Rain Barrel Pump
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Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rain for future use. This process uses a catchment system to decrease runoff and collect rainwater. Rain barrels are one form of catchment systems that are popular for residential use. A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from a roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. A typical rain barrel is composed of a 55-gallon drum, a vinyl hose, PVC couplings, and a screen grate to keep debris and insects out. A rain barrel is relatively simple and inexpensive to construct and can sit conveniently under any down spout. A rain barrel is an efficient, simple, and low cost alternative for achieving a consistent supply of clean, fresh water for outdoor use, while simultaneously conserving water and saving energy expenses. While collecting the water via a rain barrel seems easy, actually getting the water out of the barrel proves a rather difficult task. As the rain barrel's water pressure is dependent upon the height of its stored water, historical applications relied upon elevating the barrel to achieve the desired water pressure at its outlet. In the past, if you wanted a pump in your rain barrel, you were reliant upon an electrician to install the appropriate power connection and subsequently source the desired pump. The RainPerfect solar powered pumping system solves these issues by providing an efficient, economical, and robust solution to your rain barrel water pressure requirements.
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Questions & Answers
- What do I do if my battery won't take a charge?
- If your battery will not take a charge try some of these troubleshooting actions: - Check the alignment of your solar panel - Check the wire connections from the control box to the solar panel - Check the solar panel wire for any cuts or damages - The battery may not charge during long durations of cloudiness
- Will my RainPerfect still work if there is no sun?
- Your RainPerfect should still work on a cloudy day if it has been sunny enough before to charge the battery. The battery may not charge during long durations of cloudiness though.
- Why won't my RainPerfect turn on?
- Check the battery charge by tapping the yellow button on the control box once. If the indicator light shows red you need to charge your battery. If the indicator does not show a color, your battery is fully drained of its charge and should be allowed to fully charge in approximately 8 hours of sunlight before attempting to use it again.
- Is RainPerfect safe for my children?
- RainPerfect™ may not be safe for operation by young children. Use your best judgment to judge if your child is capable of properly using the pump. As always, proper supervision is necessary for children.
- Does RainPerfect offer a warranty?
- RainPerfect™ is covered by a one year limited warranty in the United States.
- Do I need a special hose for the RainPerfect Pump?
- No. Your RainPerfect™ pump will work with any standard garden hose.
- What type of rain barrels will the RainPerfect fit on?
- RainPerfect is designed for use with most standard rain barrel designs. As long as there is a location to mount the control box on top of the barrel then the pump will work.
- Can I use the RainPerfect with my sprinkler?
- The RainPerfect pump provides enough pressure to run most low-pressure sprinkler systems. A good rule of thumb is if you would normally connect your sprinkler to your garden hose and the spout on the side of your house, then RainPerfect™ should work. Not all sprinkler systems are low-pressure systems though so RainPerfect will not work will all sprinklers.
- Will the pump turn off by itself?
- No. If you leave the pump on it will remain running until the battery is completely drained of power. To avoid this, remember to shut your RainPerfect off when not in use.
- Does the pump provide enough pressure to use standard hose fittings?
- Yes, the RainPerfect pump provides enough pressure to use standard hose fittings.
- Do I need to take my RainPerfect pump inside if I won't be using it for a long time?
- Yes. It is important that you remove the battery from the pump during long periods of storage. Then, store both the pump and the battery in a dry place.
- Do I need to take my RainPerfect pump inside during the winter?
- Yes. RainPerfect should be stored indoors during times when temperature drops below freezing on a regular basis. Remember to disconnect the battery during storage.
- Can my RainPerfect pump anything other than water?
- No. The RainPerfect pump is designed for use with fresh and sea water only.
- Where should I place the solar panel?
- Place the solar panel where it will best receive sunlight. For help determining this, set the panel up at noontime and using the cardboard X that came with the pump, align the panel to the sun directly overhead so that there are no shadows around the X. Once the alignment is set, turn the knob on the side of the panel clockwise to set it in place.
- What do I do if my pump is not pumping?
- Check the following: - Battery charge - Wire connections - That your rain barrel has water in it - That the hose doesn't have any kinks in it - The connection between the intake hose and the control box - The pump filter is clean