AUTOMATIC RAINWATER WITH MAINS BACKUP
Davey RainBank KRB2 Surface Pump Rainwater Harvesting System
The Davey RainBank KRB2 is an automatic dual-source rainwater harvesting system designed to use stored rainwater first while keeping mains water available as backup when the tank cannot supply the connected fixtures.
Davey's current manufacturer datasheet identifies KRB2 as a surface-mounted system using the HS50-06 pump with a top-entry tank level switch. The KRB2 system is rated at approximately 46 litres per minute at 200kPa and sits in Davey's higher-pressure and higher-flow RainBank selection category.
RainBank can be used for compatible toilet, laundry, exterior tap, garden and irrigation rainwater applications. When usable tank water is available, the system gives that rainwater priority. When rainwater becomes unavailable, or the pump cannot operate during an electrical interruption, mains water remains available to the connected RainBank plumbing.
Installed Today can offer the RainBank KRB2 pathway as supply only or through eligible supplied-and-installed options in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas, subject to the selected kit, surface-pump configuration, tank access, level-switch arrangement, mains-water connection, electrical supply, pipework and intended water demand.
Davey KRB2 at a glance: surface-mounted RainBank configuration, HS50-06 pump pairing, top-entry tank level switch, approximately 46L/min at 200kPa system performance, automatic rainwater priority, automatic mains-water backup, mains supply during electrical interruption, built-in dual-check backflow protection and a current Australian manufacturer warranty period of 36 months.
IMPORTANT PRODUCT IDENTITY
Is KRB2 Just the RainBank Controller?
Davey's current manufacturer documentation treats KRB2 as a RainBank system or kit designation, not simply as the loose controller housing.
The current KRB2 configuration pairs the RainBank control assembly with the HS50-06 surface pump and a top-entry level switch.
KRB2
Surface-mounted HS50-06 pump configuration using a top-entry level switch inside the tank.
KRB2NF
Surface-mounted HS50-06 configuration using Davey's floatless RainBank arrangement rather than the normal tank level switch.
Check the selected SKU before ordering. A complete KRB2 system and a replacement RainBank controller body are not necessarily the same product package.
HOW RAINBANK WORKS
How Does RainBank Choose Between Tank Water and Mains Water?
When a connected toilet, washing machine, exterior tap or other approved rainwater outlet creates sufficient water demand, RainBank checks whether usable rainwater is available.
If the tank can supply the system, RainBank starts the pump and rainwater becomes the active source.
If the tank cannot provide usable rainwater, the RainBank source-control mechanism allows mains water to continue supplying the connected fixtures.
When water demand stops, the system switches the pump off and waits for the next demand.
Very small demands may not start the rainwater pump. Davey's current installation instructions state that demand needs to exceed approximately 1.5L/min or mains water may be supplied instead.
MAINS BACKUP
What Happens When the Rainwater Tank Is Empty?
RainBank automatically falls back to mains water when there is insufficient usable water in the rainwater tank.
This avoids the need for the homeowner to manually operate a changeover valve each time the tank runs low.
Once the rainwater supply becomes available again and the tank-level arrangement allows normal operation, the system can return to rainwater-priority operation.
Rainwater Available
The rainwater pump supplies the connected RainBank fixtures.
Rainwater Unavailable
Mains water is allowed to supply the connected fixtures automatically.
No Manual Changeover
Normal operation does not require the household to repeatedly switch between the two water sources by hand.
POWER OUTAGES
What Happens if the Power Goes Out?
The HS50-06 surface pump cannot operate without electricity, so the rainwater side of the system stops pumping during a power interruption.
RainBank is designed so mains water can remain available to the connected fixtures during that interruption.
This is one of the major differences between RainBank and arrangements that require a pump to pressurise both rainwater and mains-water supply.
Power-outage backup means mains water remains available. It does not mean the rainwater pump continues to operate without electricity.
NO RE-PUMPING OF MAINS WATER
Does RainBank Pump the Mains Water?
No. Davey's RainBank design does not normally re-pump mains water through the rainwater pressure pump.
Mains water passes through the RainBank source-control arrangement when backup is required.
This means the pump is reserved for rainwater operation rather than being required every time mains water is used through the connected RainBank fixtures.
KRB2 PERFORMANCE
How Much Flow Does the KRB2 Provide?
Davey's current RainBank datasheet lists the KRB2 at approximately 46L/min at 200kPa.
This is the useful manufacturer system-selection point for the combined KRB2 arrangement rather than the unrestricted maximum-flow figure of the HS50-06 pump by itself.
46L/min
At 200kPa
HS50-06
Surface Pump
Top Entry
Tank Level Switch
36 Months
Current Warranty
HIGHER-PRESSURE SELECTION
Where Does KRB2 Sit in the RainBank Range?
Davey's current selection chart places KRB2 in the higher-pressure and higher-flow group compared with the smaller KRB1 and KRBX1 systems.
The manufacturer's selection chart also includes KRB2 among configurations considered for longer pipe runs and selected two-storey applications.
