FAQ

When it comes to choosing a rainwater harvesting tank size, it’s essential to match it to your needs. To help you make the right decision, here’s a breakdown of potential sizes:

• 125 to 400 gallons: Recommended for residential homes for gardening or yard irrigation. These systems overflow quickly in heavy rains and need to be strategically placed based on roof surface area to ensure best function and eliminate frequent overflow.
• 400 to 800 gallons: Most popular size and recommended for residential home owners. This size of tank meets a wide variety of needs without having too big of a footprint for someone that does not have a lot of space.
• 800 to 1,600 gallons: This tank is commonly used on metal buildings for agricultural use and irrigation. These tanks have a larger height and cannot be installed under some rooflines.
• 1,600 gallons and up to 10,000 gallons: Uses for these tanks can vary but are ideal for farm and agricultural use and/or homes that do not have access to water that plan on using this as a potable water source for everyday water usage.

These sizes provide a general guideline for the sizes of tanks, ensuring you get a rainwater harvesting tank that meets your specific needs. Be sure to consider factors such as rainfall amount, roof size, water usage, and drought protection levels when selecting a rainwater harvesting tank. Give the professionals at Aqua Werx a call to come view the scope of the work and recommend a tank size that will meet your needs and maximize the water usage to prevent under or over sizing of tanks.

Rainwater harvesting systems offer significant utility in various applications. These systems efficiently collect and repurpose rainwater, providing a sustainable water source for a range of purposes.

• Irrigation and Gardening

Reclaimed rainwater is an excellent choice for garden irrigation. It doesn’t need potable water quality, making it ideal for keeping your garden green. Systems are designed with storage capacity to sustain water supply during dry spells.

• Manufacturing and Agricultural Use

Businesses and farms with high water consumption can benefit from rainwater harvesting, reducing water bills and improving efficiency. Ultraviolet filtration with an automatic backwash system is recommended for manufacturing applications, ensuring water quality. In Waco, TX, many farms utilize rainwater harvesting tanks for agricultural and livestock use.

• Construction

Portable rainwater harvesting systems are available for dust suppression during construction projects.

• Household Usage

Rainwater harvesting can supply water for toilets, appliances, and drinking water. The system size is tailored to accommodate the number of fixtures reliant on it and estimated by number of members in the household to calculate daily water usage. Specific filtrations systems are used to create potable water. Regular maintenance by specialists ensures that the system stays reliable.

While 5-inch rain gutters are a great choice and resilient in managing heavy rainfall, they lack the capacity of 6-inch rain gutters due to their smaller size. As a result, 5-inch rain gutters require more downspouts per linear foot as they cannot transport water over the same distance as their larger counterparts. When opting for 5-inch rain gutters, it’s important to consider this limitation. If you live in a heavy rainfall region, it may be a wise decision to select a 6-inch rain gutter.

To determine the appropriate size rain gutter for your home, your contractor will factor in the roof pitch, ensuring optimal performance and water drainage. This evaluation is critical to prevent water overflow, protect your home’s foundation, and maintain effective rainwater management. Consulting with a professional ensures that your gutter system is tailored to your home’s specific needs, providing long-lasting durability and functionality.

The cost and feasibility of installing 6-inch rain gutters versus 5-inch rain gutters depend on individual circumstances and solutions. However, it’s essential to consider that certain factors may actually result in a lower overall project cost with 6-inch gutters. Although the initial cost per foot may be higher for 6-inch gutters, the total project expense might not necessarily exceed that of a 5-inch installation. Thus, it’s important to obtain a detailed estimate tailored to your home’s specifications for both 6-inch and 5-inch gutters before assuming significant cost differences. If the estimate for 6-inch gutters is comparable to a bid for 5-inch gutters and promises to resolve gutter overflow issues, opting for the larger size becomes a logical choice as it can save you costs in the long run. When you prioritize functionality and cost-effectiveness, it helps you make the best decision regarding gutter installation.

Several factors come into play when deciding between 5-inch and 6-inch rain gutters. In regions prone to heavy rainfall or frequent storms, 6-inch rain gutters offer superior water-handling capacity, requiring fewer downspouts and increasing protection against water damage. Additionally, compared to 5-inch gutters with a 2.5-inch outlet, 6-inch gutters boast a larger outlet size of 3 and 3/8 inches. For those seeking a more modern aesthetic that fits the trim, 6-inch rain gutters provide full coverage of the fascia board. On the other hand, for homeowners who have a smaller home with a roof that has less surface area or possible budget constraints, 5-inch rain gutters may suffice. They can still offer adequate home protection in the right situations.

