Totally agree about first-flush diverters being a game changer. I switched to one last year after getting fed up with constantly clearing out screens—especially after storms. Here's what worked well for me:
First, make sure you size the diverter correctly for your roof area. Too small, and it won't catch enough debris; too big, and you're wasting water unnecessarily. I found a simple online calculator that helped me figure out the right volume.
Second, install a drain valve at the bottom of your diverter pipe. This way, you don't have to manually empty it every time—it slowly drains itself between rains. Saves a ton of hassle.
Lastly, even though first-flush setups reduce maintenance, don't skip occasional checks. Leaves and twigs can still sneak in sometimes (ask me how I know...), but overall it's way less work than dual-screens.
Honestly, since making the switch, I've spent way less time dealing with clogs and more time enjoying my garden. Hope this helps!
"Second, install a drain valve at the bottom of your diverter pipe. This way, you don't have to manually empty it every time—it slowly drains itself between rains."
This is such a helpful tip, thanks for mentioning it. I've been researching rain harvesting setups and honestly hadn't considered the drain valve yet. Does it ever get clogged or stuck open accidentally? I'm always a bit cautious about adding moving parts or valves that could fail...especially since I travel occasionally and don't want surprises when I'm away.
Also curious—do you have any issues with mosquitoes breeding in the diverter pipe? I've heard mixed things about standing water, even briefly, attracting pests. Currently, my setup is just basic screens, and while they're annoying to clear after storms (totally agree there), they do keep bugs out pretty well.
Still, your experience is encouraging me to give first-flush diverters another look. Sounds like the maintenance trade-off might be worth it overall.
"Does it ever get clogged or stuck open accidentally? I'm always a bit cautious about adding moving parts or valves that could fail..."
That's a really good point to consider. I've installed quite a few of these setups, and honestly, the drain valves usually behave themselves pretty well. But yeah, they can clog occasionally—especially if your roof collects a lot of leaves or debris. A simple mesh screen at the gutter entry helps a ton with that though.
As for mosquitoes, you're right to be cautious there too. Even small amounts of standing water can attract them, so it's worth keeping an eye on. The slow-drain valves tend to empty out enough between rains to keep pests from setting up shop, but nothing's foolproof. If you're away often, I'd personally recommend checking it regularly when you're home just to be safe.
Overall, first-flush diverters are definitely worth considering. Just keep the design simple—fewer moving parts mean fewer headaches down the road. And hey, worst-case scenario, you'll have some funny plumbing stories to share later...we plumbers always do.
Yeah, good points all around. I've seen a few setups where the diverter valves got stuck open after heavy storms—usually from debris buildup. Regular checks and a quick flush every month or two usually keeps things running smoothly though...just don't expect it to be totally maintenance-free.
Have you considered adding a finer mesh or pre-filter before the diverter valves? Might save you some hassle down the line...though I guess you'd still need to clean that regularly. Nothing's ever totally hands-off, right?
