First Flush Diverters

Advantages of First Flush Water Diverters

  • Improves rainwater quality and safety
  • Extends the life of pumps and fixtures using rainwater (such as laundry, toilets, irrigation systems)
  • Reduces tank maintenance

Order ID: 20010
Includes: 3” Diverter Kit
Application: First Flush Diverter
Color: White
User Group: Gardners, Hobbyist
Downspouts: One
Weight: 1.5 lbs

How do First Flush Diverters work?

When it rains, water slowly builds up in the roof guttering system before it exits through the downpipe. The first flush of water from the roof can contain amounts of bacteria from decomposed insects, bird and animal droppings and concentrated tannic acid. It may also contain sediments, water borne heavy metals and chemical residues, all of which are undesirable elements to have in a water storage system.

Instead of flowing to the water tank, these pollutants are diverted with the initial flow of water into the chamber of the water diverter. The water diverters utilize a dependable ball and seat system – a simple automatic system that does not rely on mechanical parts or manual intervention.

As the water level in the diverter chamber rises the ball floats, and once the chamber if full, the ball rests on a seat inside the diverter chamber preventing any further water entering the diverter. The subsequent flow of water is then automatically directed along the pipe system to the tank.

For a Water Diverter to work effectively, the contaminated water in the chamber must be sealed off. This prevents the water passing to the storage tank and ensure the water does not “syphon” off the contaminated water in the chamber. The simplest and surest way to do this is with a floating ball and seat.

A slow release valve ensures the chamber empties itself after rain and resets automatically.

Downspout First Flush Diverter Installation

Simple and effective first flush devices, they are installed at the downpipe and used when there are a small number of downpipes supplying water to the tank. The diverters are supplied in kit form and come with everything needed to complete installation – just add the length of PVC pipe required to form the diverter chamber.

It is preferable to fit the longest length chamber as possible to ensure better quality water. Install from the roof gutter and after the rain head, to within 6” above the ground to allow easy access to the end cap.

TIP! Downspout Diverters should be installed at each downpipe that supplies water to the tank.

SMART NEST FIRST FLUSH

Water Diverters work best when a gutter downspout filter is installed upstream of the diverter. Fitted at the downpipe either directly on the underside of the roof gutter or to a wall, the Leaf Eater or Leaf Beater rain heads, are self cleaning devices that deflect leaves and debris away from the flow of rainwater. Rain heads ensure the diverter chamber and Slow Release Control Valve do not block up as easily. They not only help Water Diverters operate more efficiently in preventing fine sediments and pollutants from entering the rainwater tank, they also ensure Water Diverters drain and reset automatically after rainfall, significantly reducing system maintenance.