Rainwater Tanks and Stormwater in the Blue Mountains

Tank water in the Mountains

Some properties, particularly those outside the reticulated water area, rely on tank water. Others use tanks for the garden or to top up household supply. Either way, a tank system is only as good as its plumbing.

• Tank installation and connections
• Pumps and pressure systems: supply, repair, replacement
• Mains switching and backup supply to a house
• Overflow and first-flush diverter fitting
• Tank to house, toilet and laundry connections
• Filters and basic water-quality advice

Leaf litter and your tank

Gum leaves and bark are the main enemy of a Mountains tank. They clog gutters, rot in the tank and affect water quality.

• Fit leaf guards or gutter mesh
• Clean gutters before the wet season and after storms
• Use a first-flush diverter so the first dirty runoff does not go to the tank
• Check tank inlets and screens regularly
• Keep mosquito-proof screens on all openings

If your tank water has an odour or colour, have it checked before drinking it. Tank water for drinking needs care. See NSW Health guidance.

Stormwater on steep blocks

On sloping blocks, water moves fast. A storm can send runoff straight down a driveway, through a retaining wall or under a house.

• Downpipes connected to stormwater drains or pits, rather than discharging at the base of walls
• Surface drains and pits cleared of leaf litter
• Agricultural drains behind retaining walls
• Overflow from tanks directed to a safe discharge point
• Subfloor drainage to keep the area under your house dry

We look at where the water goes and make a plan. Sometimes the answer is a drain. Sometimes it is a retaining wall fix, and we will tell you if you need a different tradesperson.

Gutters and downpipes

Damaged downpipes and blocked gutters can overload a stormwater system. Overflowing gutters send water down the wall and can undermine footings.

We repair downpipe connections and clear blocked stormwater lines. Gutter replacement and roofing work is a roofer's job.

Bushfire season

In bushfire-prone areas, a tank with a fire fitting can be part of your property's protection. We can fit a Storz or similar connection where suited. Check what your local fire authority recommends for your property.

Tank water is also a backup if mains supply is interrupted.

Living with a tank through a dry spell

Know your tank level and how many days of supply it holds. Water use is easy to underestimate.

Have a plan for top-up, whether that is a mains connection or a delivery. We can fit a switching valve so the house changes over without a fuss.

Check for small leaks in tank pipework. A tank draining slowly through a leak is a common surprise in a dry summer.

Keep the overflow clear and pointed away from footings and retaining walls.

Flush the first-flush diverter after rain, or it fills and stops working.

Related pages

Blocked drains for roots and leaf litter in sewer and stormwater lines. Renovation plumbing for new builds and rebuilds.