Concrete Cisterns: Pros and Cons Infographic

Check out our latest infographic to learn some of the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating concrete cisterns into your water storage system.  

Plastic Cisterns: Pros and Cons Infographic

Plastic cisterns are useful for certain specific applications, but there are also drawbacks to using plastic tanks for rainwater collection. Check out our new infographic to learn more about pros and cons of plastic cisterns.

How To Wire A Pressure Switch

Here at Rain Brothers we get a lot of questions about how to wire a pressure switch for a water pump used in wells or cisterns.  A pressure switch is a method of controlling a pump motor.  It works just like a light switch: when you turn the switch off it disconnects the power, and when you turn the switch back on it reconnects the power.

Check out our new video tutorial for a simple, concise explanation about wiring a pressure switch: How to wire a pressure switch

Shop pressure switches and other pump parts in our online store. 

Rainwater Harvesting in Ohio: Regulations and Restrictions

​Did you know that the Ohio Department of Health regulates “private water systems”? This includes cisterns, potable water wells, ponds, springs, and hauled water storage tanks. By ODH's definition, private water systems provide drinking water to fewer than 25 people, less than 60 days/year, or have less than 15 service connections. Under that definition, these regulations are applicable to residential homes and communities with fewer than 25 residents, as well as small businesses, churches, etc.

Find the ODH Ohio Administrative Code regulations here. 

Nobody Needs Zika

Experts are forecasting that the Zika virus, carried by mosquitos, has a very real potential of spreading throughout the United States this summer. Mosquitos' larvae grow in standing water, and those of us enthusiastic about rain barrels should do our due diligence to prevent mosquito larvae from growing in our rainwater. Here, I've compiled a list of ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, not only in your rain barrels, but also around your home.

1. Make sure you rain barrel has a closed top. It should either have a lid, or insect netting for preventing mosquitos from getting to the water. If you're unable to have a lid or netting, make sure to treat your rainwater with mosquito dunks that will kill the larvae.

2.Check the grade around your home for any low spots where water may puddle. Fill in any low spots with dirt and seed to ensure your property sheds water to the existing drainage.

3. If you have a pond, regularly manage any floating debris to eliminate sites where mosquitos could lay eggs.

4. Remove any old tires and have them recycled. If you have a tire swing, drill holes in the bottom so that water can drain out.

5. Ensure that your gutters have a proper slope so that water is draining effectively toward the downspout. Clean out your gutters regularly to prevent standing water.

6. Be aware of accidental rain-water collectors around your home, such as awnings, watering cans, bird baths, tarps, etc. Make sure to empty or change standing/stagnant water regularly.

7. If you have an ornamental pond, be sure to stock it with fish to eat the larvae.

Nobody needs zika, let us do our part to help stop the spread.