Rain heads were first developed to create a break between the downpipe and the gutter so that if the downpipe became blocked the water would flow out over the top of the rain head and onto the ground and not back up into the gutter and flood the building. Early rain heads were simple box shaped funnels that were fixed onto the wall below the gutter.

The Leaf Eater® range of rain heads from Rain Harvesting Pty Ltd are the first to incorporate significant changes to these early designs and make the rain heads practically self cleaning. They feature multiple screens to deflect leaves and debris away from the flow of water and keep mosquitoes and vermin out of the pipe system. Not only do they protect the home, they are ideal for fitting to each downpipe that is connected to water storage tanks.

The type of rain head required will depend on a variety of factors including:

1.  The type of pipe system you have (either "wet" or "dry"). In "wet" systems, a mosquito proof screen of no more than 1mm must be fitted to prevent mosquitoes breeding in water in the pipes.

2. The space you have to work with. It is important to install the rain head and still maintain adequate fall of the pipes to the tank. This will ensure that water flows freely to the tank and does not 'back up' in the pipes.

3. The amount of rainfall for the area and the extent of leaf and debris build up in the gutters.

4. Personal preference for a particular rain head design.

The Leaf Eater® range of rain heads: