Category Getting Started

Asphalt runoff coefficients vary with surface type, slope, condition, and design method; learn how to select a defensible value for drainage calculations.

Start low-cost rainwater collection with an existing roof and downspout, suitable storage, debris screening, stable support, and controlled overflow.

Choose a whole-house sediment filter by identifying particle size and load, then matching micron rating, flow capacity, pressure loss, housing, and maintenance.

Place water filters from coarse sediment removal to finer or contaminant-specific stages, protecting sensitive media and preserving usable system flow.

Arrange water treatment from source protection and coarse removal through targeted filtration and disinfection, with the exact sequence based on test results.

Drainage formulas depend on whether you need runoff volume, peak flow, or pipe capacity; identify the design question before selecting inputs and method.

Calculate water demand by multiplying each use's flow or volume by frequency, then combine demands and account for peak use, losses, and storage goals.

A covered barrel connected to an existing downspout offers a simple garden-water setup when it includes screening, stable support, overflow, and an outlet.

Efficient rainwater collection pairs a productive roof with correctly sized gutters, debris control, storage, overflow, and delivery matched to local rainfall.

Maximum pump head is the height reached at little or no flow; use the pump curve and total system head to find the useful flow at your actual lift.