Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Valve for dual entry to a cistern

  • 10-02-2013 7:19pm
    #1
    TankGuy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 108 ✭✭


    Hi folks,

    I'm looking to set up a rain collection tank to run my cistern. I also want to be able to switch it easy to the mains in the very odd time we get a dry spell.
    I have been looking at three way valves that can switch the entry point but keep the exit open always.

    If anyone has an idea of the correct terminology i should search or input or advice on where to buy such a valve in Ireland i would be extremely grateful.


Comments

  • #2
    shane0007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,677 ✭✭✭shane0007


    It can only be used for flushing toilets so you will need to re-arrange your pipework for this as your normal cwst will most likely be supply your bath, showers, whb's, etc.


  • #3
    TankGuy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 108 ✭✭TankGuy


    Hi,

    Thanks for the reply. As is i have a single pipe going to the cistern, its this pipe i want to be one of the entries to the valve and have the outside tank to be the other entry with a means to switch them when the tank runs out. Is that doable with a valve?


  • #4
    shane0007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,677 ✭✭✭shane0007


    TankGuy wrote: »
    Hi,

    Thanks for the reply. As is i have a single pipe going to the cistern, its this pipe i want to be one of the entries to the valve and have the outside tank to be the other entry with a means to switch them when the tank runs out. Is that doable with a valve?
    Is the tank supplying anything other than toilets?


  • #5
    TankGuy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 108 ✭✭TankGuy


    There is a feed coming from the cwst with a split off to the cistern, after its splits it feeds a sink. Its on the split i want to add the other pipe so it will solely effect the cistern if that makes sense.


  • #6
    shane0007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,677 ✭✭✭shane0007


    TankGuy wrote: »
    No as its rain water I'm just using it for the Cistern and also for watering plants during the summer.
    Just put a second ball valve at a lower level fed from the mains. If rainwater is low, the level will drop & bottom ball valve will open.


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    Dtp79
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,097 ✭✭✭Dtp79


    shane0007 wrote: »
    Just put a second ball valve at a lower level fed from the mains. If rainwater is low, the level will drop & bottom ball valve will open.
    Second ball valve is a good idea Shane. Why can't the rain water be used for showers and toilets? I understand Ye can't brush your teeth with it or drink it but I can't see a problem with showers?


  • #8
    shane0007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,677 ✭✭✭shane0007


    Dtp79 wrote: »
    Second ball valve is a good idea Shane. Why can't the rain water be used for showers and toilets? I understand Ye can't brush your teeth with it or drink it but I can't see a problem with showers?
    Bacteria


  • #9
    Dtp79
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,097 ✭✭✭Dtp79


    shane0007 wrote: »
    Bacteria
    Is bacteria a certainty? I'm not being smart here I'm just asking cause I'm planning on installing a "homemade" rainwater collecting unit to my own house this year. I've alot of ideas floating around in my head and I was planning on using the mains for drinking water and brushing my teeth


  • #10
    Outkast_IRE
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,516 ✭✭✭Outkast_IRE


    Dtp79 wrote: »
    Is bacteria a certainty? I'm not being smart here I'm just asking cause I'm planning on installing a "homemade" rainwater collecting unit to my own house this year. I've alot of ideas floating around in my head and I was planning on using the mains for drinking water and brushing my teeth
    Yes bacteria is pretty much a certainty due to the rain running off from your roof which is covered in moss and bird poop and insects etc etc etc :D

    There are systems out there that claim to filter it and run it through UV filter etc so that its safe to use in showers etc, but they are extra money and not really DIY work.


  • #11
    Dtp79
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,097 ✭✭✭Dtp79


    Outkast_IRE wrote: »
    Yes bacteria is pretty much a certainty due to the rain running off from your roof which is covered in moss and bird poop and insects etc etc etc :D

    There are systems out there that claim to filter it and run it through UV filter etc so that its safe to use in showers etc, but they are extra money and not really DIY work.
    Lol I'm no DIYer. I'm plumbing a long time but have no experience in rainwater harvesting


  • Advertisement
  • #12
    shane0007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,677 ✭✭✭shane0007


    Showers are most dangerous as a shower vapourises the water. This water vapour/mist can be breathed in. It is also why showers are most dangerous for legionella.


  • #13
    Dtp79
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,097 ✭✭✭Dtp79


    shane0007 wrote: »
    Showers are most dangerous as a shower vapourises the water. This water vapour/mist can be breathed in. It is also why showers are most dangerous for legionella.
    Was thinking of a uv filter. Would you have any faith in them?


  • #14
    corkgsxr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,404 ✭✭✭corkgsxr


    shane0007 wrote: »
    Just put a second ball valve at a lower level fed from the mains. If rainwater is low, the level will drop & bottom ball valve will open.

    Would need a spring non return to stop backsiphonage though


  • #15
    Outkast_IRE
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,516 ✭✭✭Outkast_IRE


    Dtp79 wrote: »
    Was thinking of a uv filter. Would you have any faith in them?
    UV filters work well but only when the water is filtered very very well before passing through the UV.


  • #16
    shane0007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,677 ✭✭✭shane0007


    Dtp79 wrote: »
    Was thinking of a uv filter. Would you have any faith in them?
    Yes they kill 100% of bacteria. They recommend replacing the bulb every 12 months even if still working.
    I have one in my own house. Mine is wired through an alarm so if the bulb blows it sets the alarm off.


Advertisement