When you’ve installed as many cisterns and collection systems as I have, you learn quickly: rainwater harvesting succeeds or fails on the quality of the plumbing components. The water is free; the engineering isn’t. I’m Rick Callahan, owner of Plumbing Supply And More, and I’ve spent decades helping contractors, facilities teams, and serious DIYers build rain systems that deliver clean water reliably, pass inspection, and don’t become maintenance headaches. If you’re weighing which parts to buy—or whether the kit at the home center will hold up—stick with me. I’ll walk you through exactly what you need, why it matters, and where the typical installs go sideways.
Before we dive in: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components that meet code, integrate properly, and include the right spec sheets. We support projects throughout our region with same-day delivery, emergency supply runs, and on-call tech support. When you’re searching for a truly knowledgeable plumbing supply near me or the closest, trusted plumbing supply house near me, you’ll find our team and inventory hard to beat.
Start with the Goal: Potable, Non-Potable, or Irrigation-Only?
The very first decision dictates your entire parts list and your inspection path. Are you using harvested rain strictly for irrigation, for toilet/laundry reuse, or are you planning to treat to potable standard? Most residential systems in our area are non-potable (irrigation or toilet flushing). For potable, you’ll layer in advanced filtration and disinfection and you’ll be scrutinized under plumbing and health codes.
- For irrigation-only: You’ll need roof-to-tank conveyance, first-flush diversion, screened inlets, a debris filter basket, a storage tank, a pump/pressure set, and basic filtration (typically 100–200 micron screen ahead of the pump). For indoor non-potable: Add backflow prevention (typically a Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly—ASSE 1013), more robust filtration (20–5 microns), and labeled purple pipe for distribution. For potable: Expect multi-stage filtration (20–5–1 microns), activated carbon, and UV or ozone disinfection. Plan on NSF/ANSI 61/372 certified components and potentially NSF 55 Class A UV for primary disinfection.
Pro tip: Don’t assume your inspector treats rain the same as greywater. They’re different categories. In our region, look to IPC Chapters 13 and 16, or UPC Chapter 16, and local amendments. Call our technical team for project-specific code references—we keep current copies and can send you manufacturer compliance letters on request. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support when it comes to code navigation and submittals.
Roof Collection and Pre-Filtration: Gutters, Screens, and First-Flush
Your water quality starts at the roof edge. I’ve seen pristine tanks ruined by neglected gutters.
- Leaf management: Pair 5 or 6-inch K-style gutters with high-flow micro-mesh guards, like Gutterglove Pro or Alex Plus Mesh, to keep organics out. For metal roofs, larger downspout inlets help reduce clogging during high-intensity storms. Downspout filters: Consider Rain Harvesting Pty RHAD100 leaf eaters with 1 mm stainless mesh. These are easy to service and keep snakes, pests, and debris from entering the conveyance pipe. First-flush diverters: A must. Aim for 0.5–1.0 gallons of diversion per 100 sq ft of roof on typical asphalt shingles; double that for older roofs or heavy tree cover. The Rain Harvesting First Flush Advanced (Model WDDS31) with ball-and-seat design is robust, and we stock replacement ball seats. Conveyance piping: Use Schedule 40 PVC for durability, solvent-welded, sloped 1/8–1/4 inch per foot to a screened inlet at the tank. Where freezing is an issue, we drop piping below frost depth or heat-trace and insulate exposed runs.
Insider secret: Add a vacuum relief air admittance at the high point of the conveyance to prevent siphon back into the gutters. It’s a cheap fix that prevents roof overflow and weird gurgling after storms. Need help sizing? While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we’ll calculate diversion volumes and mesh grades based on your actual roof area and rainfall intensity.
Storage Tanks and Cisterns: Materials, Fittings, and Foundation
Tanks fail from three things: UV, hydrostatic movement, and poor penetrations. Choose the right material and set it right the first time.
- Materials: Above-ground polyethylene: Norwesco and Snyder 500–2,500 gallons are workhorses; UV-stabilized, NSF/ANSI 61 options available. Expect $0.75–$1.25 per gallon for standard dark green/black tanks. Underground fiberglass: Xerxes or Containment Solutions 1,000–10,000+ gallons. Higher upfront cost ($2.50–$4.50/gal installed) but great for freeze protection and aesthetics. Modular stormwater cells under patios for lawn irrigation are an emerging option; we can source Atlantis Flo-Tank modules when site constraints demand. Fittings: Use bulkhead fittings (Banjo or Spears) rather than unistrut grommets on tanks. Size your outlet to meet pump flow—1.5 inch for 10–20 gpm is typical. Install a screened overflow at the top of the tank with a downward elbow and mosquito mesh (0.5 mm stainless). Add a sediment sump or “calmed inlet” to avoid stirring the tank base; we stock calmed inlet kits that thread into common 2-inch ports. Foundation: For above-ground poly, a 6-inch compacted crushed stone pad or reinforced concrete slab, dead level, is non-negotiable. Out-of-level pads warp tanks over time.
