Good call on checking the cords' durability—weather can really sneak up on you. I've seen setups where bungee cords held fine through rain but got brittle after a harsh winter. If you're worried, maybe consider swapping them out seasonally or adding a backup strap that's weather-resistant. Either way, sounds like you're on the right track... raccoons are crafty little guys, so props for staying ahead of them.
Haha, raccoons are basically tiny furry ninjas—I've had my fair share of battles with them too. You're definitely smart to think ahead about the cords. I learned the hard way after one winter when mine snapped like dry spaghetti... not fun cleaning up that mess in freezing temps. Seasonal swaps or backups sound solid; better safe than sorry, right? Sounds like you're already ahead of the game though, nice job!
"Seasonal swaps or backups sound solid; better safe than sorry, right?"
True, backups are helpful, but honestly, I'd argue that investing in more durable materials upfront might save you the hassle altogether. I've found that using metal conduit or even PVC piping to protect cords and hoses can significantly reduce critter damage and weather-related wear. Sure, it's a bit more work initially, but it beats swapping out parts every season or dealing with unexpected failures mid-winter... just my two cents from experience.
"I've found that using metal conduit or even PVC piping to protect cords and hoses can significantly reduce critter damage and weather-related wear."
That's a solid point, especially about critters. I've seen squirrels chew straight through unprotected hoses, and it's not pretty when you find out the hard way after a heavy rainstorm. PVC piping is definitely a good call—it's affordable, easy to work with, and holds up well over time. Metal conduit is even tougher, but depending on your setup, it might be a bit overkill (and pricier). Still, if you're in an area with particularly aggressive wildlife or harsh weather conditions, the extra investment could pay off.
One thing I'd add from experience is to pay close attention to your fittings and connections. Even the best piping won't help much if your joints leak or fail prematurely. Make sure you're using quality fittings rated for outdoor use—brass or stainless steel fittings are usually reliable choices. Also, don't skimp on thread sealant or plumber's tape; a small leak can quickly escalate into bigger problems down the line.
Another consideration is placement and slope. If you're setting up a rain harvesting system, proper drainage and gravity flow are key. I've seen setups where folks didn't account for slope properly, and water ended up pooling in sections of pipe. Standing water can freeze in winter, causing cracks or bursts—even in durable materials like PVC. So, make sure your pipes have a slight downward angle toward your storage tank or outlet.
Lastly, regular inspections go a long way. Even with durable materials, checking your setup periodically can help you catch minor issues before they become major headaches. A quick visual inspection every few months can save you from unexpected repairs later on... trust me, I've learned that lesson the hard way more than once.
Good advice overall, especially about slope and fittings. One thing I'd mention though—PVC is great, but if you're in an area with extreme temperature swings, it can get brittle over time. I've replaced more than a few cracked PVC pipes after harsh winters. If that's a concern, you might consider flexible polyethylene tubing instead. It's tougher in freezing conditions and less likely to split.
Also, about critters... squirrels are bad, but raccoons can be even worse. Had a customer once whose rain barrel setup got completely wrecked overnight by a family of raccoons looking for water. Metal conduit or even galvanized mesh around vulnerable spots can help keep them out.
And yeah, regular checks are key. I've seen setups fail just because leaves and debris clogged up the inlet screens—simple stuff that could've been caught early. Just my two cents from dealing with these systems regularly.
