Choosing the Right Rain Head: A Guide to Cleaner Rainwater
Australia is a country of weather extremes: from dry spells and dust storms to sudden downpours. For those harvesting rainwater, every drop that makes it into your tank counts, but so does what you keep out of your tank. That’s where rain heads come in.
Rain heads are essential tools in ensuring the water you collect is debris-free from the start, and a big advantage of Rain Harvesting™ rain heads is that they all use a 0.955mm mosquito-proof screen so you can be sure that mosquitoes and other insects will be kept out of your system.
In this guide, we break down how to choose the right rain head for your property.
Understanding Rain Head Basics
What is a Rain Head?
A rain head is a screening device installed onto your downpipe to prevent leaves, debris, insects, and other contaminants from entering your rainwater tank. It’s the first line of defence in your rain harvesting system.
Key Benefits:
- Keeps leaves, twigs, and debris out of your tank
- Keeps mosquitos and other vermin out of your system
- Improves water quality
- Reduces build-up and tank maintenance
Choosing the Right Rain Head Style For Your Home
Open-Faced Rain Heads
The open and angled mesh screen allows leaves to slide off easily, which means easier cleaning and less maintenance overall.
Enclosed Rain Heads
Rain heads with “hoods” or enclosures stop splashing completely, making them perfect for use around high-traffic areas like patios and walkways. Being enclosed, they do require more maintenance than an open-faced rain head, as you need to remove the screen to manually remove any leaves or debris that may have become caught.
Bucket-Style Rain Heads
The “bucket” design means that water flows through the mesh screen with minimal splashing. They require less maintenance than an enclosed rain head but more maintenance than an open-faced rain head.
Stratco Tip: you can use different rain head styles in different areas of your property. Consider using enclosed or bucket style rain heads around walkways and patios and use open-faced rain heads in all other areas.
Conclusion
Investing in the right rain head is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your rainwater harvesting system. This simple yet essential component acts as your tank's first defender, keeping out the leaves, debris, and pests that can compromise water quality and create expensive maintenance headaches down the track. By taking the time to consider the different options available, you'll select a rain head that delivers clean, quality rainwater year after year.
Remember that quality rainwater harvesting starts at the top, quite literally. A well-chosen rain head, matched to your specific needs and properly maintained, will protect your investment in tanks, pumps, and filtration systems while ensuring the water you harvest is as clean as nature intended. Whether you're collecting water for your garden, household use, or emergency backup, the right rain head makes all the difference.
Looking to upgrade or start fresh?
Stratco proudly offers a full range of RainHarvesting™ Rain Heads, built for Australian conditions and available to suit any project.