Every drop counts – The smart choice for rainwater harvesting and garden irrigation
Every raindrop matters!
Why use rainwater? Water is a scarce resource used daily for drinking, showering, flushing toilets, washing clothes, watering gardens, and cleaning. Treating tap water to ensure it is safe to drink is an expensive process reflected in your water bill and environmental footprint. There is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative: rainwater. It´s a free resource that is ideally suited for various applications around the house and garden.
Save money and protect the environment
Rainwater is perfect for garden irrigation and many other household uses. By using rainwater, you contribute to a sustainable future and reduce your water bill simultaneously.
Benefits of rainwater harvesting in the garden
- Better for your wallet: The use of rainwater reduces the consumption of tap water and lowers running costs.
- Environmentally friendly: Reducing the burden on the municipal water supply actively contributes to environmental protection.
- Healthy plant growth: Free from limescale and chlorine, rainwater supports healthy plant growth – both indoors and outdoors.
- Effective cleaning: Rainwater is soft and limescale-free, ideal for cleaning patios, garden furniture, windows and floors – reducing the need for detergents.

How to collect rainwater efficiently? Choosing the right rainwater solution for your garden
The simplest way to collect rainwater is using a water butt. Somewhat more complex to install, but with a larger capacity, is an above- or below-ground rainwater tank, also known as a rainwater cistern. To make the best use of rainwater, a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system is recommended. These systems consist of storage tanks, filtration systems, and pumps to collect, store and reuse water sustainably. Which system fits best depends on the individual requirements and the available space.
Three simple steps to smart rainwater harvesting:
Step 1: Collect rainwater
- Roof surfaces: Use gutters, filters, and leaf catchers to collect rainwater and remove debris.
- Patios and paving: Redirect rainwater efficiently using terrace drainage channels.
Step 2: Store rainwater
Depending on the water requirement, there are different ways of storing it:
- Water butts: The simplest variant for smaller quantities and manual garden irrigation.
- Above-ground rainwater tanks: Perfect for smaller gardens.
- Underground rainwater tanks: Space-saving and ideal for larger volumes of water.
Step 3: Make rainwater usable
- To easily make use of the collected water, a reliable pump is required that transports the water to the desired location. With an innovative submersible pump, you simply pump the collected rainwater to its place of use.
The perfect pump for your rainwater harvesting system: Meet the Wilo-Extract FIRST:
With the Wilo-Extract FIRST, you can maximise the potential of rainwater. This innovative submersible pump ensures you make the most of your rainwater harvesting system. It offers numerous benefits, such as:
- Plug and pump convenience: Just plug it in and get started.
- Safe and reliable: Featuring dry-running protection, integrated non-return valve, and corrosion-resistant materials.
- Flexible use: Suitable for wet setups (like reservoirs) and dry setups as well as tanks with small entrances.

Perfect for any situation, whether you have a small or large garden. Suitable for both manual watering with a hose and automatic irrigation or sprinkler systems. Discover more product details and technical information in our online catalogue.
High-quality accessories:
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Hose with R1 connection:
Available in various lengths (1.5 m to 15 m), including hose clamps and connectors. The R1 connector fits directly onto the pump for easy installation.
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Intake filter (SE version only):
Choose between a coarse or fine filter, depending on your water quality requirements. The filter is made of durable stainless steel for a long service life.
Installing a rainwater harvesting system is easy with the Wilo-Extract FIRST. This reliable rainwater pump connects seamlessly to your water collection system, delivering efficient garden watering without waste. Due to its simple Plug and Pump setup, you´ll be enjoying sustainable rainwater use in no time.


Professional advice and installation
Sustainable rainwater harvesting: regulations and funding opportunities
Did you know that the use of rainwater is not only environmentally friendly but can also meet certain legal requirements? Some councils even offer state or municipal subsidy programmes for installing rainwater harvesting systems. It is worth checking the local regulations before installing a system. Check local regulations and funding opportunities to make your garden greener!
FAQ for rainwater harvesting
What can I use rainwater for in the house or garden?
What components do I need for a rainwater harvesting system?
A complete system includes a collection system such as gutters and drainage channels, a storage tank or cistern, and a pump and a hose for water distribution.
Can I use Wilo-Extract FIRST in small gardens?
How do I maintain the rainwater pump?
Regular cleaning of the filters and checking the water reservoir extend the pump´s lifespan and ensure smooth operation.
Do I need additional accessories?
Yes. To ensure proper operation, both the basic version and the floating discharge (SE) version require a hose with an R1 connector. Not sure which accessories you need? Contact an expert today for personalised advice on the best setup for your garden!