How to Install an InstaDrip Rainwater Harvesting System
1-1 Choose a Location
For Above Ground Flotender™ installations:
Select a location to place the Flotender. Place the Flotender on a smooth level surface, preferably next to a downspout pipe that receives water from a large portion of the roof.
For Below Ground Flotender™ installations:
For below ground installations, excavate and place the Flotender on 1 inch of compact sand. Sand will protect the bottom of the tank form sharp objects and help in leveling.
1-2 Connect the Expansion Tank(s)
Note: If your system does not include an expansion tank, skip this step.
Place the Flotender expansion tank next to the Flotender 40 as shown in one of the configurations below. For connection details, please refer to the instructions included with the expansion tank connection kit.
1-3 Connect to Downspout
Connect the Flotender to the downspout using a downspout connection or drain line kit. Flotender connection kits and accessories are not included in RW Kits. (Shown is the Flotender Downspout Connector Kit w/o valve. Refer to each Flotender connection kit for specific installation instructions)
2-1 Connect the Overflow
Extend the overflow to drain above or below ground, or reconnect to the existing drain line.
2-2 Secondary Filter Connection
Install the tee filter and connect the drip pipe to the barb on the tee filter. For below ground installations, install the optional 3-way valve if installing a rain garden.
Note: In an above ground installation, the secondary filter will remain above ground, directly attached to the Flotender.
Note: In a below ground installation, the secondary filter should extend above the ground to provide easy cleaning of the filter element. The optional valve can be used to divert water to a rain garden when desired.
3-1 Install the Drip Line
Place the ½” tubing through the center of the planting area. Put a tee in if you need to branch off to other areas or use an elbow if you need to make a right turn. You have to work a bit to push the ½” tubing onto the fittings. Twist and turn the fittings into the tubing, being careful to not get any debris inside the pipe.
3-2 Install the Feeder Tubing
Use the coupling insersion Tool to insert the ¼” Self-Piercing Barb Connector into the ½” tubing. Be sure to insert the ¼” Self-Piercing Barb Connector where you want to branch off to a plant with the ¼” tubing.
Push the ¼” tubing onto the barb. Then run the ¼” tubing over to the plant and cut the tubing with a knife or pair of garden shears. Be sure to leave some excess tubing so you have room to adjust the dripper later. You can use the ¼” tees to branch off from the ¼” tubing so you can drip at two locations from one emitter. After you have run all the ¼” tubing, attach a cap adapter to the end of the ½” tubing and remove the cap for flushing.
Note: For recommended drip emitter distribution details see instructions included with the Flotender packaged drip kit.
3-3 Flushing the System
Using a garden hose, add water to your Flotender System until the water reaches halfway up on the Filter Basket.
For a system with one line of ½” tubing:
Turn the Flotender on and allow the water to flow through your system. Make sure that water is exiting out the ½” tubing. Place a cap on the end of the ½” tubing and make sure water is flowing from all the ¼” tubing.For a system with multiple lines of ½” tubing:
Turn the Flotender on and allow water to flow through your system. Beginning with the ½” tubing at the lowest point in the yard, make sure that water is flowing then place the cap on the end. Move to the next highest end point and repeat until all of the lines of ½” tubing have been flushed. While water is still running, inspect all ¼” tubing to ensure water is flowing from each line.
3-4 Install the Drip Emitters
Insert the drip emitters onto the ends of the ¼” tubing and use the “V” shaped stakes to place the drippers at the roots of the plants. Once all of the drippers are in place, turn the system on and make sure all of the drippers are operating as intended.
4-1 Install the Auto-Fill (optional)
Connect the optional auto-fill device to the port labeled “auto-fill”. Refer to the instructions included with the device for detailed information.
4-2 Backfill (Below Ground Installations) & Final Tasks
Things to Check:
- The lid should be securely fastened before backfilling around the Flotender. Take special care to ensure that dirt doesn’t get inside of the unit. Backfill around the drip system.
- Make sure all stainless steel clamps have been tightened before backfilling.
- Cushion the pipe with rock free dirt and compact the earth in layers during backfill
- Make sure that the terrain around the Flotender is graded so surface water does not collect around it.
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