Rainwater Use, Water Tank Buying Guide
Do You Need a Pump with Your Water Tank? Understanding the Benefits
When purchasing a rainwater tank, one of the most common questions we receive at Tank Shop is whether a water tank pump is necessary.
The simple answer is no – a water tank can function perfectly well without a pump for gravity-fed applications. However, there are several compelling reasons why many of our customers choose to include a pump in their setup.
Key Benefits of Adding a Pump
1. Enhanced Water Pressure
For outdoor applications, a pump can significantly boost your water pressure, making it ideal for:
- Garden irrigation and hose use
- Car washing and outdoor cleaning
- Operating sprinkler systems effectively
2. Indoor Water Usage
If you’re planning to use your harvested rainwater inside your home, a pump becomes essential for:
- Toilet flushing
- Laundry facilities
- General indoor plumbing needs
3. Overcoming Elevation Issues
While gravity-fed systems work well in some situations, a pump becomes crucial when:
- Water needs to flow uphill
- Distribution points are higher than the tank
- The tank is positioned below the usage area
4. Improved Water Distribution
A quality pump system helps ensure:
- Consistent water pressure throughout your setup
- The ability to use multiple outlets simultaneously
- Reliable water flow regardless of tank levels
Making the Right Choice
The good news is that you don’t have to decide immediately. A pump can always be added later if your needs change or expand. At Tank Shop, we recommend evaluating your specific requirements and future plans before making this investment. Consider factors like your intended water usage, property layout, and whether you’ll need water supplied to elevated areas or multiple outlets.
Need a pump to go with your rainwater harvesting system? Check out our range of water tank pumps pre-selected for common situations. If you have specific pumping requirements, please contact us for further options.
Hi, I need a water tank down the back yard but have no power for a pump and it is to far from the house, is there an alternative to this thanks, jo
Hi Jo-Anne,
Thank you for your question. Here are a couple of solutions to consider for your situation:
1. Solar-powered pump system – eco-friendly. off-grid option that doesn’t require mains power.
2. Gravity-fed system – involves positioning your new tank on elevated ground (e.g. tank stand) compared to where you need the water, utilising gravity to create water pressure naturally. While the pressure won’t be as high as a powered pump, it can still be effective for many uses.
Both these options can work well for properties without access to mains power.
Would you be able to tell us a bit more about what you’ll be using the water for mainly? (e.g. garden, household, etc.) The approx. distance from where you want to place the tank to where you need the water? Whether you have any elevated areas where the tank could potentially be placed?
Once we know these details, it will help us recommend the most suitable solution to your situation. If you’d like to discuss this privately, feel free to email us directly.