Rainwater Tanks, Pumps and Backflow Protection
Connecting a rainwater tank safely in Ferntree Gully and the hills.
or email info@ferntreegullyplumbing.com.au
Using tank water
Tank water is great for the garden and can be used for toilets and the laundry. Connecting it to the house requires a pump, the right pipework and protection to keep it separate from the mains supply.
Backflow protection
If tank water flows back into the mains, it can contaminate the drinking water supply. A backflow prevention device stops that from happening. Where a tank is connected to the house plumbing, the right device must be fitted, and some types need annual testing.
Switching to mains
When the tank runs low, an automatic switching device changes the supply to mains water so toilets and the laundry keep working.
Pumps and pressure
Pumps wear out over time. A pump that cycles on and off when no taps are running usually means there is a leak somewhere or the pressure tank needs attention.
First-flush diverters
A first-flush diverter keeps the dirtiest water from the roof out of the tank, reducing leaves and sediment.
Firefighting supply
Many homes in bushfire areas keep a dedicated tank and pump for firefighting. We can install and check these before summer.
Keeping the tank healthy
Check the inlet screens and first-flush diverter every few months, keep gutters clear, and make sure the overflow is connected to the stormwater. Tanks should be desludged every few years. If the water smells, looks cloudy or you see mosquito larvae, the screens or seals may need attention.
Ferntree Gully ground and pipes
Ferntree Gully's ground changes as you climb towards the ranges: clay and silty loam on the lower streets, rockier, steeper ground near Upper Ferntree Gully and The Basin. Most homes built before the 1980s were connected with earthenware sewer pipe, and on a slope every joint moves a little over the years and lets roots in. Water service lines from the meter are often long and run through rocky ground or under established gardens. Stormwater has to be carried down the block and away from the house. We use cameras, locators and pressure tests to see what is happening before we dig.
Related services
- Emergency plumbing
- Blocked drains
- Hot water
- Gas fitting
- Hot water replacement
- Heat pumps
- Leaking taps
- Burst pipes
- Toilets
- Leak detection
- Pipe relining
- Stormwater
- Roof and gutters
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens and laundries
- Backflow and maintenance
More guides
Questions on this topic
Can I use rainwater for my toilet?
Yes, with the right connection, pump, switching device and backflow protection.
Does my rainwater tank need a backflow device?
If it is connected to the house plumbing alongside mains water, yes. We can advise on the right type.
Why foothills homes call us
Foothills know-how
Sloping blocks, big gums, clay sewers and gas heaters from the 1970s: this is the plumbing we work on every day.
Price first, work second
A licensed plumber finds the fault and agrees a fixed price with you before anything starts.
Camera, not guesswork
Drain cameras, pressure gauges and leak detection tools show the real cause before we dig or replace.
Respect for your home
Boot covers, drop sheets, old parts taken away and the job tested with you.
Get a free quote
Tell us what is going on and a licensed Ferntree Gully plumber will call you back.
How quoting works
Ring 03 7036 4101 or send the form with a short note, and a photo if you have one. A licensed plumber calls you back, asks a few questions and books a time. On site they find the cause, explain your options and give you a fixed price. Nothing starts until you agree, and larger jobs get a free written quote.
Need a plumber in Ferntree Gully?
Ferntree Gully, Upper Ferntree Gully, Boronia, Rowville, Knoxfield and the Knox foothills. Quote-only: the plumber finds the fault, then gives you a fixed price.