Rheem GAS BOOSTED SOLAR WATER HEATER - Manual (Page 20)

INSTALLATION – SOLAR STORAGE TANK
20
RAIN WATER TANK
If the solar collectors and solar pipe work are to be installed on a section of roof which is part of a rain
water runoff collection system, then it is recommended this section of roof and its gutter be isolated
from the rain water collection system. The gutter should be isolated to a width greater than the solar
collectors and pipe work and must have suitable drainage. The installer should ensure in the event of a
leak from the solar collectors or pipe work, a rainwater tank cannot be contaminated with closed circuit
fluid.
The section of roof and gutter should be isolated from the rainwater collection system before the
commissioning of the solar water heater, so that any leak or spillage during commissioning does not
make its way into the rainwater tank.
This section of roof and guttering can be isolated by either:
• blocking this section of gutter from the remaining gutter and fitting two separate down pipes, one to
take any run-off water from that section of roof away to waste and the other to the rainwater
collection side of the gutter to take the rain water run off to the rain water tank.
• blocking this section of gutter from the remaining gutter and fitting a tube or pipe of a material
compatible with the gutter material in this section of the gutter and penetrating the separation
pieces at either end to allow rainwater runoff to pass from one part of the rainwater collection
system to the other. It may be necessary to fit a down pipe to the section of blocked gutter to take
any run-off water from that section of roof away to drain.
• installing a false gutter inside of the existing gutter, with a down pipe penetrating the existing gutter
to take any run-off water from that section of roof away to waste. The false gutter should be no
deeper than half of the depth of the existing gutter, so as to enable rain water run off to flow under
the false gutter.
• installing a flashing from the underside of the roofing material, with a continuous fall, to over the
outside lip of the gutter. The flashing should extend wider than the collectors and pipe work and
turned up at the ends so if there is leakage of closed circuit fluid, it cannot enter the gutter.
If any of these solutions are not practical, then the installer should discuss alternative options to suit the
installation with the house holder.
Any alterations to the roof drainage system must comply with the relevant building regulations, codes
and standards.