Rainwater tanks FAQs
- What do Origin supplied rainwater tanks cost?
- Will a tank fit on my property?
- How much water can my roof catch?
- How much water can I expect to capture?
- What are leaf diverters and first flush systems, and should I use them?
- Can I redirect water back into the toilets?
- What is the average installation cost?
- Where can I buy your rainwater tank packages?
- How long is the warranty?
- Can I claim any Government rebates?
- Where and how do I position my tank?
- How long will the water in the tank last?
- Who will install my tank?
What do Origin supplied rainwater tanks cost?
Our package deals for standard installed rainwater tanks start from $2,310 (inc GST). You can check our standard rainwater tank packages, or call us on 1800 069 559.
Will a tank fit on my property?
Our rainwater tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including bladder and underground tanks. We can suggest the best size and shape tank for your needs when we visit your home for a site inspection.
How much water can my roof catch?
Each 1mm of rain that falls on one square metre of your roof area provides one litre of rainwater into your tank. Therefore if you multiply your roof area by your rainfall it will give you the total litres you can potentially catch and use.
How much water can I expect to capture?
It depends on how much it rains and your roof shape and size, but this chart will give you an idea. It shows average rainfall data for Melbourne, and the average rainwater captured from a roof area of 75m2 (a small 2 bedroom house) and 150m2 (an average 3 bedroom house).
| Rain | Litres/m2 | 75m2 | 150m2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (mm/year) | (mm) | Litres based on roof area of | Litres from | |
| Jan | 48.2 | 48.2 | 3,615 | 7,230 |
| Feb | 47.0 | 47.0 | 3,525 | 7,050 |
| Mar | 50.6 | 50.6 | 3,795 | 7,590 |
| Apr | 58.2 | 58.2 | 4,365 | 8,730 |
| May | 56.6 | 56.6 | 4,245 | 8,490 |
| June | 49.8 | 49.8 | 3,735 | 7,470 |
| July | 47.9 | 47.9 | 3,592 | 7,184 |
| Aug | 50.3 | 50.3 | 3,772 | 7,544 |
| Sep | 58.7 | 58.7 | 4,402 | 8,804 |
| Oct | 67.4 | 67.4 | 5,055 | 10,110 |
| Nov | 59.3 | 59.3 | 4,447 | 8,894 |
| Dec | 59.1 | 59.1 | 4,432 | 8,864 |
| Total | 653.2 | 653.2 | 48,990 litres | 97,980 |
Average monthly rainfall from 1908 – 2004 (Source: Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au ) and calculated indicative rainwater capture using a roof area of 75m2 and 150 m2 for illustrative purposes.
What are leaf diverters and first flush systems, and should I use them?
These are devices which divert leaves and other debris from entering your rainwater tank. The first flush system captures the "first flush" (the first 20 or so litres of water) from your roof and diverts it into a pot plant or garden. This ensures your tank does not collect any small debris from your roof which is washed away in the first few moments of rain. Leaf diverters are recommended where your rainwater tank will be in leafy surrounds. These options may incur an additional charge.
Can I redirect water back into the toilets?
Yes, water captured and stored in rainwater tanks can be re-used for multiple household purposes, including redirection back into toilets. If you want to install a system that is plumbed to your house, we can arrange for a suitably qualified professional plumber to provide you with a quote and perform this task.
What is the average installation cost?
The cost of a standard installation is included in the package price. In some circumstances, we may need to vary the package cost because of variables such as ease of access and the amount of alterations to the plumbing needed. We will quote any additional costs at the time of site inspection, before installation.Where can I buy your rainwater tank packages?
You can call our sales centre on 1800 069 559, or contact our team online - or visit our Origin Shop at 240 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading, in Victoria.
Please note: Our rainwater tank packages are currently only available in Victoria.
How long is the warranty?
Our rainwater tanks carry a 15 year manufacturer's warranty. The pump and pressure control come with manufacturer’s warranties of; 1 year for the pressure control and a 2 years on the pump.
Can I claim any Government rebates?
Yes, most State Governments make rebates available to people who purchase rainwater tanks.
In Victoria, the Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate Scheme has been extended for four years from 1 July 2007. This lets Victorians claim rebates on water saving products, including rainwater tanks. We can provide the forms you need to claim the rebate on eligible rainwater tanks, as part of the installation process. For more information on the Victorian Government rainwater tank rebate, please visit Our water .
Where and how do I position my tank?
Slimline water tanks can be located alongside a wall and under the eave-line of your house or outbuilding, still allowing for access past the tank. Ideally it should have clearance of 50mm around the tank to allow for expansion when full and be positioned so that it can be plumbed into an existing downpipe or directly into a gutter to collect the roof water. The tank must be placed on a level base, and on a suitable surface, such as a compacted gravel cell structure or 100mm of reinforced concrete.
How long will the water in the tank last?
It depends on how much you use. As a guide, watering a garden by hose with average pressure would use approximately 6-7 litres per minute, so it would take about five hours watering to empty a full 2,000 litre tank.
Who will install my tank?
Our rainwater tank packages include installation by a licensed plumber. The power point for the pump will be installed by a licensed electrician.