🔧 System Troubleshooting Guide

✅ Solution:

• Install overflow pipe at 90% tank capacity level
• Use minimum 2-inch diameter pipe for overflow
• Direct overflow water to garden, soak pit, or drain
• Add float valve to stop inflow when tank full (optional)
• Consider increasing tank size if overflow is frequent

Cost: ₹500-1,500 | Time: 1-2 hours

✅ Solution:

• Immediate: Drain tank completely, scrub walls with brush
• Clean: Mix 1 cup bleach in 1,000L water, let sit 1 hour, drain and rinse 3 times
• Prevent sunlight: Cover tank completely with opaque lid
• First flush system: Install diverter to remove initial dirty water
• Maintenance: Add 1-2 drops bleach per 1,000L monthly
• Circulation: Use tank at least weekly to prevent stagnation

Cost: ₹200-800 | Time: 2-3 hours

✅ Solution (Choose Best Option):

Option A – Add Pressure Pump:

• 0.5 HP pump sufficient for most setups (₹2,500-4,000)
• Automatic pressure switch (₹800-1,200)
• Increases pressure to 30-40 PSI
• Best for large systems or distant irrigation

Option B – Raise Tank Height:

• Every 1 meter height = ~1.5 PSI pressure
• Build platform or mount on roof (₹3,000-8,000)
• Free pressure forever (no electricity)
• Check structural load capacity first!

Option C – Fix Restrictions:

• Check for clogged pipes or filters (₹0 to fix)
• Increase pipe diameter 1″ → 1.5″ (₹800-2,000)
• Fix any leaks reducing pressure (₹200-1,000)

Cost: ₹0-8,000 | Time: 1-5 hours

✅ Solution:

Immediate Fix:

• Clean gutters manually (gloves, bucket, ladder)
• Flush with water to check flow
• Takes 30-60 minutes

Permanent Prevention:

• Install gutter mesh/guards (₹50-100 per meter)
• Trim overhanging tree branches
• Add leaf basket at downspout opening (₹200-400)
• Schedule monthly cleaning during monsoon

Cost: ₹500-2,000 | Time: 1-2 hours

✅ Solution (Check in Order):

1. Check tank level – Obvious but commonly missed! (Free, 1 min)
2. Air lock in pipes:
   • Open highest outlet to bleed air
   • Run pump for 2-3 minutes
   • Tap pipes gently to release bubbles
3. Inspect foot valve:
   • Located at pump inlet in tank
   • Clean or replace if clogged (₹200-500)
4. Check pump impeller:
   • Open pump casing
   • Look for damage or debris
   • Replace impeller if broken (₹400-1,200)
5. Suction pipe leaks:
   • Check all joints for leaks
   • Air leaks prevent suction
   • Seal with Teflon tape (₹50)

Cost: ₹0-2,000 | Time: 30 min-2 hours

✅ Solution (Multi-Step Approach):

Immediate:

• Add mosquito dunks (Bacillus thuringiensis) – ₹300/pack, lasts 30 days
• Kills larvae, safe for plants and humans

Physical Barriers:

• Seal ALL openings with 1mm mesh screen
• Check overflow pipe (mosquitoes enter here)
• Ensure lid fits tightly with no gaps
• Add mesh over vent holes

Biological Control:

• Introduce Gambusia fish (mosquito fish) – ₹50-100 for 10 fish
• They eat larvae and survive in tanks
• Natural, permanent solution

Cost: ₹300-1,000 | Time: 1 hour

✅ Solution:

Diagnosis:

• After rain, check if diverter filled first
• Check if overflow to tank happens only after diverter full
• Inspect float valve movement

Fixes:

• Clean chamber: Remove sediment monthly (₹0, 15 min)
• Adjust float: Ensure valve closes at correct level (₹0, 10 min)
• Increase size: Minimum 20L chamber recommended (₹800-2,000)
• Install 90° elbow: Better diversion angle (₹100, 20 min)
• Upgrade system: Automatic ball-type diverter (₹3,000-5,000)

Cost: ₹0-5,000 | Time: 15 min-3 hours

✅ Solution (By Leak Size):

Small Cracks (<5cm):

• Drain tank completely and dry area
• Clean crack with sandpaper
• Apply epoxy putty or tank sealant (₹200-500)
• Wait 24 hours before refilling
• Success rate: 80-90%

Pipe Joint Leaks:

Large Cracks (>5cm) or Multiple Cracks:

• Professional tank repair service (₹2,000-8,000)
• May involve liner installation or welding
• Consider tank replacement if very old (₹5,000-25,000)

Cost: ₹50-25,000 | Time: 1-4 hours

✅ Solution:

Step 1 – Clean Sensor:

• Remove sensor from tank
• Clean with soft brush and vinegar solution
• Remove algae, mineral deposits
• Dry completely before reinstalling

Step 2 – Check Mounting:

• Ultrasonic sensors must be level and perpendicular to water
• Float sensors need free movement
• Adjust mounting bracket if needed

Step 3 – Verify with Manual Measurement:

• Use measuring tape or stick
• Compare actual level with sensor reading
• Calibrate sensor if controller allows

Step 4 – Check Wiring:

• Look for corrosion on connections
• Ensure waterproof connections are sealed
• Test with multimeter if available

Step 5 – Replace if Needed:

• Ultrasonic sensor: ₹800-2,000
• Float sensor: ₹400-1,000
• Easy DIY replacement (20-30 min)

Cost: ₹0-2,000 | Time: 30 min-1 hour

✅ Solution (Systematic Check):

1. Clean all gutters – Most common cause (₹0, 1 hour)
2. Verify connections:
   • Check ALL downspouts lead to tank
   • Look for disconnected or misaligned pipes
   • Seal any gaps with sealant (₹200)
3. Inspect for leaks:
   • Collection pipes
   • First flush diverter
   • Tank inlet connections
4. Check first-flush size:
   • Should be 0.5-1L per sq meter of roof
   • Too large = too much water diverted
   • Reduce chamber size if needed
5. Verify overflow pipe height:
   • Should be at 95% tank capacity
   • Too low = water escapes before tank fills
   • Raise overflow outlet (₹300-800)
6. Recalculate system:
   • Formula: Roof area (sq ft) × Rainfall (mm) × 0.028 × 0.8 (efficiency)
   • Tank may be too large for roof area
   • Use System Calculator to verify

Cost: ₹0-1,500 | Time: 1-3 hours