrigation system. While this step isn’t strictly necessary for everyone, it’s a good precautionary measure, particularly if your water tank doesn’t have a cover or screening. A filter, like the Rain Harvesting 300mm Tank Screen, can help maintain the longevity of your pump and ensure smoother water flow by keeping out larger debris.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob