HEALTH AND SANITATION
Adding additional downspouts will require gutter and downspout
volume resulting in smaller gutter/downspouts.
Catchment area
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cleaning the catchment surface by hosing or sweeping and, if
applicable, trimming overhanging tree branches/foliage.
2. The gutters and downspouts should be inspected
twice a year
Determine catchment area using Equation 4.2. If sections
of one roof catchment or multiple catchment surfaces are
used, the catchment area can be determined by summing the
multiplesmaller areas.
Gutters must be maintained regularly to remove leaves and
other debris to keep them from clogging. Gutters that are
filled with debris can overflow and soak the foundation, and
damage the roof structure. Effective gutter guards that keep
debris out but allow water to enter are a good alternative to
Plan the layout of the conveyance network
regular cleaning. Gutter protection devices include: strainers,
a. Determine the location of the tank (refer to Chapter 5. Rainwater snap-in metal and plastic gutter guards, filtered gutter
storage and tank sizing for guidance).
guards, stainless steel gutter guards, hinged gutter guards,
b. Route downspout(s) and/or conveyance drainage piping into
plastic and metal total gutter covers, and gutter brushes.
the tank.
Tank connection
Rainwater conveyance drainage piping should enter the tank at a
height no lower than the overflow drainage piping, or, ideally, 50mm
above the bottom of the overflow drainage pipes entering the tank.
MAINTENANCE OF CATCHMENT NETWORK
1. The catchment surface should be inspected twice a year:
•
•
Identify any sources of contamination, including accumulated dirt
and debris, presence of overhanging tree branches or other foliage,
and/or signs of animal activity (for example bird droppings); and
If contaminants are present, these should be removed by
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Regardless of the gutter guard protection used, all gutter systems
should be examined for cleaning and repaired twice every year.
Another option is to use a closed gutter to ensure that debris
and leaves do not enter the gutter. The continuous hanger is a
way to protect gutters from clogging and damage while reducing
required cleaning to a minimum. Repair and/or replace damaged
components to ensure proper rainwater flow and to prevent entry
of birds, rodents, or insects into the RWH system.
In the next edition, Plumbing Africa will look at rainwater
storage tanks. PA
October 2018 Volume 24 I Number 8