Rainwater Harvesting Tank Plumbing & Fittings

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

See the full written blog post for the *1200 gallon tank installation* here: manabouttools.com/TANK1200 If you would like to support the channel and future content then please go here: www.patreon.com/manabouttools

[@davecurda2350]

The more detail the better. So many people skip stuff so if you’re trying to do the same thing you end up lost. Keep up the great work.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thanks Dave!!

[@genevelis6075]

@@MANaboutTOOLS I agree, the more details the better!

[@drobb4207]

Every night in our household we pray for our Emergency Personel ;^) Your attention to detail is what makes you a great Paramedic! My boss in the machine shop says attention to detail is almost impossible to find and that's what makes me valuable.

[@louismorris7953]

I like the details that you add because I'm not build savy. This helps me to see things that a lot of professionals leave out for us unsavy builders. Lol

[@davidtally6258]

great video! I am looking to do this on my off grid home. This is the best video on this I have seen.

[@harrellshomesteadwoodworks]

I'm new to your channel, but you have the perfect amount of detail and editing. Straight to the point. This is great!

[@janetleeharrison]

THANK YOU for your public service as a PARAMEDIC!!! I honestly thought you were in the engineering field by the way you are so meticulous & adept at explaining mechanical processes. Truly appreciate your editing & narrating skills - you speak clearly and at an easy to follow pace! Watching this interesting series even though I'm only going to install a simple rain barrel for the garden. Hope you have a terrific night!

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I really appreciate your support and kind words! I do have some engineering/technical training. My interest in emergency work came a bit later in life. Making and building things is the creative outlet (I think) to help with the stresses of the Paramedic work.

[@janetleeharrison]

@@MANaboutTOOLS I knew there was some engineering in there somewhere, LOL! And I couldn't handle the stress of being a paramedic - EVER in my life. People like you are my heroes!!! Wishing you continued health & success!

[@tswrench]

The detail you give provides good exposition--no filler. You do you, that's how KZbin works best.

[@scottferguson7917]

This is a great video series. Definitely keep the details and the post mortem is excellent. I love that you made a mistake and we got to watch you fix it. How many times I have asked other tradies what do I need to be careful of and they shrug and say its easy you will figure it out. Of course I have but its costly, time and money, so learning from someone else experience like this is fabulous. Thank you I live in Australia so I have to convert imperial to metric, no biggie.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

The presentations you create have just the exact amount of detail linked directly to what we see on the screen. This connection provides both the verbal and visual information in such a way that they reinforce each other and make a powerful teaching tool. I think your videos are just short of perfect for me. Thank you for your service as a Paramedic in these trying times and for your wonderful videos. Take care, stay well and stay safe.

[@macsmith2092]

Macgyver would be proud of you, sporting a swiss army knife. System looks great.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

LOL!! Thanks for that!!

[@pottsy3765]

Kent, The detail and camera shots are awesome. Keep up the great work. I love that you even published the mistake you made. We all have them so its nice to know that you are human too!!! :)

[@burstofsanity]

Excellent video! The amount of detail is good. I think the questions going through most people's heads as they watch these sorts of videos is why was X done more so than anything else. So the comment like 6:58 explaining why you are using a float for your tank draw off are really nice and show the thought process that went into your design instead of it being just a list of steps. Edit: Also, the afterthought section is really nice.

[@marymacfarlane4275]

TY so much. Detail is fantastic......I have no idea about this so the detail helps!

[@gregthorne4292]

I agree with everyone else -- good amount of detail. There's a fine balance there. I've seen other channels that would easily make this an hour long video with a bunch of 'ums' and overexplaining... you do a great job of giving the right amount of detail AND keeping the narrative moving.

[@sh839c]

Your videos are very well done, I wouldn't change a thing. You may not be a professional tank installer but you are a professional.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I appreciate that! Thanks!

