How To Install Your Own Emergency Backup Tank

Having a fresh water backup at home is critical in ensuring that you have water, should there be a reduction in pressure or a complete outage of the water supply from the municipality. Kevin shows in detail how to install this system and integrate it with your existing main water supply, such that in the event of a water outage, you have a backup until supply returns.

[MrDaveCoetzee]

A small addition, if the slab where the tank is located is exposed to rain, placing the motor on a small raised plinth, 20mm to 30mm will keep it out of the water if the area floods.

[markelkins]

I added a 5000 litre Jojo to my "Rand Water" system April 2022, when the local (fibre/concrete) pipes started popping in Pretoria East. 5000 Litres is fine for a week. I also have filters, particle filter on the way in, carbon filter and water softener on the way out. I use an electric water float and electric "tap" to feed water in - which allows me to adjust the water level in the Jojo by raising/lowering the float switch. It is also full pressure so agitates the water in the Jojo. I just have one "emergency" by-pass tap between Rand Water and the House. There is a one-way valve on the house side and another in the municipal water meter.
I also have a Solar/Victron/Battery system that keeps my house supplied with power.
One possible upgrade is a UV filter light on the house water, and maybe an array of pressure sensors so I can "see" what is happening.
We have had multiple pipe bursts in our area, as well as Rand Water failures - none have caused us an issue.
Oh, and I can safely (as in "tested") feed in Bore Hole water with its separate on/off float switch.
Wife really loves me!

[mjacalan]

You should add a bladder tank to that setup. Saves your pump from turning on everytime you open a tap.

[gavinrfuller]

After the water issues in KZN this easter, guess who just bought all this online at your store. Thanks guys.

[Dumpy]

If you add a non return valve into the horizontal pipe above and to the right of the garden tap, flow arrow facing the garden tap, you can open both red stop cocks and the system becomes fully automatic. You can still use the stop cocks for manual operation or maintenance/repair purposes. As this is, if you forget to close your left hand side stop cock the pump will keep circulating between the jojo outlet through the pump to the open ball valve.

[tkeysmusic]

My tank always looses water to the pipes even though i put the non return valve

[buildingtechnician]

Nice I've done a few tank installations myself and I recommend doing them like this but I don't need to turn off the tank main that falls the tank when I'm using the main water supply. That way the tank is always kept full.

[anthonyarmstrong]

Can the water go back passe through the pump to main pipe water

[MarthaMathibe]

How much does a plumber charges to install the pump

[f-sn]

Hi I'm in an apartment on fourth flow what would you suggest for back up water

[micsmicah]

Hi.
Could yoh show a list of things needed aswell as their specific prices.
Thank you.

[johnfrancis]

Thanks - a great help. Just a thought: If both ball valves are open, and the main supply is not supplying, it seems there is a chance that after using a tap, then turning it off, the pump will continue to circulate the water back into the tank? Perhaps the non-return valve on the Main Supply should be after the Tee to the tank?

[VishnuKalli]

What about pvc connections & pipes because of copper theft

[neiloconnor]

Thanks. I'm on well water, and looking for options if there's a drought.

[mrx]

Can I install the pump in the house to prevent it from theft

[kimlove]

What’s the equivalent of American Tank? and the size of a pump?

[qtjukks]

How do I contact builders for in-house installation. I already have the tank installation but not happy with it. Can someone come through for inspection and servicing?

[jccantav]

This system as you build it can’t work: the check valve coming out of the pump will close once the pump stops keeping the house pressurized and causing the pressure from the pump to the check valve to drop setting the pump on an endless start stop cycle. Ask me how I know?
That check valve has to be on the tank side of the pump or the pressure switch needs to be moved from the pump to the pipe after the check valve.

[Buckaroo]

Add a bladder tank folks…then it’s a perfect system.

[salmanmadhoo]

1 question plz i am getting problems with my automatic, which is running continuously without any leakage..and when the main water supply open to fill the reservoir tank or even i open my water supply main tap the automatic stay on .
What should i do please???
Do you think i must change the non returning valve??