Recirculation System Maintenance
Many Lakota rainwater systems use a recirculation setup that filters debris from the tank floor, reducing the need for cleanings and extending filter life. To prevent pressure buildup and system damage, the filter must be backwashed every two months. While Lakota includes this in their service plan, visits occur only every 4–6 months, so owners need to perform backwashing between visits. Instructions are available upon request.
Power Outage Protection
Rainwater systems for whole-house use include an ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer. However, the Hill Country area frequently experiences power surges and outages caused by storms, service work, or older wiring. Excessive power bumps can trip breakers or cause the UV sterilizer to short out (and other equipment). To help protect all systems, consider a UPS power supply, which typically costs around $70 at Home Depot.
Don’t forget about our new, optional service agreements! We help take care of all these general maintenance requirements for you. If interested, please call us at (512) 858-0860 or email main@lakotawatercompany.com
Protect Against Pollen
Pollen can be a real nuisance during certain seasons, especially for rainwater harvesting systems. Here are a few reminders to help keep your rainwater tank pollen-free and your water clean:
1. Use a Fine Mesh Leaf Screen or Gutter Guard
Depending upon your gutter style and size, always include a fine-mesh screen or downspout leaf guards as part of your rainwater project. These will capture debris and the tassels which produce pollen before it ever reaches your tank.
2. Tank Filtration
Make sure the tank includes a filter basket to “strain” out leaves, bugs, and other debris such as tree tassels. Empty the basket as often as needed.
3. Clean Your Gutters and Roof Regularly
During pollen-heavy months, rinse your roof and clear out your gutters more frequently. Pollen tends to build up quickly, and a good roof rinse before a rain can stop a lot of it from washing into your tank. Just be sure that water doesn’t travel into your tank.
4. Consider Installing an Ozone Generator
Ozone is a clear, colorless gas that dissipates quickly in a tank of water, unlike chlorine. Both are powerful oxidizers that will react with organic particles like pollen, breaking them down and keeping the tank clearer and free of musty or earthy odors.
Oxidizers won’t react well with lined tanks. But ozone is introduced into the tank water on a timed basis, and it will evaporate quickly. Adding a recirculation filter to backwash sediment and debris from the tank every few months will keep the water clear and pristine for years while also adding freeze protection.
Annual Service Agreements
We now offer an optional Service Agreement which includes quarterly visits, ensuring you receive more routine maintenance and inspections of your system. Over the years, we’ve found too many unsafe scenarios when only coming out once or twice a year. Power surges burn out UV lamps, critters gnaw through wiring, leaks saturate pump houses, equipment breaks down, freezes damage systems, etc.
This agreement is designed to provide you more peace of mind and allows us to catch any minor issues before they can become more significant (and potentially – more costly).
During these visits, we will inspect your tank, guttering, and equipment, and we will service those items if it is time. We will also backwash your recirculation system, check the ozone generator, empty the filter basket, get a water sample for testing (recommended annually), inspect winterization, and perform all of the other services we’ve always done. And, now we can be more proactive about ensuring the integrity of your system before expensive costs and repairs occur.
If interested, please call us at (512) 858-0860 or email main@lakotawatercompany.com