Ultimately, the decision is based on your circumstances and preferences. Whether opting for 5- or 6-inch rain gutters, proper installation and regular maintenance are important in protecting your home against water damage. Therefore, ensure your chosen gutters are installed correctly and get periodic upkeep to maintain your home.

External forces, such as storms that bring hail or wind damage can cause damage to the gutter requiring replacement. It’s crucial to address these issues promptly to mitigate potential risks to ensure the system is functioning properly. While some problems can be remedied, such as leaks or mild dents, severe damage like gutters pulling away from the fascia may necessitate replacement to ensure the structural integrity of your property and prevent further deterioration over time. Another common cause of gutter damage is when homeowners have their roofs replaced. Aqua Werx has found that customer’s gutters require adjustments to the pitch or hanger installment following roof replacements. The last and most common cause of damage is lack of maintenance and care of the gutter system. Regular maintenance and inspection of your gutters can help identify issues early on, minimizing the need for costly repairs or replacements. Additionally, investing in gutter guards can prevent debris buildup and prolong the lifespan of your gutters, reducing the likelihood of future damage.

If the gutters are a DIY style that comes in 10ft sections made out of vinyl or PVC, our team at Aqua Werx would recommend replacing that system with a professionally installed seamless aluminum system. Another indicator for replacement would be evident damage to the existing system. Common signs of damage such as a sagging gutter, or leaks originating from behind the gutter causing rotted wood would indicate an improperly installed system warranting possible need for replacement. Another common indicator for gutter replacement would be the lifespan of your gutter system. Typically, if the system is older than 10 years, a professional inspection of the system is recommended. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance can help catch these issues early, potentially saving you from more extensive repairs down the line. If you’re unsure about the condition of your gutters, consulting with a professional can provide valuable insight and recommendations for the best course of action. Neglecting gutter issues can result in costly repairs to your home’s foundation or exterior. Therefore, it’s essential to address any signs of damage promptly to maintain the integrity and value of your property.

Gutters typically need to be replaced every 20 years, but signs of damage may indicate the need for earlier replacement. Cracks, open seams, and extensive dents are common issues that require gutter replacement. Regular maintenance, including clearing debris and ensuring proper pitch, can help extend the lifespan of your gutters. However, if you notice any significant damage or signs of wear and tear, such as rust or corrosion, it’s advisable to consult with a professional to assess whether replacement is necessary to avoid potential structural damage to your property. Additionally, factors such as climate and exposure to extreme weather conditions can also impact the longevity of your gutters. Therefore, it’s important to monitor their condition regularly and consider replacement if they show signs of deterioration, even before reaching the 20-year mark.

When selecting a gutter color for your home it is important to note when comparing different colors that the gutter material comes pre-painted from the manufacturer. All colors in our gutter swatch are the same price, except for Rustic Cooper (Provide hyper link to this page on our website like above). This allows for the homeowner to choose the best color to match their home at no additional cost! If Rustic Copper is one of the options you are considering, let our team know and we can create a standard color quote and a Rustic Copper quote for comparison to make the best decision for your home.  When you hire the services of a professional gutter installer in Waco, TX, they will assist you in selecting a gutter color that matches both your style preferences and your budget.

Downspouts and gutters can be different colors. Many individuals select a gutter color to match their trim, but then choose a different downspout color that matches the brick, siding, or stone along the side of their homes for a seamless look. This allows for a seamless look if you are not wanting to draw attention to the downspouts. 

It’s a very popular trend right now to match the gutter and downspout to the colors of your house. For example, if you have black trim and white siding, you should select black gutters to match the trim of your home and white downspouts to blend into your home’s siding. This would allow your gutters and downspouts to camouflage into your home, resulting in an overall enhanced look. It’s always recommended to ask a professional gutter installer for their advice on what would work best for your home.

Copper gutters require special handling for proper installation and protection of the finishing of the gutters. As a result of this, copper gutters are the most expensive option you will come across when shopping for gutters. Typically, homeowners opt for a faux copper finish with aluminum gutters. At Aqua Werx, we provide a cost-efficient alternative to copper gutters called Copper Penny. This gutter color is the same price as all the other gutter color options in our selection. If you prefer to opt for an authentic copper finish for your gutters at a higher price point, select our Rustic Copper finish. Aqua Werx would be happy to provide a quote for all options or the homeowner can let our team know what their budget is for the project, and we can point you in the right direction.