Sustainability
Rainwater – Pressure Tank
A pressure tank, which I think is the most important upgrade to a standard rainwater supply system, looks like the photo on the right. Small tanks are mounted on the pump, larger tanks like this one are on the ground….
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Rainwater – Pump Issues
This photo shows a fairly typical pump installation. An electric pump with pressure sensor control. It’s even got a fairly large diameter flexible suction hose between the tank and the pump. So…..What are the issues? Well water is an…
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Reducing External Noise
It’s not always possible to build in a quiet area so there are a number of techniques for reducing noise that you can use in your new home. Here is a quick review of the options: Minimising windows facing…
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Conventional Drainage
The vast majority of new houses will have a conventional (sometimes called a Gravity, or Open system) storm water drainage system discharging to either: Public Surface Water Drain – Typically in Eastern States Soakwells on Sandy Sites – Mainly in…
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Underground Pipes
It’s important to make sure you are getting the right type of pipes and fittings that will be underground…..you don’t want to be digging up you garden, or paths, in case of blockages. Pipes Some plumbers will want to use,…
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Rainwater Tank – Outlet Modifications
In a post on Outlet Location I talked about improving the water quality by avoiding taking water from the bottom of the tank. This post shows how you can keep the floating particles on the top of the water out…
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Slab Insulation
I have previously posted about the relatively small heat loss from a slab on ground But what if you have got in slab heating, or just want to minimise heat loss/gain from your house? Before Construction This sketch shows the placement of…
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Roof Choice – Risk
Something you might never have thought about when thinking about the sort of roof that you want on your new house is Risk. Low Risk A conventional roof which slopes to the outside can be considered to be a low…
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Rainwater Tank – Outlet Location
In Understanding Tank Water Quality I explained that the typical tank outlets is located close to the bottom of the tank. This takes the dirtiest water from the bottom of the tank,rather than the cleanest water near the top. So what can…
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Rainwater Tank – Inlet Improvements
In Understanding Tank Water Quality I explained that most tank inlets mix the dirtier incoming water with the cleanest water at the top of the tank. So what can you do? Its not as simple as just extending the inlet…
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