Leaf Eater Original

Gutter mount

1. Locate the position at which you will be installing your Leaf Eater Original rain head. Whether this is directly under your eave or midway down your downpipe, it should be a minimum of 500mm above your tank inlet and tank overflow pipe. Depending on the volume of water being moved and whether or not you’re “pushing water” over long runs, the rain head may need to be mounted more than 1.2 metres above the discharge point.
2. Remove the existing gutter outlet from the roof guttering system.
3. Hold the Leaf Eater Original Gutter Outlet against the fascia and against the bottom and rear of the gutter where the new outlet hole is to be. Using the Leaf Eater Original Gutter Outlet as a template, draw around the inside of the outlet to mark the underside of the gutter for the new hole.
4. Using a hole saw or tin snips, cut the hole for your new gutter outlet.
5. Clean the underside of your gutter around the hole.
6. Your gutter outlet should be oriented so that the angle on the outlet will sit parallel to the angle of your Leaf Eater Original’s primary screen. Place silicone around the underside of your gutter outlet flange and push the gutter outlet up onto the gutter. Use a screw or rivet to secure your gutter outlet in place.
7. Position the Leaf Eater Original at the bottom of the Gutter Outlet, next to the existing downpipe. Mark and cut the bottom line and remove this section of downpipe, ensuring the cut edge is clean and smooth.
8. Remove the screens from your Leaf Eater Original rain head.
9. Mount the main body of your Leaf Eater Original evenly under the gutter outlet by securing it to the fascia with pop rivets or screws, making sure the backing plate fits snug up to the bottom of edge of the gutter but NOT between the fascia and back edge of the gutter.
10. Place the secondary, mosquito-proof screen in the main body of your Leaf Eater Original over the outlet and clip it into place.
11. Replace the primary screen, making sure it fits INSIDE your rain head’s front lip, and secure in place with the clips provided.
12. Connect your Leaf Eater Original to the downpipe using a socket. DO NOT glue it to the pipe. Instead, secure with a screw for easy removal.
13. If desired, you can paint your rain head to match your downpipes and/or building.

Eave & “mid” mount

1. Locate the position at which you will be installing your Leaf Eater Original rain head. Whether this is directly under your eave or midway down your downpipe, it should be a minimum of 500mm above your tank inlet and tank overflow pipe. Depending on the volume of water being moved and whether or not you’re “pushing water” over long runs, the rain head may need to be mounted more than 1.2 metres above the discharge point.
2. Discard the Leaf Eater Original Gutter Outlet.
3. Position your Leaf Eater Original at your planned installation point and mark top and bottom cut lines. Add 50mm to the measurement on the upper end of your downpipe (which will become your entry downpipe) and cut this at a 45 degree angle. This should allow 50mm clearance between the pipe and primary screen. The angle will ensure the end of the pipe is parallel to the screen, helping to direct the water onto the screen more effectively.
4. Cut the bottom section of downpipe at a 90 degree angle. Ensure all cut edges are clean and smooth.
5. Remove the screens from your Leaf Eater Original rain head.
6. Mount the main body of the Leaf Eater Original evenly under the entry downpipe, securing it to the wall with pop rivets or screws.
7. Place the secondary, mosquito-proof screen in the main body of your Leaf Eater Original over the outlet and clip it into place.
8. Replace the primary screen, making sure it fits INSIDE your rain head’s front lip, and secure in place with the clips provided.
9. Connect your Leaf Eater Original to the lower downpipe using a socket. DO NOT glue it to the pipe. Instead, secure with a screw for easy removal.
10. If desired, you can paint your rain head to match your downpipes and/or building.

Your Leaf Eater Original’s primary screen is mostly self-cleaning, however, from time to time, leaves may become jammed and require removing. This can be done by hand or by removing the primary screen and hosing or brushing it off before clipping it back in place.

Regularly check the secondary, mosquito-proof screen to ensure it is clear and clean. If it requires cleaning, remove it from the rain head and hose or brush it off before replacing it and clipping it back in place.

• Leaf Eater Original
• Gutter Outlet

• Marker pen
• Tape measure
• Hole saw or tin snips
• Sealant
• Saw
• Screws or pop rivets
• Screwdriver or pop rivet gun
• Drill
• 90mm or 100mm socket

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 upgrade my Leaf Eater Original or older Leaf Beater with the new patented screen technology?

Yes. Upgrade screens are available for both new and old Leaf Eater and Leaf Beater rain heads. The patented Clean Shield Screens keeps leaves, debris, mosquitos and larger pests out of your pipes – no second screen required.

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 the Leaf Eater Original and Leaf Eater Ultra?

The Leaf Eater Original is our trusted, original, all-round rain head. It features a primary self-cleaning stainless steel screen with a 5.4mm aperture (hole size) and a secondary mosquito-proof 955 micron stainless steel screen.

The Leaf Eater Ultra is the result of many years of research, development and refinement. It features a patented VH Pivot for installation on horizontal and vertical downpipes, a sleek anti-splash cover and a patented Hydro Activated Filtration screen system for maximum leaf shedding.

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.