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Rain Barrels & Cisterns - Maintenance
Rain Barrels Maintenance
requirements for rain barrels are minimal and consist only of regular
inspection of the unit as a whole and any of its constituent parts and
accessories. The following components should be routinely inspected, at
least twice a year, and either repaired or replaced as needed.
1
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Roof catchment,
to ensure that no particulate matter or other parts of the roof are
entering the gutter and downspout to the rain barrel.
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Gutters,
to ensure that no leaks or obstructions are occurring.
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Downspouts,
also to assure that no leaks or obstructions are occurring.
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Entrance at rain
barrel,
to ensure that there are no obstructions and/or leaks occurring.
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Rain barrel,
to check for potential leaks, including barrel top and seal.
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Runoff / overflow
pipe,
to check that overflow is draining in non-erosive manner.
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Spigot,
to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
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Any accessories,
such as rain diverter, soaker hose, linking kit, and additional
guttering.
Simple rain barrel
design.
(Source:
EcoCity Cleveland)
Cisterns
Maintenance requirements for cisterns are relatively low if they are
only providing a supplemental supply of irrigation water.
Cisterns designed for drinking water supply have much higher
maintenance requirements, such as biannual testing for water quality
and filtering systems. Cisterns, along with all their
components and accessories, should undergo regular inspection at
least twice a year. Replacement or repair of the unit as a
whole, and any of its constituent parts and accessories should
subsequently be undertaken if needed. Inspection and
maintenance should include the following areas:
1
-
Roof catchment,
to ensure that no particulate matter or other parts of the roof
are entering the gutter and downspout to the cistern.
-
Gutters,
to assure no leaks or obstructions are occurring.
-
Downspouts,
also to ensure that no leaks or obstructions are occurring.
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Roof washer
and cleanout plug, inspection and replacement if needed.
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Cistern screen,
inspection and replacement if needed.
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Cistern cover,
inspection and replacement if needed.
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Cistern,
inspection and cleanout, usually done during dry part of year such
as in summer, should include inflow and outflow pipes.
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Cistern
overflow pipe,
inspection and replacement if needed.
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Any accessories,
inspection and replacement of any accessories, such as the
sediment trap, if needed.
(Source:
Texas Guide to Rainwater Harvesting)
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