[@davidatkinson8334]

I love this presentation. To the point no fluff. The information is adequate to me. I got some ideas i did not think about as i plan to convert my downspout which drains to waste as a collection spout for rainwater harvesting.

[@167curly]

In the 1950s my parents built their second home in Bermuda where hurricanes are fairly common and which bring heavy rains and a lot a lot of salt spray in the air. In Bermuda homes have a roof water catchment system fed by gravity to a big cisten beneath the house for a pressure pump. The outside (galvanised in those days) downpipes were fitted witheasily accessible diverters which let any salty rain water run on to the ground rather than into the cistern. Simple which even a child could operate.

[@MrWaldorfian]

I've never seen that first flush pipe system before. More info on that would've been nice but overall, I think you provide a good amount of detail but not too much. I can always do more research online. Thanks for doing these videos. Your work is very precise and clean looking.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thank you very much!!

[@chinoodin4735]

So much to think through...nicely done, nicely detailed. There’s always something...

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thank you kindly!

[@bradmaas6875]

Doing fine on detail, liked the update with the sanitary tee

[@MrCarnagh]

Awesome video mate, love how clear and detailed you are. I’m just starting to design a water collection system for our holiday home here in NZ and this has given me some great ideas Thanks

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Glad I could help! Cheers!

[@darnstewart]

Another handy way to fit your clear flexible pipe onto the fittings is to submerge the end of it into boiled water, this expands the pipe temporarily making it easier to get onto the fittings.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Great tip. Thx

[@jamesguest4873]

Been there sir. Been there. I've had some luck in the past using an electric heat gun to get the parts apart. Some. Half the time there was warping that stuck around after the plastic cooled. Choice words indeed. :P

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Hey! That would have been something to try. Didn't know that might work. Thanks for the tip!!

[@sebydocky5080]

Perfect level of details..... Cheers from France

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thanks!!

[@dottie3440]

In reference to your question about "detail". The detail that you inject seems to be just about right. In too many other video's the "talking head" really becomes annoying but your detail is strictly subject related and the occasional remark (lack of sleep = woops) was a good break too. Keep 'em coming, you have a fine channel .....

[@thetruth5366]

Your sweet voice sounds very young.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thanks! I am 60.

[@grassabrutta]

Level Of Detail is perfect

[@celestinpleygonie6797]

excellent video love your detail thank you

[@maxreynolds679]

Great video, the amount of detail is perfect.

[@hootis952]

Run the large diameter hole saw in reverse so it doesn't grab - great idea! I've experienced this grabbing on a smaller hole saw, and it almost snaps the drill out of your hand.

[@hyfy-tr2jy]

pro tip here...as you are installing any piping that is internal to the tank...tie rescue lines to them and anchor them BEFORE you try to install them just in case you drop them.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Excellent tip there! Thanks!

[@ccpirogue]

Thank you! Terrific job sir!

[@bradbusch9585]

Well done 👍

[@1skinnypuppy]

Great job thank you

[@jar145022]

If you add a small Pcv line out with a weight attached to the float with the line coming threw it you can tell the level without opening the top at all. But note if you do this you need to cap off the end and drill a hole just big enough for the line or bug and mosquitoes will get in the tank

[@tedtolentino4955]

Great video and explanation in constructing your system. Since most plastics are vulnerable to UV radiation have you any thoughts on protecting your tank from premature deterioration or cracking from the sun?

[@scorpio6587]

I like details. Question: if it is irrigation water, what is the need for a first flush? And the float and screen?

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I wanted to have the option in the future (with the addition of a few more filters and UV treatment) to have this as emergency drinking water.

[@scorpio6587]

@@MANaboutTOOLS Thank you. That was my suspicion. Always good to have options.

[@jefferyyoung6836]

When putting your float hose on if you soak it In boiling water for a few seconds so it will soften and go on easily when it cool it will be tighter.

