The price of a Rain Buddy system varies; systems can be designed to be simple or sophisticated. Items such as tank size, pump size, below ground verses above ground installation, and diversion back into the home or building for non-potable use vs. exclusive lawn and garden use, are just some of the variables. Contacting us for a consultation estimate would be the best course of action.

Yes, every Rain Buddy installed by Rain Buddy Inc, comes with a 2-year parts and labor warranty. Click here for more information on our warranty.

No, The Rain Buddy is for non-potable use only. Rain Buddy Inc, does not indorse, or support the use of rainwater for drinking.

Yes, the water is better for your plants than treated potable water. Rainwater is full of the minerals and nutrients that support life. Also, above ground installations heat the water using sunlight; this does not shock your plants like the cold city water.

The size of the tank will vary based upon your catchment area, and intended usage, and number of family members or employee's. The catchment area is the roof area, plus the lawn area. A good estimate for an average 1500-2000 sq ft home would be a 1000-gallon tank.

The rain buddy has an overflow connected to the storm drain. The tank is not inside the home, so flooding is not an issue. On new construction the weeping tile is connected to the holding tank, eliminating the need for an in-home sump pump.

Should the tank run low on water, a float switch will activate a valve that will fill the tank to a minimum fill line with potable city water. You will never have a completely empty tank, unless it was is being serviced and cleaned.

Tanks that are installed below ground will not freeze. They are installed deep below the frost line in insulated concrete Bunkers. Tanks installed above ground might freeze. This is why we recommend that the tanks be disconnected in the fall and re-connected in the spring. Rain Buddy offers this service for a small fee if you do not wish to perform the function yourself.

The ideal location is near where the main waterline enters the home, and near the sump pump discharge if applicable. On retrofits it can be installed where it makes the most sense.

Not at the present time, however contacting your MP and advocating for funding would help to have Rain Buddy added to the Federal Eco Action Funding program.

No the water is clear and clean. Rainwater is soft so it won't stain your porcelain red like hard city water will.

12. What kind of filtration is required?

Again, this will vary on your use. For a simple system there is a 2- stage filtration of mesh to capture unwanted larger particles prior to entering the pump. If the water is to be used for indoor, non-potable use, a ultra violet filtration system is added after the pump. This will kill more harmful bacteria like e-coli and others.

This will vary again by the amount of use, and type of use, however we recommend quarterly cleaning and inspection of filters, replacement if necessary. Rain buddy Inc, offers this service for a small fee, if owners do not wish to perform this function themselves.

• Yes, for a small fee we offer two kinds of maintenance services. However, the owner may choose to perform the functions themselves.
• For above ground installations only, the Disconnect / Re-connect Service (DRS), which includes inspection and cleaning filters, and or replacing filters is valued at $49.99 each visit.
• For all systems, the Quarterly Inspection Service (QIS), which includes inspection and cleaning and or replacing filters, is valued at $49.99per visit (replacement filters are extra) this also includes the (DRS) for above ground installations.

This will vary with every application, however it should be noted that flushing toilets accounts for 35% of household water usage. It is possible to reduce water consumption by as much as 90% in the summer months. In some installations, such as Hockey Arenas, Curling Rinks, and Carwash bays, 90% to 100% savings can be achieved.

16. Is it safe to use for dishwasher and laundry?

• Yes, this practice has been in use for some time in Europe, Australia, India and the USA.
• The dishwasher super heats the water, which kills off any bacteria that might make it past the Ultra Violet filtration; also anti-bacterial soap is being used to kill off bacteria also.
• Should you decide not to have your dishwasher attached to the Rain Buddy, it can be left to operate on City water.

17. Is it safe for hot tubs and pools?

Yes the water would still need to be treated with chlorine and other Spa chemicals as you would normally do. The water is filtered before entering the Hot tub or Pool to protect the pumps in those systems.

18. Is it safe for my Buildings' heating system?

Yes, once again the water is filtered before entering the heating system.

19. How do you maintain water pressure?

Water pressure is maintained by using a Jet pump and pressure tank set at the required pressure. The Rain Buddy jet pump will stop once the required holding pressure has been achieved. The pump will turn back on again when a pressure drop has been detected.

20. How do I get started?

The best way to get started is to contact us and schedule a time for an estimate, or fill out an online form with your particulars so we can send you a quote. You should decide what type of system you would like. An above or belowground installation, exclusive lawn & garden or tie in to the interior non-potable system.

21. How does it recycle water?

When you water your lawn and garden, the plants take the water that they need right now. The rest of the water drains back to your home and collects in the weeping tile (approximately 20%). The weeping tile deposits the water back into the sump (not necessary if Rain Buddy is installed in new construction). The sump then pumps it into the Rain Buddy holding tank. This water is re-used for watering lawns again.