Bladders
Wells , S ., Hennings , F ., Hawkins , G ., Bauske , E . ( August 2013 ). Rainwater Harvesting for System Designers and Contractors . University of Georgia Cooperative Extension , Bulletin 1372 . Retrieved from : http :// extension . uga . edu / publications / detail . cfm ? number = B1372
Bladder tanks are reinforced synthetic bags , typically supported by a metal frame . They are easier to conceal , for example beneath a deck or porch or in a crawl space . Bladders come in various shapes , although they generally are square to rectangular . Bladders range in size from smaller devices which hold up to 100 gallons and larger ones with capacities that exceed 10,000 gallons .
RAINWATER HARVESTING
They should be drained every two months and the gutters cleaned of debris seasonally to avoid water build up . Bladders need to be flushed and cleaned seasonally with a light disinfectant . This is especially important during pollen season and in the fall when debris usually builds up in gutters . All inspections should check the structural integrity of the bladder and assess for damage caused by wildlife or deterioration . It is recommended to conduct this assessment monthly and after extreme weather events to ensure proper function and prevent damage to any nearby structural foundation . Gutter connections should be inspected every 3 to 4 months for damage . In the fall , the bladder should be disconnected , flushed , and completely drained to winterize the system .
Figure 28 . Rainwater collection bladder connected to a downspout and located in a crawlspace ( Blue Mountain Co ., 2017 )
FALL 2022
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