Adding a floating inlet or floating suction is one small change to a catchment tank that can make a big difference, for three reasons…
Longer Filter Life: The dirtiest spot in a rainwater catchment tank is typically at the bottom, right near the inlet where all of the water comes in off the roof. The suction line that supplies water to the pump is, oddly, located there as well. In fact, you will often see a “clean spot” around the inlet where the pump has “vacuumed” up the surrounding debris and deposited it into your filters. With a floating suction, your pump will draw water from the cleanest spot in the tank, in the center, about six or so inches below the surface.
Avoid Bleach Odor: Because bleach is salt water, it is heavier than fresh water and pools in the bottom of the tank. Eventually it diffuses throughout the tank, but until that time, it is very common for the pump to “slurp up” some really strong-smelling water and distribute it throughout your water system. A floating suction avoids this by drawing water from the top. By the time the bleach diffuses throughout the tank, the concentration is minimal and you don’t notice the odor.
Access More Water: The suction line typically sits a few inches above the surface along the tank wall. Catchment tanks are typically deeper in the middle than along the sides. This means that there can be hundreds to even a thousand gallons of water available to draw from in a low water situation. Often, we need just a day or two more of water until the next storm so that we can avoid purchasing a water delivery.
A floating suction can be installed on your tank for a very affordable price. For 1” suction lines, the cost is $125. For 1.25” suction lines, the cost is $150, and for 1.5” suction lines, the cost is $200. For more information, or to schedule an install, simply complete the form below!