What to know about connecting a rainwater tank to your toilet

A plastic water tank on your property can help your home in a number of ways. Rainwater can be turned to a variety of different tasks, from watering the garden to supplying clean drinking water to your home. 

However, one of the best options is to set up your tank to supply water to a toilet, minimising the amount of water used over the long term.

If you have decided to install a water tank to handle additional water use, it is important to remember that these devices need to be installed by a registered plumber. Rain water tanks need to comply  to relevant standards which must be taken into account.

A registered plumber will also need to sign off on a certificate of compliance once the tank has been installed. This process will confirm the usability of the tank.

Depending on how you want your tank to be installed and its location within your property – either above or below ground – you may also need to install a backflow prevention system. This will prevent your tank water from entering the mains water supply and any drinking water taps within the household.

Water tanks for any indoor uses will also require a pump in order to move water around your home at pressure. Like a backflow prevention system, this will have to be installed when the tank is hooked up to your plumbing.

While these challenges may put people off installing a tank, there are a number of benefits that come with this setup. On top of the opportunity to reduce your water usage, Some states like Victoria will offer rebates for those who connect a water tank to their toilet or laundry, on top of federal subsidies.

Installing a water tank doesn't have to be difficult and can make it easier to recycle water throughout your property.

By Gerald Beckton