Whether for ecological, practical or budgetary reasons,
rainwater collectors are attracting
more and more individuals.
And for good reason: it is often a simple and inexpensive installation that will allow you to
water your garden
on sunny days.
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But installing a recuperator can also be useful for other things, such as supplying an outdoor shower or even your toilets.
It is therefore important, before you start, to ask yourself about the use you plan to make of the collected water.
Read also: The good use of watering in the garden and on your balcony
Which facilities to choose for your reclaimer?
Depending on the use you want to make of the collected water, you can choose:
Install a water collector by connecting it to a gutter
Also called an aerial water collector, this is the simplest installation method.
All you have to do is connect the tank of your water collector to one of your gutters.
Depending on the model chosen, you will benefit from 200 to 2000 liters of water to water your garden.
How it works ?
The water is collected from the gutter, it is filtered at the top of your water collector (if your model is equipped with filters) then is stored in the tank.
A tap at the bottom of the tank allows the water to run.
Some models allow you to connect a pump and a hose for easy watering.
Good to know :
It is possible to install this type of recuperator if you have a balcony.
However, you will need to obtain the agreement of your condominium which will also inform you of the size of the water collector that you will be entitled to use.
To install a buried water collector
More expensive than an above-ground model, underground water collectors have the advantage of being able to allow you to use the collected water for different uses in your home.
You can, for example, use the water to flush the toilet ...
It is recommended that the installation be carried out by a professional, as it is more complex.
You will need to plan earthworks and plumbing.
How it works ?
The water collected via your gutter or drainage system on the ground (terrace for example) will be stored in a large capacity underground tank.
These models have generally integrated pumps.
The outlet pipes will be connected to the various elements that you wish to connect to them (automatic watering system, external tap, WC., External shower, etc.).
Please note, you must clearly indicate that the water made available via these different elements is
not drinkable
.
What is the price of a water collector?
It all depends on the model and the installation method you have chosen.
You can buy a small model in your garden stores for less than a hundred euros.
However, for more high-end models or underground solutions, prices can vary greatly.
Remember to compare and get quotes for the installation from several professionals.
Read also: A tax credit to recover rainwater
Installing a 1000 liter water collector outdoors: instructions for use
No need to be a great handyman to install your water collector.
Surface installation is simple and does not require a lot of material.
Install a 1000 liter water collector outdoors
Credit: Delphotostock - Adobe Stock
First step: identify the location of your future water collector.
The ground must be straight and without roughness.
Also choose a place near a gutter and a wall on which you can mount your tank.
Take the time to identify each part of your collector kit (usually supplied with your water collector).
Once the various elements have been assembled according to the assembly guide for your water collector, mark the fixing points to clearly visualize the space in which to install your tank.
You will need to drill your tank with a hole saw from above to connect the connection kit to your gutter.
Remember to cut the filter to position it before finishing your installation.
Installation methods vary by model.
It is important to read the instructions for use before you start.
On the tools side, you will be asked to have a saw, a hole saw, a drill, a level, and fixing elements adapted to the wall on which you will fix your water collector.