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How To Connect Two Totes Using A 3/4" Garden Hose
You will need a shorter 3/4" garden hose to cut and fit the garden hose between the fittings and one 3/4" male and one 3/4" female garden hose ends to complete the connections between fittings.
Faucet
| Elbow
| Swivel Tee
| Elbow
| Faucet
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- $20 - Connect the first 3/4" faucet to the first tote
- $10 - Connect the first garden hose elbow to the first 3/4" faucet
- $15 - Connect the 3/4" swivel tee to the first garden hose elbow with male and female 3/4" garden hose ends
- $10 - Connect the garden hose swivel tee to the second garden hose elbow with male and female 3/4" garden hose ends
- $20 - Connect the second garden hose tee to the second 3/4" faucet on the second tote
- $20 - Connect a third 3/4" faucet to the garden hose swivel tee
- $95 - Total amount to connect two totes using a 3/4" garden hose
3/4" Female Connector
| 3/4" Male Connector
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Construct Your Own Rainwater Filter System(s) For Less
Using 3" PVC pipe and fittings to construct your own rainwater filtering device is much cheaper than purchasing the name brand filtering systems like the Leaf Filter and First Flush Diverter that have issues and are probably not worth the effort or cost.
The problem we found with the Leaf Filter and First Flush Diverter is the cost firstmost and the fact that both systems waste precious water due to spillage and drainage issues where a 3" custom tube with filter wastes no water for a lot less money.
After pricing and reviewing all available rainwater filter systems, we decided to build our own rainwater filter system, not so difficult.
Materials: One 10 foot 3" pipe at $20 can be cut to 10" lengths for 12 tubes, one 3" x 3" flexible coupling at $7 for each tube as needed, and one IBC filter at $3 for each tube as needed, can make up to 12 tube filters. The filters fit nicely into the 3" tubes.
Just cut the 3" pipe length to fit the filter (8"-10") and join the pipe with the flexible coupling where you can remove the coupling periodically to clean and rinse the filter. You can stack the tubes to double filter if you like.
Place the tube filter at a height most easy to access for periodic inspection and cleaning.
To transition the 3" pvc pipe to 2" pvc pipe, use a 3" to 2" pvc adpater after the 3" pvc filtering system.
Both Homedepot and Lowes offer all of the PVC pipes and fittings. The filters are available at Amazon.
Note: Downspout Rainwater Collection Diverter Connector Systems do not collect as much water as 2" pvc pipe connected to the gutter or downspout. A 2" pvc pipe system from the gutter or downspout to a filtered tote cap is highly recommended.
Does A Pressure Washer Connected To An IBC Tote Require A Pressure Tank Or Pump?
Whether a pressure washer connected to an IBC tote requires a pump depends on the type of pressure washer pump and the setup configuration.
- Gear or Belt-Driven Pumps: These units are designed to pull water from a source and generally do not require an additional transfer pump. They can operate effectively using gravity feed, provided the IBC tote is elevated above the pressure washer to ensure sufficient flow and prevent cavitation.
- Direct-Drive Pumps: These typically cannot pull water on their own and will likely cavitate or starve if connected directly to a non-pressurized IBC tote. For direct-drive machines, you must use a booster or transfer pump to supply water at a continuous flow rate matching or exceeding the washer’s GPM requirement.
Key Setup Considerations:
- Gravity Feed: If using a gear/belt-driven pump, elevate the IBC tote above the pressure washer. Ensure the tank is vented (e.g., drilled hole in the cap) to prevent vacuum collapse, and use 1-inch non-collapsible hose to minimize flow restriction.
- Booster Pump: If using a direct-drive pump, install an on-demand transfer pump (such as Delevan, Everflo, or Shurflo) between the tote and the pressure washer. Match the pump’s GPM closely to the pressure washer’s requirements to avoid short-cycling the pressure switch or overloading the system.
- Bypass Line: Running a bypass line from the pressure washer back to the IBC tote helps prevent the pump from overheating when the trigger is released. Ensure the bypass enters the tote away from the suction line to avoid drawing in air bubbles.
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