Rainwater tanks and first flush rainwater filters

The Superhead combines 4 important filtration functions into one simple device to automatically filter the rainwater entering your water tank. The 4 functions are:

• Rain Head to channel water from downpipes into the rainwater tank.
• First- Flush Diverter to automatically flush the first rain from washing pollution off your roof and into the tank
• Leaf screen to prevent leaves blocking pipes and entering the tank
• Insect Screen to prevent insects entering the tank

What is a First- Flush Filter?

When collecting rainwater it is very important to keep the water clean and safe. Over time leaves, dirt, animal droppings, salt and other pollution builds up on your roof and gutters. Without a first- flush system this will be washed off the roof and directly into your rainwater tanks causing the water to become dirty and possibly dangerous. Sediment and pollution in the rainwater tank can also lead to:

• Damage to pumps, washing machines and other appliances.
• Blocked sprinklers and showers
• Excessive wear and shortened life on tap washers and filter cartridges
• Bacteria and algae growth in your rainwater tank

The Superhead First- Flush Diverter is installed anywhere before the inlet of the water tank and will automatically
divert the first polluted water from the roof when it rains. After the first flush is performed it automatically diverts the clean water into your rainwater tank.

It is best to have one Superhead first flush diverter on each downpipe however a single unit can be placed close to the tank and perform a first flush for several downpipes. This will really depend on how big your roof catchment is and how clean you need the water to be. The amount of water you need to first flush will depend on a few things like:

• The size of your roof- The recommended MINIMUM first flush is 20L per 100m of roof catchment area
• The amount of leaves and pollution on the roof (polluted areas need to be flushed more- approx 80- 100L per 100m of roof)
• The intended use of the water (drinking water will need a bigger first flush)

You should always check the quality of the water in your tanks before drinking it.

The amount of water flushed is determined by the length of the PVC pipe attached to the Superhead. 90mm PVC stores 6.5 litres/ metre. If you need to flush more water you can install additional Superheads to your downpipes. You can also increase the volume of the first flush pipe by increasing the length and/ or diameter of the first flush pipe you use.

The Superhead First- Flush has a rotating outlet so it can be mounted to a wall, or directly the side of some tanks.

The Superhead also has an adjustable drain on the flush pipe so you can maximise the amount of water you collect. During periods of frequent rain it isn’t necessary to flush the full amount every time. The drain of the Superhead can be tightened to reduce the rate it drains and increase the amount of water diverted to the tank.

The Superhead combines 4 products into 1 device to provide maximum effectiveness and value for money. Here are the 4 parts

1. Rain Head

A rain- head is an important part of rainwater collection. It provides a break in the dowpipes so that any leaves that enter the downpipes can be cleared quickly. If blockages occur then your downpipes and gutters will overflow which can often cause major damage to your property.

2. Leaf Screen

The first stage filter is the large leaf screen. Leaves and other debris are prevented from entering the tank by a 8mm screen. The specially designed mesh allows the leaves to fall off while minimising splashing.

3. Adjustable First- Flush Diverter System

The first rain is diverted to a standard 90mm downpipe (not included) so that dirt and other pollutants from the roof don’t enter the water tank. Once the First Flush System has filled the internal flap will close and divert clean water through the side outlet and into the tank.

A drain on the bottom of the First Flush System can be adjusted to alter the flush volume. In dry periods the drain can be loosened to INCREASE the flush volume. During periods of frequent rain it is not necessary to completely flush the whole system each time so the drain can be tightened to DECREASE the fist flush volume and maximise the amount of water collected.

The Drainage Plug is also compatible with standard poly retic fittings so the flush water can be directed to the garden or other location. The drainage plug is simply replaced with a screw fitting and a standard valve, or drip fitting

4. Insect Screen

The final filtration is done with 1mm stainless steel mesh that will stop any insects or floating debris that may enter the tank.

The Superhead comes pre assembled with the outlet configured to the side. If another location is required simply unsrew the stainless steel screws and rotate to the required position.

Install the insect screen so that the end of the cone shape is facing INTO the inside of the Superhead. This will enable it to self- clean by lying in the flow of water entering the device.

All connections are to 90mm Pipe. If connecting the flush pipe to reticulation you will need the following parts:

• 19mm Joiner with male screw one side and barb on the other end.
• Valve (to adjust drip rate)
• Poly Pipe

Installation Instructions

The Superhead may be installed in a variety of situations. Please click here to view some different options for various rainwater harvesting systems

1. Select a location to install the Superhead somewhere between the downpipe(s) and water tank inlet. It can be mounted to the wall or directly to the side of some tanks. The rear outlet of the Superhead should be above the maximum water level of the water tank and there needs to be clear room under the Superhead for the first- flush pipe. The unit will also drip for several days after rain so it should be positioned over a drain/ garden or pot plant, or connected to reticulation fittings
2. If required, rotate the side outlet so that the side outlet face the rainwater tank and secure using the small screws provided.
3. Cut a length of 90mm pipe (larger pipe and adapater can be used if preferred) so that it is around 100mm shorter than the distance between the bottom outlet and the ground. Use pipe cement or silicone to glue the pipe in to the bottom of the Superhead and secure with the small screws provided
4. Insert the ball into the pipe so it can roll freely
5. Use pipe cement or silicone to glue the base cap on and secure with the small screws provided
6. If you intend to paint the unit, now is a good time so you can reach all the hard places
7. Position the unit in the correct location. Mark and drill the 2 holes at the top of the Superhead to secure the unit to the wall or tank. Insert the wall plugs (if required) and fasten the Superhead to the wall with the large screws provided
8. Measure, cut and connect the pipe from the Superhead outlet to the tank inlet. Use the adapter if required
9. Secure all pipes using pipe brackets
10. Adjust the drainage plug on the first flush pipe so that it drips at around 1- 2 drips per second, or if connecting to reticulation fittings, attach the pipe and valve now

Maintenance

The Superhead requires very little maintenance as the leaf and insect screens are self- cleaning, however it is important to check it occasionally to ensure it is operating properly. Over time the flush pipe can become filled with dirt and obstruct the drain. If it does become blocked, simply unsrew the drainage plug and allow any dirt to be flushed out before replacing the plug.

If you have a lot of fine, floating debris then it may reduce the flow or even block water passing through the insect screen. If you have a secondary filter such as a basket on top of the rainwater tanks then the insect screen can be safely removed.

If you need to clean the insect screen, simply remove the leaf screen by unscrewing the small screw holding it down. Remove the insect screen and clean any obstructions. Replace the insect screen with the point facing into the Superhead so it can self- clean, and replace the leaf screen