FEATURE 23
Installation of gutters and downpipes There are a variety of options available to the gutter installer and the most common materials are UPVC , Galvanised , Copper and Aluminium . One critical reason why guttering should be considered at early stages of design is that gutters , angles , downpipes , and outlets come in different sizes and profiles . The designer and installer must appreciate that very rarely are all the components interchangeable between materials , profiles , and manufacturers .
Techniques for assembly differ per material types and even between brands of product . While the on-site fabrication has been mostly replaced by ready-made components , this is even more reason why one must be certain of all the components of the system when ordering from a factory that would make up the order .
* SANS1732 : 2019 Greywater reuse systems – general requirements which will provide direction and references SANS 10252 and 10400 A .
* SANS available from www . sabs . co . za ** SA Plumbers ’ Handbook compiled by Mervyn Jordan , Published by Interact Media Defined , 2013 PA
“… gutters which can generally discharge excess flow safely outside the building ..”
The bottom line is that while the drainage system may have been designed perfectly , unless installed correctly it will not function correctly .
As Plumbing Africa is writing much about preventative maintenance , the drainage system is more than clearing out the leaves and rubbish collected , it requires that the system be checked for weaknesses as water is heavy even when moving so the gutters and drainpipes have quite a load to carry . So , make this part of the Preventative Maintenance programme plumbers should be offering . Regarding water storage which would be rainwater , it must be clear as to the purpose of the storage . If just for irrigation the design and installation would be very different if it was for grey or black water .
End not good , needs replacing .
* SANS 1731 : 2017 Polyethylene storage tanks for water and chemicals is the standard to apply for tanks over 2000 L where the requirements are well spelt out to avoid comebacks and dissatisfied customers . “ The standard scope specifies requirements for the design and manufacture of polyethylene tanks , of capacity 2 000 L and greater that are rotationally moulded in a one-piece seamless construction .: such tanks are for aboveground and vertical installation .
For smaller sizes use reputable manufacturers that have manufactured the tanks that provide UV resistance , avoid light penetration ( otherwise this encourages algae growth ), stress crack resistance and chemical resistance for chemical storage .
The installation , again depending on application , may require a pump . Ensure the pump is of good quality with a suitable warranty / guarantee to avoid comebacks . There is rubbish on the market so rather upsell .
We did approach the official body ( ARMSA ) for comment from their perspective but sadly no response was received . However , the Association of Rotational Moulders of Southern Africa ( ARMSA ) makes no mention of the 2000L or greater on their website but refer to the standard , so best follow the guidelines in the standard for smaller capacities .
There is no doubt that Rainwater Harvesting is growing and the best people to install such are qualified plumbers who have learnt about fittings , pressure , and hydraulics . There is also a standards
Level gutter fall with downpipe .
September 2022 Volume 28 I Number 7 www . plumbingafrica . co . za