RainGrid Cistern Operating instructions

Thank you for purchasing
the RainGrid® Cistern
This custom-designed rain cistern works day in,
day out, to protect streams and rivers by keep-
ing roof runo out of storm drains and sewers,
and letting it ow into the ground to replenish
the groundwater table. Its generous 500 L/132
gallon capacity means that every household can
contribute to healthy rivers, conserve potable
water, and help reduce the impacts of climate
change in our communities.
The RainGrid Cistern is secure and safe to use. Its
tough, solid, one-piece construction is designed
to provide a lifetime of worry-free use. Each
cistern is made of UV-stabilized LLDPE to prevent
warping, fading or cracks, and has a unique filter
system. The 200-micron mesh filter makes your
RainGrid Cistern mosquito-proof, and stops
sediment and other fine particles.
The RainGrid Cistern provides easy seasonal operation. (See Maintenance Instructions
on the back cover.) Winter or summer, operating your rain cistern is as easy as a simple
turn of our unique diverter system.
Remember – after a rain, it’s time to drain!
An empty Cistern is ready to keep more rainwater out of
our storm drains and sewers the next time it rains.
Bypass
Shutdown: Just prior to freeze-up, drain the cistern and
leave the valve open. Turn the diverter control handle on
the rain valve to the“bypass”position so that the rainwater
from the roof bypasses the cistern and ows directly onto a
porous surface.
Collect
Start-up: Turn the diverter control handle on the rain valve to the
“collect”position, so the rainwater from the roof enters the cistern.
Close the drain at the base of the cistern. The faucet, with a 3/4-
inch hose thread, can be used to ll watering cans or to connect a
hose for lawn watering or drip irrigation systems.
Monthly: Clean your lter bag every month. Pull the diverter
drum out of the rain valve. Turn the Nitex lter bag inside out
and spray with a hose to remove any debris that has collected.
Replace the diverter drum.
Copyright 2012 RainGrid
The path to clean water begins in your own
backyard. With every RainGrid® Cistern
installed, we all make a positive dierence.
RainGrid Cistern
Installation and Operation Guide
USE & MAINTENANCE:
Warning: Water collected from the roof is not sanitary for consumption.
The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for failure due to improper installation
or assembly.
RainGrid works with communities across North America to protect urban rivers. We are
recognized as the leading nonprot organization addressing nonpoint-source pollution
prevention.
For additional information, please contact RainGrid:
Web: www.raingrid.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: [phone]
raingrid.comraingrid.com
RainGrid is a Certied B Corporation by B Lab, a
global non-prot organization with oces around the
world. B Corps designation certies the corporation
uses the power of business to help solve social and
environmental problems.

Step 1: Assemble your rain cistern
1. Separate the diverter valve from the diverter housing.
2. Place the foam gasket on the diverter housing.
3. Use one bolt at a time to secure the gasket and
diverter housing to the cistern.
4. Tighten bolts snugly.
5. Ensure that the 200-micron Nitex-mesh lter sock is
securely attached and insert the cylinder inside the
diverter housing.
6. The drain holes are located near the bottom of the
cistern directly opposite the diverter system. Attach
the brass mini-ball valve and drain plug into either
the top or the bottom threaded ttings as desired to
match your water-use preferences.
Step 2: Select a suitable site
1. Locate the downspout (roof drain) on your home that
is the most convenient location for the placement of
the RainCistern.
2. Ensure that the rain cistern sits on a level and com-
pacted surface. A concrete pad or paver can be used
for additional stability.
3. Place the rain cistern at on the base. Position with
the rain valve closest to the downspout. Ensure the
lter can be removed for regular cleaning.
4. Ensure the brass valve is easily accessible for lling
watering cans, attaching hoses, etc.
Ensure proper threading. Do not over-tighten.
Warranty is void if screws are cross-threaded or
misapplied.
Step 3: Connect Downspout to RainCistern
1. Cut the downspout on your house approximately 12
inches above the top of the rain valve intake trough.
2. If the downspout was connected to the sewer, be sure
to cap it properly.
3. Retain the cut-o section of downspout for the
bypass ow at the bottom of the diverter valve.
4. Install a new section of downspout pipe (not includ-
ed) with an elbow attached to the diverter system
intake trough. A hinged diverter elbow may provide
an easier installation and maintain the slope angle
required for good ow.
Step 4: Connect Rain System Bypass
1. Connect the overow/bypass pipe to the bottom
of the diverter system using two or more ½-inch
self-tapping screws (not included).
2. Attach a diverter elbow and a section of horizontal
pipe to carry the overow/bypass water to a
permeable drainage area at least 4 feet away from
the house foundation. It is recommended that you
add an optional diuser to the discharge point of the
overow/bypass pipe to prevent erosion.
3. Your rain cistern is now ready to use. See back page
for use and maintenance instructions
COMPONENTS & ASSEMBLY:
It’s easy to assemble your RainGrid® Cistern. Ensure that your cistern has all the
following parts. Attach the diverter system as illustrated and install the downspout as
directed below. Downspout pipe and elbows are not included.
Your Cistern kit includes the following:
1500 L/132 gal. capacity rain cistern
2Rainwater diverter system
3¾-inch brass mini-ball valve with ¾-inch hose thread
4¾-inch HDPE drain plug
5Diverter housing
6Diverter valve and control handle
7¼-inch foam gasket for sealing the valve to the tank
84 – ¼-inch bolts to connect the diverter housing to the cistern
91x4x10-inch, 200 micron Nitex mesh lter
2
1
3
Rainwater diverter systemRainCistern
Brass mini-ball valve
and drain plug
INSTALLATION:
7
6
8
9
5
4
Copyright 2016 RainGrid
raingrid.com