Pro tip: Order tanks with extra ports molded in. It’s cheaper and cleaner than retrofitting later. When Home Depot or Lowe’s sell a “rain barrel,” it’s fine for planters—but for real capacity, spec a professional tank with proper penetrations. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for tanks, gaskets, and the right bulkheads that won’t leak a season later.
Pumps and Pressure Sets: Moving Water Without Headaches
I’ve replaced more under-sized pumps than I care to admit. Sizing to your real pressure and flow is everything.
- Typical packages: Jet pumps for shallow draws: Goulds J10S or Franklin J-Class, good for 10–15 gpm at moderate pressure. Add a Cycle Stop Valve CSV1A to eliminate short-cycling. Multistage booster pumps: Grundfos CM3-4 or Davey BT14-45 for compact, quiet operation; excellent for indoor non-potable risers. Submersible in-tank: Franklin 3200 Series 1/2–3/4 HP at 10–20 gpm for silent operation and reduced priming issues. Pressure control: VFD packages like Grundfos CMBE or DAB E.sybox provide constant pressure (set 50 psi, vary flow), reduce energy use, and extend pump life. Price range $900–$1,800 depending on flow. Traditional pressure tank + switch: Amtrol WX-203 with Square D Pumptrol 40/60. Budget-friendly and reliable; add a 20-inch spin-down filter upstream. Freeze protection and serviceability: Unions and full-port ball valves on both sides of filters and pumps. Heat tape on exposed suction lines, with insulation rated for damp locations. A priming tee and gauge port will save you hours during startup.
Insider secret: Put your pump on vibration pads and flexible stainless connectors to eliminate “water hammer” noise telegraphing through framing. And for potable intent, use NSF 61/372 certified wetted parts throughout. Unlike a typical Supply House that sends you a box, Plumbing Supply And More sets your pump curve, calculates friction loss, and validates your drawdown before you buy.
Filtration, Treatment, and Potable Options: Getting Water Quality Right
Water quality dictates maintenance. The cleaner you keep the tank, the lighter your filtration load.
- Non-potable indoor: Sediment: Pentair Big Blue 20-inch housings with 20 micron pleated, followed by 5 micron melt-blown. Optional carbon block for odor control: Pentek CBC-20BB. Backflow: For cross-connection, an RPZ assembly such as Wilkins 375XL2 or Watts 909; check your local AHJ about testable backflow requirements. We stock repair kits and test cocks. Potable: Staging: 20–5–1 micron sediment, followed by carbon block, then UV. UV: VIQUA VH410 (14 gpm) or VIQUA PRO10 (NSF 55A) for higher assurance. Install with a normally closed solenoid valve tied to the UV alarm to fail-safe closed. Monitoring: Install a sample port post-disinfection for routine testing. Plan annual lamp and sleeve maintenance; we carry OEM lamps to avoid performance drop. Tank hygiene: Floating suction kits draw from 6–12 inches below the surface where water is clearest. We stock RainFlo FS2 kits with weighted floats. Chlorination for potable storage: Tablet feeders in overflow throat are a last resort; I prefer UV + carbon and good pre-filtration to keep taste neutral.
Pro tip: Don’t oversize carbon. Undersaturated media can grow biofilm; size for expected usage so you turn the bed over regularly. Call us—we’ll run your usage math and spec cartridge or backwashing GAC tanks properly. Compared to Ferguson, Grainger, or City Plumbing and Electrical Supply, Plumbing Supply And More pairs filtration hardware with real-world maintenance schedules that keep operating costs predictable.
Distribution Piping, Valves, and Backflow: Code-Ready and Clear
Distribution choices depend on where the water’s going.
- Purple pipe: Use ASTM D2737 CTS PE or ASTM D1785 PVC labeled “Reclaimed Water” (purple). We stock Charlotte Pipe purple SDR-21 and matching solvent cement, plus signage and tags required by many AHJs. Label everything. Valves: Full-port brass ball valves (Apollo 70-100 series) or PVC true unions (Spears) for service points. Include a bypass around filtration for maintenance. Backflow and cross-connection: Separate potable makeup lines with an air gap or RPZ. Install testable backflow devices per code and leave clearance for annual testing; our team provides spec sheets and cut sheets for submittal packages. Hose bibbs: Use non-potable purple bibb caps, lockable where public access exists. Install anti-siphon vacuum breakers if bibbs are elevated.
