Publications
Partners
If you’re looking to invest in a JoJo tank, the first question you’re probably asking yourself is: which JoJo tank should I buy?
Since each installation is different, your required water tank and size will vary depending on the water source, the desired application, the amount of available space and, of course, your personal preference. We can narrow it down by looking at your water source and intended use, and then from there, you can choose the shape and colour that you like best.
Rainwater harvesting
Consider the rainfall in your area, your roof size and what the water will be used for. The biggest challenge for rainwater harvesting is accurately calculating storage capacity required. A quick calculation to use: 1mm of rain on 1mü of roof surface amounts to 1 litre of water. So, a roof area of 100m² would yield approximately 2 500 litres in a rainfall event of 25mm.
Municipal backup
Take into consideration how much water you need per day (this will vary based on what the water is used for) and the period you would like the backup water to last. On average, we use 150 litres of water per person per day in SA. So a 2 500-litre tank should provide a family of four people approximately four days of municipal water backup. Try, however, to install as much capacity as you have space for and can afford.
Fully integrated system
Consider how much municipal water you would like available and then add the amount you would like to harvest in rainwater. You will require a lot more storage capacity for this system as it behaves as both a municipal backup and a rainwater collection system. Once you’ve selected your JoJo tank, you’ll need to install it. You can either go the DIY route, or have one of our trusted installers do it all for you. Visit the JoJo installers section on our website to find one in your area and contact them for a quote based on your specific JoJo tank installation requirements. If you’d prefer to handle your JoJo tank installation yourself, there are a few tips and guidelines you should keep in mind.
Ensure that you purchase a water storage tank.
All of our water storage tanks are made with an additional BPA-free, food-grade black inner lining to prevent algae growth and leaching of harmful chemicals, and to protect the quality of the water stored.
Ensure that your tank is installed on a suitable base.
It must be a sound, level and smooth surface. Level paving will suffice, or a properly designed tank stand (with carrier beams spaced not more than 50mm apart). Alternatively, a concrete plinth needs to be built, ideally with a surface bed at least 85mm thick. Regardless of the type of foundation you choose, it should always be a minimum of 100mm wider than the diameter of the tank to avoid overhang.
Ensure that you use thread tape for all fittings and connections.
This is something that is often overlooked and is an important part of the initial installation. To avoid unnecessary leaks, we always advise using thread tape for all connections where water is involved, even if you are only fitting a tap to an already fitted water fitting or reducer.
Only use plastic fittings and connections.
The material used to manufacture our tanks allows for expansion/contraction in hotter and cooler weather conditions. It is important that all fittings/connections are flexible and can move with the tank instead of against it which causes friction/stress and over time could result in leaks.
Do not use unsupported connections.
When connecting pipes, gutters, etc. to a tank, it is important that they are supported to avoid placing the tank under stress.
Do not apply any pressure to the tank (internal or external).
An above-ground JoJo tank is not designed to handle any additional pressure. Avoid putting pressure on the roof of the tank during installation or as part of the installation (for example, downpipes resting on top of the roof of the tank) as this will cause the roof of the tank to dent or collapse.
If the tank will be used for rainwater harvesting, ensure that you install pre-filtration.
Pre-filtration improves the quality of the water entering into the tank. This is vital as a lot of dirt, dust, leaves, twigs, etc. accumulate on your roof and this can cause the water to smell and also clogs pumps etc.
If the tank will be used for municipal backup, ensure that you use a professional JoJo installer or accredited plumber to assist with the installation.
This system ties into the main water supply line and there are certain plumbing laws that need to be adhered to.
Visit www.jojo.co.za for more information on how to secure your water source with JoJo’s water storage solutions, and ensure healthy, great-tasting water for your household with our filtration range.
