Frequently Asked Questions

Rainstream FAQ | Ridgistorm-XL FAQ

Rainstream

  1. How do you size a tank?
  2. Where does the tank have to be positioned?
  3. What is the burial depth of an Rainstream tank?
  4. Can the tank be buried lower than the water table?
  5. Does the tank have to be encased in concrete?
  6. Can the system be connected to Syphonic Drainage?
  7. How high can you pump the water from the tank?
  8. Where does the mains water back-up feed into?
  9. What pressure is the water delivered at?
  10. Is the water clean?
  11. Is there an audible alarm on the system?
  12. How much energy does the pump use?
  13. How does the system get delivered to site?
  14. What maintenance is required?
  15. What guarantee does Polypipe offer?
  16. What if I have a problem – what do I do?

How do you size a tank?

This BSI rainwater harvesting code of practice BS 8515 gives guidance on design, installation, testing and maintenance of systems for non-potable applications. For more information visit www.bsi-global.com. Free assessments in accordance with BS 8515 are available through the Polypipe WMS Technical Department on 01509 615100, or by downloading an assessment form. It is essential to have details of the site location, roof area, proposed applications, number of appliances and number of people within the building.

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Where does the tank have to be positioned? – What is the min/max distance from the building?

There are no building regulations concerning the position of an Rainstream system, therefore our guidelines are based on the building regulations for septic tanks, which states that a tank must be positioned at least 5m from a building. The maximum distance that a tank can be positioned from a building is 100 metres.

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What is the burial depth of a Rainstream tank?

Rainstream has a burial depth up to 3.5m.

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Can the tank be buried lower than the water table?

Yes, Rainstream (our GRP Tanks) will however need to be ordered as a super heavy duty tank and will need to be encased in concrete.

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Does the tank have to be encased in concrete?

Rainstream should be encased in concrete unless there is definitely no water table present, in which case a gravel surround can be used. However, Polypipe WMS always recommends a concrete surround for GRP tanks to ensure the tank is protected from any possible movement of the water table.

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Where does the mains water back-up feed into?

For a gravity system the mains water back up is fed directly into the header tank. For a pressurised system the mains back-up is fed directly into the underground storage tank and controlled to allow for a small amount of water to be fed into the tank.

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Can the system be connected to Syphonic Drainage?

Yes the Rainstream system is ideal for this, as all roof water can be directed to one outlet which is connected to the Rainstream tank, therefore reducing additional pipework and ground work costs. Polypipe Terrain, a division of Polypipe is able to supply a complete system for syphonic drainage.

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How high can you pump the water from the tank?

In order to obtain the most efficient system, the maximum height recommended is 15m on the standard pump. Larger pumps can be supplied if necessary.

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What pressure is the water delivered at?

The water pressure delivered into the building is 2.5 bar.

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Is the water clean?

The main aim of any rainwater harvesting system is to produce non-potable water that is clean, clear and odourless. Three stages of filtration take place to ensure the water is clean and clear prior to it reaching any non-potable appliance.

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Is there an audible alarm on the system?

Yes the Rainstream pressurised system comes with an audible alarm in the event of a problem with the solenoid valve, and mains water is being pumped into the tank. Otherwise the system is easily connected to the BMS.

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How much energy does the pump use?

The pump uses £0.03/m³

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How does the system get delivered to site?

The tank and leaf filter will be delivered to site ready for installation. The components will be packaged separately and it is essential that the contractor stores them in a dry, safe and secure area. It is also the contractors responsibility to ensure suitable lifting equipment is on-site to take delivery of the tank. Please contact Polypipe WMS on 01509 615100 to discuss the exact requirements needed.

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What maintenance is required?

Regular maintenance of the Leaf Filter is vital to prolong system performance and lifespan.

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What guarantee does Polypipe offer?

Polypipe offers a 2 year guarantee from point of sale on all component parts, excluding the tank. As a responsible manufacturer with the scale and support of Polypipe Group, Polypipe is on-hand to provide continued assistance and technical support.

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What if I have a problem – what do I do?

Polypipe has its own team of engineers, who are on hand to respond quickly to any queries you may have concerning your Rainstream system. In the first instance please make contact with us on 01509 615100 and our technical team may be able to address your query over the phone. Otherwise an engineer can be on site within 48 hours to assist you.

