Fixington

Rainwater Harvesting System

Trade: Plumber

⭐ Introduction

A rainwater harvesting system collects and stores rainwater from your roof, so you can use it for purposes like watering the garden, flushing toilets, or washing cars. This helps reduce your mains water bills and eases pressure on local water supplies, which is increasingly important in the UK given occasional droughts and water restrictions.

You might consider installing one if you have a reasonably sized garden, want to be more environmentally friendly, or want a backup water supply. It's also useful if your mains water pressure is low or if you want to reduce run-off that can contribute to local flooding.

🔧 What the job involves

Installing a rainwater harvesting system usually means fitting a collection point (typically your roof gutters), piping to a storage tank (often underground or in a shed), and a pump system to move water into where you want it used.

A plumber’s role will cover:

  • Assessing your home’s roof size and gutter setup to estimate water collection.
  • Advising on storage tank size and installation location suitable for your site.
  • Installing a filter to remove leaves and debris from the rainwater.
  • Connecting gutters to the tank via piping, ensuring correct fall and water-tight joins.
  • Installing a pump and controls if you want the system to supply toilets, washing machines, or outdoor taps.
  • Testing the system to check for leaks and proper operation.
  • Providing guidance on maintenance.

The system must comply with relevant UK water safety and building regulations, especially if connected indoors.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial enquiry: Contact a qualified plumber experienced with rainwater harvesting. They’ll ask about your needs and property details.
  2. Site survey and quote: The plumber visits to measure your roof, check access and advise on tank location. They’ll provide a detailed quote.
  3. Scheduling: Agree a date for the installation, making sure any necessary permissions (e.g., from your local council or water company) are in place.
  4. Day of installation:
    • Prepare the site (you may need to clear garden space).
    • Install the storage tank, connect gutters, fit filters and pumps.
    • Test the system for leaks and functionality.
  5. Completion and handover: The plumber will explain the system operation, provide maintenance advice, and supply any paperwork or certification.
  6. Aftercare: Arrange servicing or checks as recommended to keep the system efficient and safe.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Typically a plumber’s hourly rate, plus extra if any groundwork or electrical work is required.
  • Materials/parts: Storage tank (£400–£1,200+ depending on size), filters, pumps, pipework, fittings.
  • Extras: Electrical connection for pumps, excavation if installing an underground tank.
  • Disposal: Removal of any old equipment or soil if excavated.
  • Certification: May include building control approval if indoors or connected to mains plumbing.

Example itemisation for a garden set-up:

  • 1,500-litre above-ground tank: ~£700
  • Water pump and filter kit: ~£350
  • Labour (2 days): ~£400
  • Electrical connection: ~£150
  • Total (excluding VAT): ~£1,600

📊 What affects the price

  • Size and type of storage tank (above ground or underground).
  • Complexity of plumbing and electrical installation.
  • Site access and ground conditions (e.g., driveway, garden slope).
  • Need for building regulations approval and associated fees.
  • Any remedial work on gutters or existing drainage.
  • Location (labour rates vary across the UK).
  • Timeline urgency (short notice may increase cost).

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Simple systems: Installing an above-ground tank connected to existing downpipes typically takes 1–2 days.
  • More complex: Underground tanks with new pipework and pump installations can take 3–5 days.
  • Additional works: If excavation, electrical work, or building control applications are required, this can extend the overall timeframe.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Whilst some smaller, above-ground systems can be installed by confident DIYers, most rainwater harvesting installations require plumbing and electrical work that must comply with UK regulations and standards.

  • Plumbing must ensure no cross-contamination with mains water.
  • Pumps require safe electrical connections, sometimes needing a registered electrician.
  • Installation may require building control approval if connected indoors.

If you’re unsure or unfamiliar with plumbing and electrical work, hiring a professional plumber is strongly recommended for safety, compliance, and system efficiency.

💰 Typical UK price range

A typical rainwater harvesting installation in a UK garden tends to cost between £1,000 and £3,000 excluding VAT. More complex setups or larger underground tanks can exceed £4,000. All prices include materials, installation labour, and basic electrical work but exclude landscaping or major groundworks.

Prices will vary significantly by region, scale of system, and specification chosen.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Check your local council for any planning or building regulations advice—especially for underground tanks.
  • Have your existing gutters and downpipes inspected and repaired if needed prior to installation.
  • Clear installation areas, including garden or shed space.
  • Ask your plumber about system warranties, servicing intervals and what maintenance you’ll need to perform (e.g., leaf filter cleaning).
  • Keep all paperwork, certificates, and receipts for warranty or future servicing.
  • Consider adding a freeze protection system if you live in colder areas.
  • Confirm whether the system manufacturer or plumber offers after-sales support.