James Mercer Commercial Project Manager from Ken Neyer Plumbing Inc. contacted me to look at a schematic for a 3 rain barrel system which uses 4″ connectors and has first flush capability for rooftop debris separation. My job was to supply the barrels to the specifications given within the schematic. This unit is to be installed on the Dater Montessori Renovation Project which is looking at achieving the first LEED Silver certified renovated school in Ohio.

What makes this system different than my ordinary multiple barrel configurations is the roof washer extension (click image above to view). From top to bottom it shows a rainwater leader, which is basically a 4″ pipe from the rooftop catchment area, where rainwater is diverted. The rainwater then runs down a roof washer extension that has a hose bib installed on the side to let water out and pull debris downward (so it doesn’t flow to the barrels). At the end of the tube is an end cap that can be unscrewed for maintenance purposes (to remove sediment). There is also a splash block below to catch drips or flow from the hose bib spigot. This is good, basic debris removal for LEED certified systems.

The barrels connect end to end with 4″ PVC pipe, the overflow spills into a storm hub with air break. Do ordinary rain barrels need debris removal like this? Not really because they can be hosed out a couple times a season BUT multiple barrel systems that are to be left in place do require some sort of roof washer extension or first flush capability. If you have a rooftop catchment area that collects lots of bird droppings and other debris you might also want to consider this system. Open the hose bib further and dirty water will flow out the side of the washer extension within the first few minutes of a sizable rain storm. If you plan to store water in rain barrels for long periods of time removing as much sediment as possible can only help.

Interested in having me make you this complete system or a slightly modified unit? Talk to me, I would enjoy seeing a few of you out there with more advanced systems on your homes.