Rainwater

PVC 3/4" Sch.80 Threaded Union is used to create a disconnect in the PVC piping.

by Brad Landcaster

Plant the rain!

Earthworks are some of the easiest, least expensive, and most effective ways of passively harvesting and conserving multiple sources of water in the soil. Associated vegetation then pumps the harvested water back out in the form of beauty, food, shelter, wildlife habitat, and passive heating & cooling strategies, while controlling erosion, increasing soil fertility, reducing downstream flooding, and improving the quality of the water and air.

Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond: Volume 1 Guiding Principles to Welcome Rain into Your Life and Landscape by Brad Lancaster.

This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in rainwater harvesting.

The 3/4" Tank Adapter is used to create a water tight pipe connection to a rainwater barrel or tank. 3/4" FPT connections.

Wrap every pipe threaded fitting with teflon tape or covered with pipe dope.   Wrap 3-4 layers clockwise around the threads then connect the parts.

This is an alternative to the toxic smelling PVC cement and primer! Non flammable and virtually odorless and user-safe. This is primer and glue in one; the "greenest" PVC glue on the market.

Gorilla glue can be used from 32 to 140 degrees. After gluing joints, wipe down with a rag. This glue is purple and oozes at the fittings from the joints.  

The Green Back Valve Barbed 1/2" is used to adjust the flow from greywater outlets. For unfiltered greywater, this is a point of potential clogging and should be monitored. Green back valves have a larger orifice than typical ball valves and are the only brand we've found that work with the laundry to landscape system (other brands clog very quickly).

The Green Back Valve Barbed 1" is used to control the outflow of a 1 inch line, or to shut off a 1 inch branch. In a laundry to landscape system do not use these on all the ends or branches, one end must always be left unrestricted to allow for the full flow to exit the line.

In a laundry to landscape system this is used to connect to a 3/4" washing machine hose. It will also need a 3/4" by 1" threaded bushing.

In a rain barrel system this is used to connect one side of a threaded tee to 3/4" tubing.

A Hose Clamp is used to create a water tight seal between washer hose and barbed male pipe end. Can also be used outside to create water tight seals on the barbed fittings.