Various fittings and accessories are useful for the use of harvested rainwater in a tank. While some are used to install a tap, others are utilized to connect two tanks or to serve as an overflow.
Various fittings and accessories are indispensable for the use of harvested water.
- A ¾ inch PVC bulkhead fitting is attached to the tank to accommodate other equipment. The male threaded end can be cut according to needs.
- A ball valve is attached to the bulkhead fitting with a floating nut. This device facilitates the control of water flow.
- A fitting with a male end featuring a buttress thread (S60x6) can be screwed onto the valve to connect a garden hose. It's also possible to choose a two-way selector to screw directly onto the valve (type S60x6) to connect two hoses for watering.
Other accessories are also useful for the proper functioning of the rainwater harvesting system.
- A drain spout can be screwed onto the male end (S60x6) of the valve to quickly empty the tank during maintenance.
- An overflow can be installed on the side of the tank to drain excess water. Its installation requires drilling the tank with a hole saw of 20 or 25 mm in diameter. A hose allows to direct the drained water towards a drain.
- A coupling kit enables the connection of two tanks placed side by side. It includes two overflows and a piece of hose to connect them.
- A connection kit also allows for the connection of two tanks equipped with two S60x6 valves. No drilling is necessary.
- A 32 mm diameter pressure fitting might be necessary to optimize user comfort.
Other accessories might be useful:
- a tarp is essential to cover the tank to protect it from weather conditions, but also from UV rays encouraging the development of bacteria and algae;
- a solid plug allows for the closing of a valve;
- a drain kit including a spray gun, a flexible hose and a valve allows for the transfer of harvested rainwater into another container, such as a jerrycan;
Regardless of the accessories or fittings chosen, it is recommended to check if they have the same type of threading as the existing equipment. While S60x6 threading is most common, some accessories come with BSP or S100x8 threading.