RainBank: household water savings
IntroductionFeatures & BenefitsHow RainBank worksSpecificationsQuestions & answersBuy rainbank

Questions and Answers.

What is RainBank?

RainBank is a revolutionary water controller for rainwater harvesting designed by Australia's leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of pumps and household water pressure systems, Davey Water Products.

How much does RainBank cost?

Between $1500 and $2500 including tank, pump and plumbing & depending on whether it is fitted to a house currently being built or and existing home. The complexity of your home will also be a determinant. There are government rebates for installing a rainwater tank, with double incentives for those plumbed to toilets. By installing RainBank customers will see immediate savings on their water bills.

Is RainBank available Australia wide? And where can I find more information?

Yes, RainBank is available throughout Australia. For further information you can contact the Davey Customer Service Centre on 1300 367 866. Check with your local council on rainwater tank installation guidelines.

Is RainBank suitable for metropolitan homes as well as regional?

With the availability of small water tanks, it is now feasible for metropolitan homes to conserve water inside the home via tanks, using tank water through RainBank.

Won't the use of rainwater discolour the toilet and damage clothes?

It's important that customers find out if their roofing materials or the paint used in the catchment areas could contaminate the tank water - customers should speak to their rainwater tank supplier about testing roofing materials. Good maintenance is the key to good water quality. Installing screens helps to keep physical contaminants out of the tank, as do first flush devices and rainwater inlet strainers. First flush devices, gutters and guards should be regularly cleaned. · RainBank also has a built-in backflow protection valve to ensure that there is no risk of backflow from the main water storage into the mains system, thereby preventing potential contamination of the mains water supply.

How does RainBank work?

When a toilet is flushed, or a washing machine is being filled, the mains water begins to flow along the pipes.

The RainBank system, which is plumbed into the same pipes, detects the flowing water and automatically checks if there is sufficient water in the rainwater tank.

If there is enough water available in the tank, RainBank switches on the pump, which allows rainwater from the tank to flow, in effect switching the water source from the domestic mains to the rainwater supply.

When the rainwater supply is exhausted, RainBank switches off the water pump and the valves close, allowing mains water to flow. In the case of a power failure, RainBank supplies mains water as the back up.

How much water can RainBank save?

Depending on rainfall, roof area and the size of tank, RainBank can save up to 40 percent of household drinking water.

Does rainwater usage for toilets and laundries save as much water as using it for gardens?

Studies of typical domestic water use show that flushing toilets and operating washing machines are the two principal uses of drinking quality mains water in the home. In addition, rainwater stored for garden watering or washing cars only has a small effect on conservation once the dry weather starts.

Does RainBank have a warranty and full customer service?

RainBank is guaranteed for a period of two years for all customers form the date of original purchase to be free of material or manufacturing defects. Should any part fail as a result of such defects within this period, RainBank will be repaired free of charge.

Isn't the RainBank tank too big for metropolitan homes?

New slimline tanks designs now enable metropolitan homes to utilise rainwater and contribute to saving water. Because RainBank is working all year round, a small capacity rainwater tank can be filled and emptied many times a year, allowing for smaller space saving tank designs. Underground tanks are also an option.

Is there a chance of backflow and mains water contamination?

RainBank has a built-in backflow protection valve to ensure that there is no risk of backflow from the main water storage into the mains system, thereby preventing potential contamination of the mains water supply.

Does RainBank require maintenance or inspections?

RainBank is hassle free, requiring no maintenance or inspections.

Is RainBank safe?

RainBank is safe to use. When properly installed it complies with the requirements of AS/NZS3500 Plumping Code. By connecting the unit in compliance with the instructions and the Australian/New Zealand Plumbing Code you are ensuring the integrity of your potable supply. All electrical components are approved and manufactured to the highest safety standards.

What happens if there is a power failure?

RainBank is designed to allow continued water supply even in the event of an electrical power failure in which case mains water is supplied as a back up.

Does RainBank work all year round?

Yes, RainBank operates all year round, which enables you to save water even during winter.

Is RainBank noisy?

RainBank itself does not make noise, however the pump to which it is connected may emit sound levels which may, under some circumstances, be heard by the customer or neighbours. A suitable pump enclosure can help reduce any unwanted noise. Submersible pumps installed inside the rainwater tank will completely eliminate the pump operating noise.

Is RainBank easy to install?

RainBank is easy to install with three simple plumbing connections, power in and out via three-pin plug and socket and a low voltage line to the rainwater tank level sensor. It is easy to install as either a complete system of pump and controller or as a controller added to an existing pressure pump and tank installation. It is normally mounted on top of the pump, however its design allows remote mounting onto a wall or nearby location. A licensed plumber is required to connect the RainBank to the mains water supply.

Can RainBank be fitted to both new homes and existing homes?

RainBank can be incorporated into the design of new homes and buildings or equally retrofitted to existing homes. The number of bathrooms and size of your home will determine the complexity of the installation and the size of pump required.

Is RainBank a quality product for Builders, Architects, Plumbers and Tank Manufacturers to promote and sell?

RainBank has been researched and developed by Davey Water Products - Australia's leading manufacturer in small pumps and household water pressure systems. Davey is a successful, well established company that is known for its dependable and quality products. Davey is a Quality Endorsed company accredited to ISO 2001 lic 10636.

Does RainBank comply with all necessary Australian standards and codes?

RainBank complies with all Australian plumbing codes, is WaterMark approved license number IPC 20009 and meets the requirements of Australian Standard AS 4020 and AS3500. Check with your local council for their local rainwater tank installation requirements.

Is RainBank an environmentally conscious product?

Yes. RainBank only operates the pump to pressurise the rainwater when required. Energy costs are minimal as there is no double handling or re-pressurising of the mains water. RainBank does not use power when in standby.

Why did Davey produce RainBank?

Based on feedback and input form its dealers, tank manufacturers and water authorities, RainBank was researched and developed based on a need within the market to conserve water consumption in the home. Studies of typical domestic water use show that flushing toilets and operating washing machines are the two principal uses of drinking quality mains water in the home. Rainwater stored for garden watering or washing cars only has a small effect on conservation once the dry weather starts.