To effectively protect your water tank overflow, you should install a durable, corrosion-resistant fine mesh screen, ideally made from 316-grade stainless steel. This material provides excellent durability, resists corrosion, and helps maintain compliance with water quality standards.
The mesh size is critical depending on the type of pests you want to prevent:
- Insects: A fine mesh with an aperture of approximately 1.3mm–1.4mm prevents insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and moths from entering the tank.
- Rodents: A stronger 6mm × 6mm welded mesh is recommended to block rats and mice.
Key Requirements and Options
Material
316 stainless steel is the preferred option because it is highly durable, corrosion resistant, and suitable for potable water systems.
Mesh Size for Insects
Use a fine mesh (around 1.3mm–1.4mm) to keep out small insects that could contaminate the water.
Mesh Size for Rodents
A 6mm × 6mm welded mesh provides the strength needed to prevent rodents from entering through the overflow.
Fitting Types
- Compression fittings: Provide a tight, secure, and often permanent installation.
- Threaded fittings (BSP): Suitable if the overflow pipe already has threaded connections.
- Universal connectors: Useful for adapting to different pipe sizes, typically ranging from 32mm to 110mm.
Sizing
The overflow screen should match the diameter of the overflow pipe, which is typically recommended to be at least twice the size of the inlet pipe.
Installation Locations
To fully protect the system, ensure all possible entry points are screened, including the overflow pipe, vent pipe, and warning pipe.
Feel free to free our complete range of rodent and insect screens at www.mp-products.co.uk
