Duel Layer Tank Installation Guide
FLOU's dual layer tanks, which are popularly used for rainwater harvesting and a larger capacity rain barrel, are easy to install and maintain.
Below is a step-by-step how-to-install guide. If you need further assistance call 289.251.9088 or email info@flou.ca.
1. Place your tank on a solid foundation
Your tank will weigh between 1,000 lbs and 5,000 lbs depending when full, so it's important to give your tank a solid, stable and level foundation.
We recommend the following:
A. Place on a solid surface: You can place your FLOU tank on any paved, asphalt, or concrete surface.
B. For garden beds or soft ground: Build a gravel bed for your rainwater tank by digging, leveling, compacting the soil, and laying a 3" to 4" inch layer of stone crush or gravel. You can use wood to border the gravel bed, to keep the gravel bed nice and neat.
C. Placing it on a deck or building a stand: You will need to reinforce your deck under the rainwater tank. Every deck is different, so speak to your local contractor to find the best way to do it and ensure the appropriate structure is in place. If not done correctly, this can cause damage to property or death should it collapse.
2. Connect your tank to a downspout
The FLOU dual layer tank has a lid with a 4" opening to direct your downspout into (as shown below):
A. Use a flexible downspout connector: Use a hacksaw or grinder to cut out a section of your downspout and connect a flexible downspout connector from the downspout to the tank.
If you leave most of your downspout in place, you can reconnect the end in the FLOU tank back to the downspout when you disconnect in the winter.
B. Direct your fixed downspout into your FLOU tank: Use a hacksaw or grinder to cut out a section of your downspout. Then, attach the elbow and direct the downspout into an opening at the top of the tank.
3. Maintenance
FLOU tanks are simple and easy to maintain, but its important to remember the following:
A. Regularly clean out the leaf basket: This varies depending on the trees above your eaves troughs.
B. Connect a hose to the overflow to direct excess runoff into your garden: This ensures your gardens are well watered every time it rains, or you can add to another tank. In addition, it prevents insects from entering your rainwater tank through the overflow.
C. Annually drain the tank and give it a good clean: The 16" lid makes it easy to get in there with a hose or high-pressure cleaner should you ever need it.
4. Winter preparation
Your dual-layer FLOU tank is exceptionally durable and can be stored in place throughout winter. However, it's essential to drain the tank to 1/3 capacity to prevent ice from swelling. Ice swelling can cause the tank to become unstable, push off the lid, and break the leaf basket. Also, keeping the weight in the tank is essential to stop the wind from blowing it away on windy days.
There are plenty of ways to install and customize your FLOU tank for rainwater harvesting or to meet your other watering needs. We trust you will find the best solution for your situation. If you have any questions, contact our team at info@flou.ca or call 289.251.9088.
