NOTE 1: Ensure a suitable gap 20mm-50mm is placed between the open end of your downpipe and screen of your rain head, to allow debris to escape the flow of water.

This can vary depending on the type/size of leaf matter and debris you experience in your gutter.

Gutter, eave & “mid” mount (vertical)

1. Locate the position at which you will be installing your Leaf Eater Advanced rain head. Whether this is directly under your gutter/eave or midway down your downpipe, it should be a minimum of 500mm above your tank inlet and tank overflow pipe.
2. For installation on a vertical downpipe directly under your gutter, measure 208mm from the bottom of the existing gutter pop and remove this section of downpipe. For installation under your eaves or midway down your downpipe, remove a 208mm section of pipe at your desired installation point. Ensure all cut edges are clean and smooth.
3. Remove the Clean Shield™ screen by lifting it up and then out.
4. Insert your Leaf Eater Advanced rain head by sliding it up behind the top section of downpipe and then down into position. The rain head outlet pipe should be slid firmly into the bottom downpipe until it can be pushed no further.
5. Using the screw slots provided, screw your Leaf Eater Advanced into position. Ensure appropriate screws (and anchors if required) are used.
6. Reinsert the Clean Shield™ screen into your rain head. Ensure the screen sits firmly in place
   and check installation is secure.
7. If desired, you can paint your rain head to match your downpipes and/or building.

Gutter Mount (horizontal)

1. Locate the position at which you will be installing your Leaf Eater Advanced rain head. Whether this is directly under your gutter/eave or midway down your downpipe, it should be a minimum of 500mm above your tank inlet and tank overflow pipe.
2. Remove the Clean Shield™ screen by lifting it up and then out.
3. Swivel the outlet to the horizontal position. Some force may be required.
4. Position your Leaf Eater Advanced next to your existing pipework and use it as a template to mark top and bottom cutting lines. Cut the pipe where you have marked. Ensure all cut edges are clean and smooth.
5. Use solvent cement to glue the rear outlet into the horizontal pipe. The back fixing plate should sit behind the top section of downpipe.
6. Screw your Leaf Eater Advanced into position using the screw slots provided. Use appropriate screws (and anchors if required).
7. Reinsert the Clean Shield™ screen into your rain head. Ensure the screen sits firmly in place and check installation is secure.
8. If desired, you can paint your rain head to match your downpipes and/or building.

Your rain head’s Clean Shield™ screen is mostly self-cleaning. If cleaning is required, simply take hold of the quick release tabs and pull the Clean Shield™ screen upwards and outwards, then hose or brush off before reinserting the screen.

• Leaf Eater Advanced

• Tape measure
• Marker pen
• Saw
• Screws
• Screwdriver or drill
• Solvent cement glue

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.