Rain Harvesting Leaf Eater Advanced
The Leaf Eater Advanced is a compact mosquito-proof rain head for small spaces, awkward places and horizontal and vertical downpipes.
RHAD01 | 90mm
RHAD02 | 100mm
The Leaf Eater Advanced™ is the next generation Rain Head, featuring the new patented Clean Shield™(single screen) technology and VH Pivot™ outlet. The Leaf Eater Advanced™ Rain Head prevents debris from entering the Rain Harvesting system, improves water quality and reduces tank maintenance.
The single screen incorporates Clean Shield™ technology which deflects leaves and debris away from the flow of water. This minimises maintenance and enhances catchment efficiency. This Rain Head incorporates a VH Pivot™ outlet that swivels to suit vertical or horizontal downpipes. The Leaf Eater Advanced™ can also be used as a debris removing device even when rainwater is not being collected.
Features and Benefits
- Compact, versatile rain head for quick and easy installation
- Patented single screen technology for advanced debris shedding (Clean Shield™)
- Minimal maintenance
- Pivot the outlet to suit vertical or horizontal (rear outlet) downpipes – variety of installation options in one product (VH Pivot™ patent pending)
- High flow rate performance
- Superior catchment efficiency at low and high flow rates
- Single screen with 0.955mm aperture mosquito proof stainless steel mesh
- Available in 90mm or 100mm outlet
Installation Instructions
Gutter & Mid-Mount Installation
1. Gutter: Measure 208mm from the bottom of the existing gutter pop and remove this section of downpipe. Ensure the cut edge is clean and smooth. Mid-Mount: Remove 208mm of downpipe where the Leaf Eater Advanced™ is to be situated. Ensure all cut edges are clean and smooth.
2. Using the quick release tabs remove the Cleanshield™ screen by lifting it up and then out.
3. Insert the Leaf Eater Advanced™ by sliding it up over the cut section and then down into position. The Leaf Eater Advanced™ outlet should be slid firmly onto the bottom down pipe until it can be pushed no further.
4. Screw the Leaf Eater Advanced™ into position through the screw slots provided. Ensure appropriate screws and anchors (if required) are used.
5. Insert the Cleanshield™ screen into the Leaf Eater Advanced™. Ensure the Cleanshield™ screen is sitting firmly in place and check installation is secure.
Horizontal (Rear Outlet) Installation
1. Using the quick release tabs remove the Cleanshield™ screen by lifting it up and then out.
2. Swivel the outlet to the horizontal position – some force may be required.
3. Position the Leaf Eater Advanced™ next to existing pipework, mark and cut top and bottom cut lines as per figure 4 . Ensure the cut edge is clean and smooth.
4. Insert the Leaf Eater Advanced™ by sliding the rear outlet into the horizontal pipe. The back fixing plate must sit behind the top section of downpipe.
5. Screw the Leaf Eater Advanced™ into position through the screw slots provided. Ensure appropriate screws and anchors (if required) are used.
6. Insert the Cleanshield™ screen into the Leaf Eater Advanced™. Ensure the Cleanshield™ screen is sitting firmly in place and check installation is secure.
FAQ
How high should I install my Leaf Eater rain head?
Rain heads must be installed so they are higher than the inlet on your rainwater tank. This is necessary to allow water to flow through the pipework to your tank and to avoid water overflowing from your rain head.
If you have a wet rain harvesting system (a system where pipes feeding your tank sit below the level of the tank inlet and hold water), you should install your rain head a minimum of 500mm (19.6″) above the height of your tank inlet. Where possible, we recommend that you maximise the height of your rain head in relation to your tank inlet even further. This may be especially necessary if you have a longer wet system.
For best results, consult a licensed plumber to discuss the optimal height of your rain heads so you can avoid damage to your property, risks to your personal safety and other negative consequences of water overflowing from your rain heads.
Should I mount my Leaf Eater rain head at the gutter or on the wall?
The ideal location for a rain head is directly beneath your gutter outlet at the fascia board or eaves. Where access is difficult – for example, on a two-storey house – your rain head can be installed “mid” mount on the wall lower down away from the gutter. When selecting your installation point, it’s important to consider the height of your rainwater tank inlet, as your rain head should be installed a minimum of 500mm (19.6″) above the height of your tank inlet. Your chosen installation point should tread the balance between maximum height in relation to the height of your tank inlet, and safe and easy accessibility for maintenance.
Can I paint my Leaf Eater rain head?
Yes. All the rain heads in our Leaf Eater range can be painted to match your home or building. Check with your local paint retailer to ensure you select a product that’s suitable for use with plastic.
I have pine needles. Which Leaf Eater rain head should I use?
All our Leaf Eater rain heads are suitable for use in areas with pine needles. However, due to the fine size of the needles, more regular maintenance will be required to remove any pine needle debris from your rain head.
My Leaf Eater rain head is overflowing. Why is this happening?
The most common reason a rain head overflows is insufficient or irregular maintenance. Check and clean your rain head screens regularly to ensure they continue to function optimally.
Alternatively, your rain head may overflow if there is insufficient “fall” from the rain head to the tank inlet – in other words, if your rain head is not positioned high enough in relation to the height of your rainwater tank inlet. A height difference between your rain head and tank inlet is necessary to allow water to be pushed through your rain harvesting system under gravity.
Will my Leaf Eater rain head splash water into my covered patio area?
Rain heads with an open “face” have an angled, self-cleaning screen designed to minimise splashing as leaves and debris are deflected away from the flow of water. This applies to all our rain heads that feature our Clean Shield screens, as well as the Leaf Eater Original.
If you are still concerned about splashing, consider choosing a rain head with an anti-splash cover such as the Leaf Eater Slimline or Leaf Eater Ultra.
What’s the difference between each rain head in the Leaf Eater range?
All our Leaf Eater rain heads feature mosquito-proof screens and are designed to keep leaves, debris, mosquitoes and other pests out of your downpipes and rain harvesting system. Several of our rain heads feature patented VH pivots for installation on horizontal and vertical downpipes, some feature anti-splash covers and some feature additional technology such as our Hydro Activated Filtration screen system and red overflow indicator flags.