Insider secret: In mixed-use buildings, run a dedicated non-potable manifold with lockable isolation and purple identification so maintenance staff never cross-connect. Our contractor customers appreciate the pre-cut label kits we include with orders—one less thing for the punch list. Compared to standard plumbing supply, Plumbing Supply And More ensures your submittals include every decal, tag, and datasheet inspectors expect.
Controls, Level Sensing, and Overflow: Make It Smart, Not Fussy
Good controls prevent dry-run, overflow messes, and nuisance calls.
- Level sensing: Madison M5600 float switches are durable and easy to field-service. For high/low automation, we build duplex float trees with stainless weights. Auto makeup: If allowed by code, a solenoid-fed air-gap makeup can protect irrigation supply during drought. Use a Watts 009 RPZ upstream and a 1-inch ASSE 1001 vacuum breaker if it’s open to atmosphere. Overflow: Plumb overflow to daylight with a rodent/mosquito screen and a flap valve. Tie in a high-level alarm (audible/visual; RLE Technologies LDRA6 works well) in basements to avoid surprises.
Pro tip: Add a dry-contact to your building automation system or a smart relay like an Intermatic ET1705C to schedule irrigation and avoid running the pump during local peak energy hours. We can pre-wire control panels; ask our counter team about our build lead times—usually 2–4 business days.
Cold Climate Considerations: Freeze, Heave, and Winter Bypass
If you’re in a freeze-prone area, oversimplified installs cost you in spring.
- Burial depth: Keep conveyance below frost line or drain-back to the tank with a vacuum break. Heat-trace (self-regulating, 6–9 W/ft) and UV-rated insulation on exposed lines. Bypass manifolds: Add a three-valve bypass to switch to municipal or well water during deep freezes. Tag clearly to prevent accidental cross-connection. Tank insulation: Above-ground poly benefits from insulated wraps and wind baffles. Dark tanks reduce algae and help with shoulder-season warming.
Pro tip: Schedule a fall service visit. We supply winterization kits—drain plugs, unions, and glycerin gauges—to make it a 30-minute job. Our same-day delivery radius covers 60 miles, serving contractors throughout the region with emergency components when a cold snap arrives early.
Real-World Costing, Timelines, and Common Pitfalls
Let’s ground this in numbers so you can plan accurately.
- Typical 1,500–2,500 gallon irrigation system: Tanks and fittings: $1,500–$3,000 Pump/pressure set: $500–$1,800 Filtration and valves: $350–$900 Controls and electrical: $300–$1,200 Piping and accessories: $400–$1,200 Labor: 16–40 hours depending on trenching, slab, and distances Indoor non-potable adders: RPZ assembly and test ports: $450–$1,200 Purple pipe distribution: variable; $2–$4/ft material for SDR-21 Potable adders: Multi-stage filtration + UV: $1,200–$3,500 Sampling valves, alarms, and certification steps: project-specific
Common pitfalls I see:
- Undersized overflow—match or exceed your inlet capacity. No unions at filters—every cartridge change becomes a battle. Ignoring mosquito-proofing—screen every opening down to 0.5 mm. Cheap hose bibbs that corrode—use lead-free, NSF-372 brass even for non-potable.
Want a line-item BOM? Call ahead or email your roof area, tank location, and intended uses. Unlike many internet plumbing supply sites, Plumbing Supply And More builds accurate, code-ready materials lists and stands behind them.
Where to Buy: Skip the Commodity, Choose Expertise
You could try piecing this together from scattered retailers. But rain systems demand integrated components that actually play well together. If you’ve ever searched for a “ plumbing supply store near me” or a dependable plumbing supply shop, you know the difference between a counter that shrugs and a counter that solves.
Here’s how we help:
- Bulk and contractor pricing on tanks, pumps, and purple pipe for any contractor plumbing supply need. Technical support with spec sheets for property managers and maintenance teams—true commercial plumbing supply service. Same-day delivery and emergency restocks—a lifeline for crews on tight schedules. Live guidance for serious DIYers who want more than “whatever’s on the shelf” at a chain.
And yes, we ship—so if you’re hunting plumbing supplies direct, plumbing supply online, or even wholesale plumbing supply, our team handles it smoothly. I’ve built relationships with manufacturers like Grundfos, VIQUA, Wilkins, Charlotte Pipe, and Norwesco, so you get honest lead times, not guesswork. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and we’ll prove it when you visit our showroom.
You’ll also hear our customers compare us with Ferguson, SupplyHouse.com, and even ACE Hardware. They’re fine companies, but we do rain systems every day. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise, from the right first-flush to the right UV lamp.
FAQ: Rainwater Harvesting Essentials
How big should my tank be?
