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With the rain PNG gets, a roof is a serious water supply — if the gutters, pipes and tank are sized and set up right. Undersized gutters overflow and waste it; a dirty inlet spoils it. Done well, a tank turns wet-season rain into dry-season water.

What you'll need

Everything here is stocked across our branches.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Size gutters and downpipes for the heaviest rain, not the average

    PNG downpours are intense. Undersized gutters overflow in the first heavy shower and dump water against the walls. Use generous gutter sizes and enough downpipes so water clears fast. More, larger downpipes are cheap insurance against overflow.

  2. 2

    Set the right fall so water runs to the downpipe

    Gutters need a slight, consistent fall toward the downpipes so they drain and do not pond and breed mosquitoes. Fix brackets close enough that the gutter does not sag between them under a full load of water.

  3. 3

    Keep leaves and dirt out of the tank

    Fit gutter guard/leaf screens and a first-flush diverter so the dirty first run of water (dust, leaves, bird mess off the roof) is sent to waste before clean water enters the tank. A screened, sealed tank inlet keeps mosquitoes and light out.

  4. 4

    Choose and position the tank

    Put the tank on a firm, level base close to the downpipes. Size it for how long you need to bridge dry spells. A raised tank gives gravity pressure; a ground tank usually needs a pump for good flow.

  5. 5

    Keep it clean and safe over time

    Screen every opening against mosquitoes, keep the roof and gutters clean, and if the water is for drinking, treat it appropriately — roof-collected water is not automatically safe to drink. Check screens and the first-flush after big storms.

Tips for the PNG climate

  • Size for the downpour, not the drizzle. The whole system is judged by the heaviest shower, and that is when overflow does the damage.
  • A first-flush diverter and leaf screens are small parts that make a big difference to how clean the stored water stays.
  • Screen every tank opening — an open inlet becomes a mosquito breeding ground fast in the tropics.
  • Roof water is not automatically drinking water. If you will drink it, treat it, and keep the roof and gutters clean.

Common questions

How big should my gutters and tank be?
Gutters and downpipes should be sized for intense tropical rain, and tank size depends on your roof area and how long a dry spell you want to cover. Tell the branch your roof size and staff can help you choose.
Can I drink rainwater from my roof?
Not without care. Keep the roof and gutters clean, use a first-flush diverter and screens, and treat the water appropriately if it is for drinking.
How do I stop mosquitoes breeding in the tank?
Screen every inlet, overflow and opening, and keep the tank sealed and light-tight. Standing open water is a mosquito magnet in the tropics.

Ready to start?

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