DIY
Getting a JoJo Tank? Here Are 5 Things You Need to Know
Some important facts about harvesting rainwater!
With the drought that South Africa has been enduring, getting a JoJo tank and harvesting rainwater is often a solution thrown around; but there are a few things to ask yourself before investing in a JoJo.
Can I drink harvested rainwater?
Preferably not. Even if it’s clean, the harvested rainwater may still contain contaminants. If you do have to drink the water, boil it for at least a minute before consuming.
How do I work out what size tank I need?
The size of your roof will influence your choice. One square metre of roof space collects one litre of water for every millimetre of rain, so a roof of 100 m2 can collect 1 000 litres from 10 mm of rain. If your roof measures between 50 and 100 m2, a tank capacity of 750 to 2 200 litres will suffice. If the roof is 200 to 400 m2, you can choose a tank size of 2 500 to 10 000 litres. Ideally, you should invest in the biggest tank within your budget and space constraints for the maximum benefit.
Do I need to circulate the water in my tanks?
Water tends to goes flat when it’s stored for a while, so the solution is to aerate the water by pouring it from one container to another from a slight height to incorporate air. If that’s not possible, use up some of the stored water to irrigate your garden or fill up your pool to reduce the level in your tank.
Can I install a JoJo tank myself?
If you’re only planning to install a small tank, you should be able to handle it yourself. Ask your Builders tank specialist for advice on what you need and how to go about the job. But if you’re planning rainwater harvesting on a big scale, rather call in an accredited installer.
How much will I save by using grey water?
Your monthly municipal water bill is calculated by measuring the amount of water passing through your water meter. About 200 litres a day of your household consumption is made up of non-potable purposes. By recycling grey water to irrigate your garden (one of the biggest guzzlers of water in your household), you can reduce your total water usage by up to 50%.
If you want to find out more about the installation and maintenance of JoJo tanks, check out Builders’ handy FAQ, and click here for more DIY project ideas.
