Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:38:18 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311182#Comment_311182 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311182#Comment_311182 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:32:33 +0100 Rex
Have a 6000 liter rainwater collection tank in the garden (mainly for toilet flushing but also garden use) and it has of course, been empty for the past two months.

Wish I had installed an even larger tank but 15 years ago, who could predict this extended drought.

So at the behest of SWMBO, I am investigating most likely, one (or perhaps two) IBC and how to fill. Obviously, the best location is somewhere that I can divert rainwater but the design of the house is such that the only place would be against a side wall and these are somewhat ugly things.

Since the loft tank (for flushing) is filled by a submersible timer pump, I could access the pipe and T off to an IBC situated in a less obnoxious location. But is it possible to install a ball valve in an IBC so that when fill, it does not overflow?

I have not researched this idea but thoughts would be welcome.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311183#Comment_311183 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311183#Comment_311183 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:10:53 +0100 djh
I'm not quite sure what you intend with the ball valve, but I'm sure you can install whatever you want in an IBC. Simplest is to drill holes through the side to fix plumbing to or through and pass whatever parts you want inside through the opening in the top. But if you wanted to install anything bigger then just cut a piece out of the side, or top, and glue it back in place with some extra material acting as a flange afterwards.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311184#Comment_311184 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311184#Comment_311184 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:49:09 +0100 fostertom https://www.bes.co.uk/22-mm-compression-outlet-brass-essex-cylinder-flange-17541/ Blimey is that the price of em now? I have them as 22mm outlet on my pr of black plastic 1500 litre orange juice barrels - all long run dry of course - where can I get more - £80 ea delivered then, now £260 + carriage + VAT]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311185#Comment_311185 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311185#Comment_311185 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:06:58 +0100 Rex
Any tank is likely to go under the eves on the right side but even a 1m x 1m footprint IBC would somewhat block the path, which is extensively used for front / back garden access. Slightly behind the house, but on the right side, is her shed which an IBC (or two stacked) could hide behind. Beside the shed would be challenging to get a gravity feed water supply from the roof. Hence the thought of using the existing pump and the float valve shutting the flow when the tank is full. My current thought is to fit the valve into the screw top with some kind of right angle adapter for top entry; it seems most float valves are side entry.

But if any other tank with a diverted water feed, what happens when the tank if full? Does the water go to waste via an overflow?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311188#Comment_311188 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311188#Comment_311188 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:00:22 +0100 fostertom Can't you extend the right hand gutter, or an overhead 1" hose, to behind the shed?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311189#Comment_311189 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311189#Comment_311189 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:02:15 +0100 djh Posted By: RexBut if any other tank with a diverted water feed, what happens when the tank if full?The diverter just takes part of the water flowing from the roof. If the tank is full then the pipe connecting the diverter to the tank is also full and all the water runs down the downpipe as normal.

IBCs have a ready made outlet with tap at the bottom, so there's no need to make an outlet.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311190#Comment_311190 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311190#Comment_311190 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:37:08 +0100 Rex
Not so easy to extend the guttering as it is not quite the regular type. Extruded ali but has a top covering; the curve on the top allows water to swing in via capillary action but leaves just get washed off. I get no leaves settling which means the rainwater tank filter does not get easily blocked.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311191#Comment_311191 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311191#Comment_311191 Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:35:11 +0100 fostertom Posted By: Rexnot quite the regular typeno longer available? Do you have a link, sounds interesting. You could still bridge by 1" hose, esp if free of leaf blockage.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311192#Comment_311192 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311192#Comment_311192 Sat, 08 Aug 2026 11:54:51 +0100 owlman As djh says for a permanent job you can hide the IBC with a wood surround, you can also buy fabric covers for them.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311193#Comment_311193 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311193#Comment_311193 Sat, 08 Aug 2026 16:46:27 +0100 Nick Parsons https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311194#Comment_311194 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311194#Comment_311194 Sat, 08 Aug 2026 22:17:38 +0100 Rex
So a couple of times a year, I give it a wipe down to remove dirt, dust and algae, which tends to grow on the bottom because water is not holding to the top curve.

https://seamlessaluminium.co.uk/products/gutter-systems/slip-gutter-system/

In all honesty, can't say I recommend it unless you have easy access to wipe down.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311195#Comment_311195 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311195#Comment_311195 Sat, 08 Aug 2026 22:43:28 +0100 djh ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311196#Comment_311196 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18465&Focus=311196#Comment_311196 Sun, 09 Aug 2026 10:52:40 +0100 Rex
Have been considering IBC filling and believe I am over-thinking the job. Since the stored water will only be necessary during a summer drought (as now) the tanks would aways be full since the last major rainfall; most likely full from spring until needed during late summer.

Rather than filling from downpipes, when the main 6k liter tank is full (ish), connect a hose from one of the outside taps to the IBC and fill. The water level in the 6k will be reduced and will be replenish at the next rain. Additionally, the existing pipe to the loft tank for toilet flushing, although buried, is a continuous pipe from the external tank to the loft and it is not the greatest idea to inset a branch. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!]]>