Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Rainwater HOG?
The Rainwater HOG is a 50 gallon storage module which can be linked horizontally or vertically for collecting rainwater.
What is the water from the Rainwater HOG used for?
Rainwater HOG is made of food grade plastic resign and the water from the Rainwater HOG can be used for irrigation i.e. with your existing drip system for watering plants, for hosing the car or even as an emergency backup water supply. HOGs can also be plumbed back into the house for toilet flush and washing machines.
Why is it so small?
The Rainwater HOG is a modular solution that has been designed to fit in areas that larger tanks, cisterns and rain barrels will not fit. The compact shape makes each HOG easy to carry and fit into tight spaces, and the modular design means that you can link HOGs together to get any volume you require.
What is modular?
Each HOG joins to the next – so you can start with a few units for irrigation purposes then extend the number of modules to allow toilet flush, as an example, from the HOGs as well. HOGs are designed to screw together – and screw apart for reuse. This means you can change your rain storage capacity as your needs change. We have clients who have installed single units right up to others who have over 100 HOGs installed.
Can I install the HOG in regions where it snows?
Yes, the Rainwater HOG is made of high density polyethylene that can withstand temperature extremes of between -30°C/22°F to +60°C/140°F. At the onset of winter you need to empty your HOG and divert the downspout to prevent water entering the tank. In spring make sure you open the tank again to catch your thaw!
Will the Rainwater HOG handle hot conditions?
The HOG has been designed to withstand the hot Australian sun and has a UV stabilizer added – UV8, the maximum UV protection for polyethylene.
Does it have to be installed vertically?
No, the Rainwater HOG can be installed vertically or horizontally, such as under a deck or beneath the floor boards. The HOG can be installed underground or above ground, and inside a building or outside.
Who designed the Rainwater HOG?
The Rainwater HOG was designed by Sally Dominguez. Sally was practicing architecture in Sydney when she realized the need for a small but scaleable solution for rainwater rescue in urban areas. When Sally found there were no easily retrofitted, aesthetically acceptable, functional rainwater harvesting solutions on the market she decided to start from scratch and design a user-friendly, reuseable, water-filled building block. This is the HOG.
The Rainwater HOG seems expensive compared to larger capacity tanks.
Are you comparing tank only prices, or have you looked at the cost of transportation and installation as well? When comparing larger tanks to the Rainwater HOG, it is important to take into account the total cost of ownership with both solutions. HOG is designed to be inherently “greener” than its competition: it is easier to handle, transport and install, it is reuseable, and it is 100% recyclable. This added durability and useability costs more upfront, but once you add delivery and especially installation, as well as maintenance (the lower outlet on HOG is virtually self cleaning) to the larger tanks the cost difference suddenly changes.
The Rainwater HOG seems expensive compared to rain barrels of the same size.
The HOG is an architecturally designed unit that has been made of the highest quality plastics. It is visually discreet, structurally robust and can be installed on any of its sides. If you are looking for a long lasting quality product which adds value to your home, there is no comparison between the Rainwater HOG and a rain barrel.
Are any accessories available with the Rainwater HOG?
Each Rainwater HOG is supplied with with a connector to join up further units and an air vent for the top of each tank. Optional accessories include a Wall Kit (to attach the HOGs to a wall) and an Inlet Outlet Kit (to stop debris from the roof getting into the tank and to allow easy access to the water from the HOGs).
Can the HOG help with thermal mass?
Yes, recent tests have shown that the HOG outperforms concrete when it comes to improving a building’s thermal mass capabilities.
Does the Installation of the HOG help gain LEED credits?
Yes, an independent evaluation of the Rainwater HOG has shown that you can gain up to nine LEED points by the installation of the HOG in either a new building or renovation project.
What colors do the HOGs come in?
The standard color for the Rainwater HOG is Olive Green. However, non standard colors can be accommodated for orders of 20+ HOGs but this will result in a longer lead time and a slight increase in cost (via a one off fee).
What is the lead time on receiving the HOG once ordered?
There is a one to two week lead time on the delivery of the HOG following receipt of a written purchase order and payment for the tanks. As outlined above, non standard colors will add to this lead time.
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