Rainwater Harvesting Tank Accessories: The Complete Buyer's Guide
Rainwater harvesting is more than just placing a tank under a downpipe—it’s an efficient, eco-friendly way to conserve water, reduce runoff, and cut down on utility bills. But to truly benefit from your system, having the right accessories is just as important as the catchment tank itself.
Whether you’re storing water for irrigation, flushing toilets, or even emergency use, your rainwater system needs specific components to ensure safe, clean, and effective water collection.
So, what rainwater tank accessories should you be using? Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Basics of a Rainwater Collection System
At its core, a rainwater harvesting setup has four main parts:
1. Catchment Surface
Your roof and gutters are where everything begins. Rainwater flows from the roofing into guttering systems designed to guide it into storage.
2. Filtration and Pre-Treatment
Before reaching the tank, water can carry leaves, dirt, and other debris. This is where filters, strainers, and diverters step in, helping you trap waste and preserve water quality.
3. Storage Tank and Accessories
The harvested water is stored in rain tanks of various sizes and materials. From tight-fitting lids to level monitors, rainwater collection tank accessories play a major role in keeping water safe and accessible.
4. Distribution System
Pipes and pumps distribute your stored water where it's needed—be it your garden, household appliances, or irrigation systems.
Why Tank Accessories Matter
When it comes to rainwater collection, quality and quantity go hand in hand. The right accessories can:
- Improve water purity
- Increase storage capacity
- Extend system lifespan
- Simplify maintenance
Now let’s look at the key rain harvesting accessories at each stage of your system.
Key Accessories for Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Filtration Essentials: Keeping Your Water Clean
Clean water begins with good filtration. These tools protect your tank and water quality from contaminants:
Leaf Eaters & Gutter Guards
Installed at the gutter or downpipe, they block leaves, twigs, and debris from entering your system.
First Flush Diverters
This device discards the initial, dirtiest rainwater—which may contain dust, animal droppings, or roof residue—keeping your tank cleaner over time.
Strainer Baskets
Positioned at the tank opening, they use mesh filters to stop larger particles from entering and clogging your plumbing or pumps.
Sediment Filters
These catch fine particles like sand, silt, or rust that may affect water clarity and damage appliances. Choose based on the filter’s micron rating.
UV Disinfection Units
For advanced purification, UV systems destroy bacteria and viruses using light—not chemicals—making the water safe without altering its taste.
Tank Fittings and Overflow Accessories
Controlling how rainwater enters, exits, and drains from your tank is vital. These components handle that job:
Overflow Kits and Pipes
When your harvesting tank is full, these accessories safely redirect excess water, preventing spills or damage.
Tank Level Monitors
Using floats or electronic sensors, these monitors track how much rainwater is in your catchment tank in real-time—some even offer smart home connectivity.
Tank Connectors and Fittings
These create sealed points for inlets and outlets, ensuring leak-proof water transfer.
Pump and Water Distribution Accessories
Rainwater doesn’t always flow to where it’s needed on its own. Here’s how to keep it moving:
Submersible Pumps
These pumps sit inside the rain tank, pushing water under pressure to wherever you need it—especially useful for irrigation and internal plumbing.
Booster Pumps
Ideal for households needing steady water pressure, booster pumps adjust performance based on demand and usage.
Pipes and Valves
A pipe network delivers water to and from your tank. Valves help control flow and isolate sections for easy maintenance.
Maintenance Tools
Even the best rainwater collection systems need upkeep. These tank accessories help maintain performance:
- Water Quality Testing Kits: Whether strips or vials, these kits check pH, bacteria levels, hardness, and more—essential for drinking water applications.
- Tank Cleaning Tools: Manual or powered, tools like jet washers, brushes, and dewatering pumps help keep the inside of your rain harvesting tank clean and safe.
Choosing Accessories for Your Specific Needs
No two rainwater systems are exactly alike. Your location, roof size, and water usage all influence what accessories are right for you.
1. Evaluate Your Rainfall and Usage
Think about how often it rains in your area and what you plan to use the water for—gardening, washing, toilets, or even potable use. This determines how much filtration, storage, and pump power you’ll need. Use our rainwater collection calculator to estimate how much rain you can harvest on your roof.
2. Match Accessories to Your Tank Type
Tank material and size impact accessory choices. Lightweight polyethylene tanks often require secure strainers and lids, while larger rain tanks may need extra first flush systems or dual overflow kits. Shape also matters—horizontal and vertical tanks have different plumbing needs.
Underground water tanks, for example, stay cooler and cleaner, but require special access tools. Above-ground tanks are easier to install and monitor but are more exposed to heat and light.
3. Consider Installation and Longevity
Before buying tank add-ons, ask:
- Will it integrate well with my tank and catchment system?
- Can I install it myself or will I need help?
- Is it built to last in my local weather conditions?
- Does it offer long-term value and a good warranty?
Investing wisely upfront can save you time and maintenance costs later.
Build a Reliable Rainwater Harvesting System with Plastic Mart
At Plastic Mart, we’re committed to helping you build efficient, sustainable rainwater systems. We offer a wide range of rainwater harvesting tanks and accessories that meet industry standards—plus expert guidance to help you choose the right setup for your home or business.
With options tailored to different tank sizes, locations, and usage needs, you’ll find everything from UV disinfection to submersible pumps and leaf guards. Contact our team of certified personnel to better understand how to maximize your rain tank value.
Ready to Upgrade Your Rainwater System?
Make the most of every drop. Browse rainwater tank accessories at Plastic Mart and take the next step toward water independence.
