About

Rainwater heads, also termed ‘Leaf Eaters,’ are headpieces that fit atop vertical PVC piping for rainwater management. When trees surround a home or the roof capture area, dead leaves, debris, and animal droppings are susceptible to falling. And as the rain comes, it sweeps twigs, leaves, insects, and other matter into downpipes and gutters. 

Hence, unless there is a rainwater head, this refuse will end up inside the water tank. As a result, the purpose of rainwater heads is to form a screened point of entry at the top of a downpipe, leading to the tank. 

Usage

One of the most effective solutions to prevent rainwater penetration and property damage is via rainwater heads. They are essentially a part of any building’s defence mechanism against overflow of water on the roof — unfortunately, overflowing causes flooding, damage, and other harmful effects to the interior of any property. Fortunately enough, rainwater heads are types of containers specially designed to solve roof water accumulation. 

As rain starts to fall, water on the roof is then further diverted into the rain gutter system by the roof drains. With the installation of the rainwater heads, there is a reduction in water surges from the roof. Furthermore, the indoors are protected against water damage. 

Various Types

Different styles can match anyone’s building style or specification. Here are the three most common types: 

Box Rainwater Head

This consists of sharp lines and thus forms bold shapes. As a result, it provides a practical yet simple style for those who don’t want dramatic designs on constructions. 

One of the good things about this kind of rainwater head is that it balances any architectural design. 

However, if someone is looking to properly use this type of rainwater head, it is recommended to install them in small commercial structures or buildings with a rendered brickwork.

This provides a wide range of square, tapered, and splayed designs to choose from. The box rainwater head is available in four diverse styles:

• Flat-bottom
• Triangular
• Diamond
• Splayed

Round Rainwater Head

As the name suggests, this type comes with a circular design. For those searching to round out the style on their architectural design, this is the ideal option. 

The round rainwater head has a classy yet modern look with curves around the edges, giving the house a dramatic and bold statement. 

They usually come in bright and solid colours and go great with roof flashings and cappings. Round rainwater heads come in six different styles;

• Circular Head
• Half-round Head
• Quarter Round Head
• U-Shape Head
• Concave Head
• Convex Head

Tapered Rainwater Head

These types of rainwater heads are generally used in industrial architecture applications due to their resilience and strength. Therefore, they can bear changing weather, regardless of the temperature. 

These kinds of rainwater heads have tapered bottoms. These help naturally reroute rainwater as it channels through the piping system of the tank. 

Therefore, they are highly efficient. Moreover, they have a bead at the top, which helps strengthen the rain head. 

This bead also helps protect the rainwater head from damage during maintenance. 

In addition, one can also choose a custom tapered rainwater head. It has a different shape than the original design and a lower and shorter head. 

Rainwater Head System Care And Maintenance

Some routine maintenance will help capture more rainfall and ensure high-quality water in the rainwater head system. 

Moving on, this is how rainwater heads can be maintained:

• Clean the gutters by emptying them. Flush the diverters first and then the rain head at the start of every season, quarterly, or when it is filled with debris
• Empty the debris, clean, and then check the inlet, outlet, and overflow strainers of the tank
• Replace or clean the water pump filters biannually or as directed by the manufacturers
• For effective water filtration maintenance, replace the components of the system as per the manufacturer’s instructions
• Ensure not to remove any sludge or sediment accumulated from the bottom of the tank unless required or if the spouting and gutters overflow. It must only be removed when it reaches a certain depth while approaching the outlet point