Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions Rain Harvesters ask most often. Browse common queries about our products, system setup, and ongoing maintenance.
Common questions
Can I install it on a horizontal downpipe?
Yes. The outlet swivels to a horizontal position. For a horizontal install, glue the outlet into the pipe with solvent cement.
Can I install it on a horizontal downpipe?
Yes. The Leaf Eater® Advanced has a VH Pivot, so you can angle the outlet to suit either a vertical downpipe or a horizontal (rear-outlet) downpipe.
Can I paint it to match my house?
Yes. It is made from U-PVC, so you can paint it to match your downpipes or wall.
Can I paint it?
Yes. The metal body can be painted to suit any building's colour scheme.
Can I paint it?
Yes. It is made from polypropylene, which takes paint well, so you can paint it to match your building.
Can I use it on a rectangular downpipe?
Yes. With rectangular adaptors it fits rectangular downpipes, and we offer kits that include the adaptors for compatible sizes.
Do I need to glue it?
No. The Leaf Eater® Plus connects with a socket and is held in place with a screw rather than glue, so you can easily remove it for cleaning.
Does the cover seal debris inside?
No. The cover is a decorative anti-splash shield rather than a seal, so some splash and debris can still escape the front. If you want a fully sealed rain head, choose a version with a hood.
How much height do I need between the rain head and my tank?
It depends on your system. For a wet (charged) system, where the pipe runs down, underground and back up to the tank, allow at least 500mm between the rain head outlet and the top of the tank, and ideally a metre or more. For a dry system, where the pipe runs straight down to the tank, about 200mm is enough. Without enough height, water can back up and splash out of the rain head.
What pipe size does it fit?
It fits 150mm pipe. You can attach a 150mm flexible coupling, or fit the stepped outlet directly into 150mm DWV or pressure pipe.
What pipe size does it fit?
It fits inside a standard 150mm pipe and inserts directly, so no coupling or adaptor is needed.
What tools and materials will I need to install it?
You will need a tape measure, a marker pen, a saw, pipe brackets and screws, and a screwdriver or drill.
What tools and materials will I need to install it?
You will need a tape measure and marker pen, a saw plus a hole saw or tin snips to cut the gutter and downpipe, a drill, screws or pop rivets with a screwdriver or pop rivet gun, sealant, and a 90mm or 100mm socket to connect to your downpipe.
What tools and materials will I need to install it?
You will need a tape measure, a marker pen, a saw, and a screwdriver or drill.
What tools and materials will I need to install it?
You will need a tape measure and marker pen, a saw, and solvent cement glue.
What tools and materials will I need to install it?
You will need a tape measure and marker pen, a saw, tin snips, solvent cement glue, screws, and a screwdriver or drill.
What tools and materials will I need to install it?
You will need a tape measure and marker pen, a saw, solvent cement glue, screws, and a screwdriver or drill.
What tools and materials will I need to install it?
You will need a tape measure and marker pen, a saw and tin snips to cut the downpipe, a drill, screws or pop rivets with a screwdriver or pop rivet gun, sealant, and a 90mm or 100mm socket to connect to your downpipe.
What tools and materials will I need to install it?
You will need a tape measure, a marker pen, a saw, a screwdriver or drill, screws or rivets, and solvent cement glue.
What tools and materials will I need to install it?
You will need a tape measure, a marker pen and a saw.
What's in the box?
Each Leaf Eater® Original comes with the rain head, with its screens fitted, and a gutter outlet for mounting it at the gutter.
What's in the box?
Each Leaf Eater® Ultra comes with the rain head, its multi-fit cap and the leaf slide, with the screen fitted.
What's in the box?
It comes with the Leaf Beater® rain head and its Clean Shield™ screen.
What's in the box?
It comes with the rain head, The Hood cover, The Hood screen and the adaptors to fit your downpipe size.
What's in the box?
Each Leaf Eater® Slimline comes with the rain head, with its screen and cartridge fitted.
What's in the box?
Each Leaf Eater® Plus comes with the rain head, with its Clean Shield™ screen fitted. It mounts below your existing gutter outlet, so a new gutter outlet is not included.
What's in the box?
It comes with the Leaf Catcha Slimfit rain head, its mesh screen, and the adaptors to fit your downpipe size.
What's in the box?
It comes with the Leaf Catcha rain head and its mesh screen.
What's in the box?
Each Leaf Eater® Advanced comes with the rain head, with its Clean Shield™ screen fitted. Some sizes also include a downpipe adaptor.
What's in the box?
It comes with the rain head body, the screen, The Hood, and the mounting brackets and screws.
What's in the box?
It comes with the Leaf Catcha Slimfit rain head and its mesh screen.
What's in the box?
It comes with the rain head, The Hood cover and The Hood screen.
What's in the box?
It comes with the cover, the rain head body and the mosquito screen.
Will it keep mosquitoes out?
Yes. It has a mosquito-proof stainless steel mesh screen with a 0.955mm aperture (just under 1mm), fine enough to stop mosquitoes and insects while letting water through freely. The Leaf Eater® Advanced uses a single Clean Shield™ screen that sheds leaves and debris.
Will it keep mosquitoes out?
Yes. It has a mosquito-proof stainless steel mesh screen with a 0.955mm aperture (just under 1mm); the angled screen channels water through while keeping leaves and pests out.
Will it keep mosquitoes out?
Yes. It has a mosquito-proof stainless steel mesh screen with a 0.955mm aperture (just under 1mm), fine enough to stop mosquitoes and insects while letting water through freely. The Leaf Eater® Slimline's screen sits in a cartridge that pulls out for easy cleaning.
Will it keep mosquitoes out?
Yes. It has a mosquito-proof stainless steel mesh screen with a 0.955mm aperture (just under 1mm), fine enough to stop mosquitoes and insects while letting water through freely. The Leaf Eater® Plus uses a single Clean Shield™ screen that sheds leaves and debris, with no second screen needed.
Will it keep mosquitoes out?
Yes. It has a mosquito-proof stainless steel mesh screen with a 0.955mm aperture (just under 1mm), fine enough to stop mosquitoes and insects while letting water through freely. The Leaf Eater® Ultra's Hydro Activated Filtration screen bounces slightly as water hits it, which helps shed leaves.
Will it keep mosquitoes out?
Yes. It has a mosquito-proof stainless steel mesh screen with a 0.955mm aperture (just under 1mm), fine enough to stop mosquitoes and insects while letting water flow through freely. The Leaf Eater® Original also has a self-cleaning primary screen that sheds larger leaves and debris.
Will it keep mosquitoes out?
Yes. It has a mosquito-proof aluminium mesh screen with a 0.955mm aperture that keeps leaves and pests out.
Will it stop water splashing?
Yes. The Hood fully covers the rain head so there is no splashing and you capture the most water, which makes it ideal for covered areas like alfresco spaces.
Will it stop water splashing?
Yes. The Hood fully covers the rain head so there is no splashing and you capture the most water, which makes it ideal for covered areas like alfresco spaces.
Will it stop water splashing?
The Stream Original has an open cover that reduces splashing while it sheds leaves. For less splash again, choose the Stream Shield, or the Stream with The Hood to stop it completely.
Will it stop water splashing?
The Shield cover cuts down splashing so you capture more of your water. For no splashing at all, choose the Stream with The Hood.
Will it stop water splashing?
Yes. The Hood fully covers the rain head so there is no splashing and you collect all the water, which is ideal where splashing cannot be allowed.
Need help?
If you’re still having issues, contact a professional plumber or rainwater harvesting expert to inspect and repair your system.
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