Rainwater Collection & Harvesting Systems

harvesting systems - design
installation - service

4 Inch High Capacity Trap/Filter

• $275 CDN each
• 2 Year Warranty

Built of 4” PVC pipe fittings and incorporating a large plastic needle filter, the 4" high capacity trap has been tested by the Rainwater Connection to accommodate storm flow rates from 1,200 sq. ft. of roof area.

As shown on the sketch the water enters from any type of downspout into the left hand side where the heavier black organic and other debris is trapped. A simple screw plug at the bottom allows for easy cleaning. When the trap fills the water flows up, over the "hump", and down through a 4" x 20" plastic filter that removes approximately 95% of fir needles and everything larger. The exit from the filter is 4", or can be reduced to 3" without affecting it's operation.

The filter comes pre-painted with a specialized PVC white primer which can be top-coated with any type of paint to match the house.

Advantages:

• Capable of handling high volume flows even when the filter is quite dirty.
• Low maintenance requirements (in most applications it lasts 3-4 months between filter cleanings).
• No muss cleaning (simply pull the filter out the top and pressure rinse it with a garden hose).

Drawbacks:

• Its’ size and bulky appearance.
• It is not quite as effective at trapping fine debris and needles as the debris pail design.
• The dripper/ plug end needs to be left dripping to maximize performance and to avoid possible winter freezing.

Welded Steel Debris Pail

• $345 CDN each for 7” or 8” semi circular design (includes 6 filter cloths)
• $550 CDN each for the 5 sided version
• 2 Year Warranty

These all-in-one debris pails are welded with 20 gauge steel, and powder coat finished in over 30 standard price colours. This provides a very attractive appearance and exceptional cleanability and durability. Both the 7 and 8 inch versions have been tested by the Rainwater Connection to accommodate storm flow rates from 900 sq. ft. of roof area when the filters are heavily soiled with debris and needles. With regular maintenance they are likely capable of substantially larger flow rates.

This all-in-one debris pail design is exceptionally effective at removing all types of debris. The two layers of filter fabric (above left) entrap all larger material including fir needles (the most difficult BC debris type). Needles partially penetrate the fabric rather than mat in on top which can block water flow.

Water and heavier debris drop through the filter layers into the lower chamber of the debris pail. The exit pipe is elevated 1 1/2 inch above the bottom which allows the heavier, fine, organic debris particles to settle.

The top filter cloth needs to be removed periodically and "shaken" clean to ensure efficient operation. The lower filter cloth will also need cleaning from time to time. Depending on the amount and type of debris entering the trap, the filter cloths will need replacement every 3-6 months. The whole unit fits onto two screws in the wall and can be lifted off to empty out the debris trapped in the bottom section. Typically this type of cleaning is required 4 times per year.

Advantages:

• Dependable handling of high volume flows even when the filter is quite dirty.
• Extremely effective at removing both large and small suspended debris.
• Attractive and durable materials, and choice of colours.
• Easy maintenance requirements (simple lifting out and shaking clean of the filter fabric).

Drawbacks:

• Hand cleaning required.

Lexan Debris Box

$200 CDN each for 8” (along wall) by 7” (out from wall) by 10” high (includes 6 filter cloths)

These all-in-one debris boxes are similar in operation to the welded steel debris pails, but are constructed out of Lexan to reduce the cost. They come in “light smoked” or white, but can be spray painted with any plastic spray paint.

Lexan (used for outdoor signs) is extremely durable and cleanable.

This 8 by 10 inch version has been tested by the Rainwater Connection to accommodate storm flow rates from 900 sq. ft. of roof area when the filters are heavily soiled with debris and needles. With regular maintenance they are likely capable of substantially larger flow rates.

The photos to the left shows the smoked colour during construction with the 3” exit piping. The filter cloth sitting on a white plastic grate shows the depth of the lower debris trap chamber.

Advantages:

• Dependable handling of high volume flows even when the filter is quite dirty.
• Extremely effective at removing both large and small suspended debris.
• Durable materials.
• Easy maintenance requirements (simple lifting out and shaking clean of the filter fabric).

Drawbacks:

• Hand cleaning required.
• Square design not considered as attractive by some clients.

Leaf Trap with Debris Pigtail

• $190 CDN each
• 1 Year Warranty

This device combines a simple self-cleaning leaf trap with a pipe debris pigtail. It is suitable for roof collection areas up to 600 sq. ft.

Experience has shown that the leaf trap will remove most leaves and berries and a good proportion of the fir needles. It is designed to be self cleaning, although the occasional hand brush out of accumulated debris can improve its effectiveness.

The debris pigtail below the leaf trap will trap heavier organic debris as well as some of the fir needles that get through the leaf trap. A simple screw plug at the bottom allows for easy cleaning. It is constructed of 3 inch PVC piping which comes pre-painted with a specialized PVC white primer that can be top-coated with any type of paint to match the house.

Advantages:

• Low maintenance requirements.
• No muss cleaning of leaf trap portion.

Drawbacks:

• Smaller capacity.
• Leaf trap can splash some water with heavy volumes.
• Some owners can hear the water running through the leaf trap.
• It is not as effective at trapping fine debris and needles as the debris pail design.
• The dripper/plug end needs to be left dripping to maximize performance and to avoid possible winter freezing.

Mail:
Box 3-3
Thetis Island, BC V0R 2Y0
Canada

Phone: 250-246-2155
Fax: 250-246-2175

E-mail: info@rainwaterconnection.com