[@CrocsWithSocksFarm]

When screwing the nipple into the bulkhead fitting, how tight did you make it? I'm concerned about over tightening or under tightening this piece. Thanks for the great video series!

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Thanks! There's a rubber gasket so just a little tighter than "snug". Maybe a quarter turn after the gasket comes into contact with the tank wall.

[@rayfort8166]

very helpful, thanks. where did you find the black insert sleeves to connect schedule 40 to regular thin wall? I can't find this anywhere.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I went to a large irrigation supply wholesaler. Maybe check in your area for a place like that. They sell loads and loads of pipe and all the fittings. Also look at any large building supply stores.

[@kettch42]

I think you do great work. I had a couple of thoughts about air flow. I don't have experience or any authority in this, just thoughts. The trap on the overflow and the quasi-trap on the tank inlet pipe at the bottom are all working to stop air. When the tank is filling, do you notice the tank "burps" through the overflow? Does air gurgle up through the piping between the gutters and the tank? It seems to me that it could be improved by drilling a few holes (1"?) on the interior vertical pipe at the top elbow to free up the airflow for that "chamber" (the space interior to the pipes) and then put a vent on the tank itself to free up airflow for that space.

[@kettch42]

Oh, I saw you added a tank vent on video 3.

[@bobhogan2828]

Just saw this video. The 3” rubber grommet you used for the 3” pvc; where did you find this? Can you provide link to purchase this rubber grommet for 3” pvc to go through? Thanks. 5/29/2023

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Check here: www.rainharvest.com/shop/shopaff.asp?affid=151

[@TheAzachiel]

Maybe bit more detail for me. Edit: I mean I would like more details. However others can complain its too much. You can't please everyone, there always will be someone complaining. Thank you for your videos.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

You are very welcome! I appreciate the feedback!!

[@humblecourageous3919]

Can you show the part and where to get it for the 3 inch inlet. I ended up buying a 3 inch sewer rubber sewer grommet. We will probably try to get it to work, but it would help others to know the part for the inlet.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Links on this page: manabouttools.com/rain-harvesting-system-plumbing/

[@richardcross9123]

Kent, thanks for your channel. I enjoy the detail and thoughts that you share with us. I like the way you engineered the system, but I did have one question. On your overflow pipe, why did you use the siphon inside the tank, rather than just running it directly out? I thought it might be to have a water trap obstacle for insects/rodents to stop them from getting up the pipe and into the tank. Could a screen at the outflow end accomplish this? Also if rarely used, evaporation could empty the trap anyway (I am in the hot/dry Southwest so too much rain and overflow is not usually my issue). I am sure I am missing something and would appreciate your thoughts.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Richard, I think a screen is a good option instead of a siphon. At the time I was setting up my tank I wasn't sure whether the outlet flapper screen was going to work with my existing drain, so I added the siphon. I'll talk a bit more about that in Part 3 coming up.

[@spacewolfjr]

Is it true that you're the paramedic but Max drives the ambulance?

[@whatthefunction9140]

I have a tank just like this. 2200 gal. I just jumped in. But I'm skinny so...

[@janetleeharrison]

LOL, Dylan! Did you need help getting back out?

[@whatthefunction9140]

@@janetleeharrison get out? I'm still in there

[@jamesshannon88]

Why drill a hole for the float filter instead of using the pre-existing 2" hole?

[@phylwilton1827]

What happens to those plastic cisterns in climates that have freezing temperatures?

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

I drain mine in the fall.

[@doubledarefan]

Never too long.

[@headtripindustries-aminor5657]

how about a [gazebo/water collector/concrete garden] all in 1 structure, custom for people?!...just relax, study rain fall and plants?!

[@gsambolin]

Great video detail is just fine. However toooo many commercials. I counted at least 4+. Maybe three would have been fine. Beginning middle and end.

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

Wow! Really? I'll look into that

[@ThomWalbranA1]

always always ALWAYS...dry fit everything first everytime, then GLUE....