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Ridgistorm-XL

  1. Can Ridgistorm-XL be recycled?
  2. What quality standards does Ridgistorm-XL meet?
  3. Do Ridgistorm-XL pipes deform under loading?
  4. What happens to the Ridgistorm-XL joints when deformation occurs?
  5. Does Ridgistorm-XL have a proven track record?
  6. What is the Co-efficient of friction for the Ridgistorm-XL pipes?
  7. Are Ridgistorm-XL pipes abrasion resistant?
  8. Are Ridgistorm-XL pipes UV resistant?
  9. What is the standard bedding detail for Ridgistorm-XL pipes?
  10. Are Ridgistorm-XL pipes easy to handle and store on-site?
  11. How should Ridgistorm-XL pipes be stored?

Can Ridgistorm-XL be recycled?

Ridgistorm-XL is manufactured from Polyethylene and is 100% recyclable at the end of its useful life.

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What quality standards does Ridgistorm-XL meet?

Ridgistorm-XL is approved by WRc (see page 25 for details) and is designed to meet the performance requirements of the European sewer pipe standard BS EN 13476. Ridgistorm-XL also meets the requirements of DIN 16961. BBA approved for sizes 750mm and 900mm as a sealed system. Approved by most water companies for capital works and section 104 schemes.

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Do Ridgistorm-XL pipes deform under loading?

Ridgistorm-XL pipes are designed to deform. The deflection of flexible pipes is controlled by the settlement of the soil. After settlement, traffic and other loads do not affect pipe deflection. With rigid materials such as concrete traffic and other loads must be resisted by the pipe itself, making the pipe prone to cracking. However with flexible pipes such as Ridgistorm-XL the surrounding soil absorbs the stresses ensuring that the pipeline remains intact.

Pipe Deformation

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What happens to the Ridgistorm-XL joints when deformation occurs?

The joints within the Ridgistorm-XL pipe system are tested for leakage under deformation. This stringent test ensures that the joint remains water tight even when pipes are deformed by 5% and the socket by 10%, deformation far in excess of that encountered by the pipes in application.

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Does Ridgistorm-XL have a proven track record?

The technology used to produce Ridgistorm-XL pipes and fittings is tried and trusted and has been in operation for 20 years. In fact, over 40 production lines are in operation worldwide including Germany, Italy and Australia.

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What is the Co-efficient of friction for the Ridgistorm-XL pipes?

0.06. Ridgistorm-XL pipes benefit from a smooth inner wall, providing superior hydraulic performance when compared with rigid materials such as clay or concrete. See table below for details:

Wall Roughness

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Are Ridgistorm-XL pipes abrasion resistant?

Pipes manufactured from Polyethylene or Polypropylene offer far greater abrasion resistance than alternative materials. The following graph shows the abrasion curve of various pipe materials according to the results of the Darmstadt procedure. This graph demonstrates the superior performance of PE and PP pipes.

Abrasion Resistance

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Are Ridgistorm-XL pipes UV resistant?

Yes, Ridgistorm-XL pipes are resistant to UV attack and can be safely stored on-site without any damage or ageing effects for a maximum of 6 months. Ridgistorm-XL pipes may also be suitable for some above ground applications.

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What is the standard bedding detail for Ridgistorm-XL pipes?

Type S bedding detail is standard for the installation of the Ridgistorm-XL system. However, by using the unique Easypipe software, we are able to engineer alternative trench bed and surround details to ensure optimum construction methods to suit each individual project.

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Are Ridgistorm-XL pipes easy to handle and store on-site?

Yes, Ridgistorm-XL pipes can be handled by forklift without the need for any additional equipment on-site. Ridgistorm-XL pipes can be unloaded and transported to the trench by excavator which will already be present on-site.

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How should Ridgistorm-XL pipes be stored?

When storing Ridgistorm-XL pipes and fittings it is necessary to ensure that they are stored on flat ground, free of stones or other sharp objects to avoid any point loading on the pipes. It is also important to rotate each pipe layer by 180 degrees so that the sockets of the upper layer are not lying directly over the sockets of the lower layer. See diagram below.

Do not stack Ridgistorm-XL pipes more than four metres high, it is also important to use wood bearing supports between the pipes to ensure even load distribution and wooden chocks

Storing Ridgistorm

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