Start with irrigation demand: lawn and beds often need 0.5–1.0 inches/week in peak season. Multiply your irrigated square footage by 0.62 to convert inches of water to gallons. For example, 2,000 sq ft at 0.75 inches is roughly 930 gallons per week. If your rainfall pattern is sporadic, a 1,500–2,500 gallon tank smooths supply between storms. For indoor non-potable (toilets, laundry), plan on 15–25 gallons per person per day as a ballpark and adjust for occupancy.
Do I need a first-flush diverter?
Yes. It protects your filters and tank by sending the dirtiest roof runoff to drain. We size them to roof area and local debris load; think 0.5–1.0 gallons per 100 sq ft minimum. We stock Rain Harvesting models with serviceable seats and balls so you’re not replacing the whole unit every couple of years.
Can I make rainwater potable legally?
Often yes, but it’s jurisdiction-specific. You’ll need NSF-listed components, multi-stage filtration, and UV disinfection (or equivalent). Expect permitting, possible bacteriological testing, and strict backflow/cross-connection controls. Our team provides stamped cut sheets and helps you navigate local amendments to IPC/UPC. For potable, we prefer VIQUA UV and Pentair filtration, all NSF 61/372 compliant.
What pump do I need for lawn irrigation?
It depends on emitter type and zone GPM. A 10–15 gpm jet pump or a 1/2–3/4 HP submersible often covers most residential zones at 40–60 psi. If you want quiet and efficient indoor placement, look at a Grundfos CMBE variable-speed booster. Bring us your zone chart and we’ll plot your pump curve against friction loss to eliminate guesswork.
How do I prevent algae and mosquitoes in the tank?
Use opaque tanks (dark green/black), cover every opening with 0.5 mm stainless screens, and install a calmed inlet to keep sediment undisturbed. Keep gutters and first-flush units maintained. If odor appears, a carbon post-filter or periodic tank cleaning helps. Floating suction kits avoid pulling water from the sediment layer.
What about winterizing?
Add drain-downs at low points, unions around filters, and a bypass to municipal or well water. Heat-trace exposed sections and insulate. We offer winterization kits and can walk you through the process in under 30 minutes.
A Few Words on Finding the Right Supplier
If you’ve typed “ plumbing shop near me,” “ closest plumbing supply,” or “ plumbing wholesale near me” at midnight before an inspection, you already know why reliability matters. Our counter carries everything from purple SDR-21 to RPZ assemblies, from plumbing parts to bathroom plumbing supplies for tie-ins, and even the less obvious pieces like float switch weights and mosquito mesh. Need specialty items like decorative plumbing supply for exposed bibbs or a truly economy plumbing supply solution for a community garden? We’ll match aesthetics and budget without sacrificing durability. For facility teams hunting plumbing and heating supply compatibility or heating plumbing supply near me for cross-project standardization, we stock brands your service techs already trust.
We also support:
- Property managers: consolidated POs through our wholesale plumbing supply company desk, plus labeled kits for multi-building deployments. Contractors: job-site drops, palletized orders, and after-hours pickup via our secure locker—true 24 hour plumbing supply flexibility when schedules slip. DIYers: curated BOMs, clear instructions, and access to our consumer plumbing supply know-how without the upsell games.
If you’ve tried the “ internet plumbing supply” route and been burned on compatibility or shipping delays, come see the difference. Even if HVAC supply house providers you shop online, our plumbing supplies direct portal reflects live inventory—no phantom stock. We beat the typical discount plumbing supplies feel by pairing fair pricing with accountability. And yes, we’ll compare apples-to-apples with SupplyHouse, Ferguson, Grainger, or even smaller players like PlumbersStock so you know where the value truly is. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—and we stand behind our recommendations.
Bring Us Your Sketch—We’ll Hand You a System
I’ve seen rain projects succeed because someone spent an extra hour on layout and $50 on the right union valves. I’ve also seen them fail because a bargain pump cavitated itself to death. If you’re serious about Rainwater Harvesting: Plumbing Supplies You’ll Need, get serious about the components and the partner who provides them.
- Visit our showroom to see the quality difference—tanks, pumps, filters, and controls you can actually handle before you buy. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations; we’ll size first-flush units, pumps, and filtration correctly. Ask about our contractor discount program and bulk pricing if you manage multiple properties or large installs. Check our current inventory online or call ahead—we’ll reserve your order and set delivery windows that align with your trenching and concrete dates. Our experts can walk you through the installation process, from solvent-welding PVC to wiring float controls.
Here’s my promise as the owner: whether you’re a contractor under deadline, a facilities manager standardizing across sites, or a homeowner who wants a clean, code-compliant system, we’ll treat your project like our own. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, backs them with real expertise, and keeps you supplied when a storm—or an inspector—is on the horizon. When it comes to Rainwater Harvesting: Plumbing Supplies You’ll Need, we make it straightforward, reliable, and built to last.