This does not mean every two-storey property automatically suits KRB2. Available pressure still depends on simultaneous flow, pipe size, pipe length, elevation, fittings and the complete hydraulic layout.
KRB2 VS KRB2NF
What Is the Difference Between KRB2 and KRB2NF?
| Feature |
KRB2 |
KRB2NF |
| Surface Pump |
HS50-06 |
HS50-06 |
| Davey Flow at 200kPa |
46L/min |
46L/min |
| Tank-Level Method |
Top-entry level switch |
Floatless operation |
| Normal Tank Arrangement |
Uses tank-mounted level switch |
Designed primarily for suitable flooded-suction surface-pump installations |
| Optional External Float |
Standard system already uses level switch |
Can be added where the application requires it |
| Higher Pressure / Flow Category |
Yes |
Yes |
KRB2 and KRB2NF therefore provide similar listed system performance but determine tank-water availability differently.
TOP-ENTRY LEVEL SWITCH
How Does the Standard KRB2 Know the Tank Is Empty?
The standard KRB2 uses a level switch positioned inside the rainwater tank.
Davey's current controller data lists the top-entry level-switch lead at approximately 9 metres.
The switch tells RainBank whether enough rainwater is available for pump operation. When the stored water falls below the appropriate level, the system can revert to mains backup.
The tank opening and installation arrangement therefore need to allow the level switch to be positioned correctly.
CONTROLLER OPERATING LIMITS
RainBank Controller Specifications
| Specification |
Current Davey Detail |
| Maximum Mains Flow Through RainBank |
100L/min |
| Maximum Pump Flow Through RainBank |
100L/min |
| Maximum Pump Pressure |
600kPa |
| Maximum Pump Current |
10A |
| Level-Switch Voltage |
12V DC |
| Continuous Water Temperature |
Maximum 50°C |
| Minimum Water Temperature |
1°C |
| Maximum Ambient Temperature |
50°C |
| Mains Water Inlet |
3/4-inch BSP male |
| Rainwater Inlet |
1-inch BSP male |
| Outlet |
3/4-inch BSP male |
| Controller Supply |
220–250V AC, 50Hz |
| Maximum Full-Load Current |
10A |
| Controller Enclosure |
IP23 |
| Incoming Power Lead |
Approximately 2m |
| Top-Entry Level-Switch Lead |
Approximately 9m |
MAINS PRESSURE
What Mains-Water Pressure Can RainBank Accept?
Davey's current manufacturer documents contain different figures for mains-water pressure.
The current RainBank datasheet lists a 900kPa maximum mains-water-pressure hardware figure and tells installers to refer to applicable local requirements.
The current installation and operating instructions separately state that mains pressure must be limited below 600kPa.
For installation planning, use the more conservative 600kPa limit unless the documentation supplied with the actual RainBank revision explicitly permits another arrangement. Do not assume the 900kPa datasheet figure means the unit should be installed directly on a 900kPa service.
BUILT-IN BACKFLOW PROTECTION
Does RainBank Include Backflow Protection?
The current RainBank datasheet identifies an integrated dual-check backflow protection valve within the system.
Davey's installation instructions also note that some water-service or tank configurations can require additional backflow protection beyond the RainBank's internal dual-check assembly.
This can be particularly relevant where the rainwater tank is partially or fully buried or where the water source falls outside the normal clean-rainwater installation arrangement.
WATERMARK & WATER CONTACT
What Current Manufacturer Approvals Are Listed?
Davey's current datasheet lists WaterMark certification for the RainBank product and states that the product complies with the manufacturer's identified plumbing requirements when installed according to its instructions.
Davey's current Australian product page also states that RainBank products have been tested and certified to the requirements of AS/NZS 4020 for products in contact with drinking water.
Drinking-water contact testing does not mean RainBank purifies the rainwater. Source-water quality, tank hygiene and any required treatment remain separate considerations.
CLEAN RAINWATER
What Water Sources Is RainBank Designed For?
Davey's standard RainBank instructions are written for clean rainwater and mains water.
The manufacturer warns that bore water, dam water, grey water, stormwater or recycled-water systems can create different backflow and system-design requirements.
Those water sources should not simply be substituted into a normal KRB2 installation without the required system assessment.
TANK FILTRATION
How Should the Rainwater Tank Be Protected From Debris?
Davey recommends good rainwater-management practices to reduce debris reaching the RainBank and connected fixtures.
- Use a suitable first-flush arrangement where appropriate
- Fit a strainer at the tank inlet
- Keep excessive leaves and debris out of the tank
- Maintain the tank so heavy sediment does not reach the pump
- Consider the manufacturer-recommended fine strainer between pump and RainBank
Davey's installation instructions specifically recommend a 1-inch Y strainer with approximately 200-micron mesh between the pump and RainBank where appropriate.
PIPEWORK
What Pipework Does RainBank Need?
Davey's installation instructions recommend at least approximately 20mm or 3/4-inch plumbing to and from RainBank to reduce friction losses.
Long pipe runs, small-diameter pipe and multiple fittings can materially reduce available pressure at toilets, washing machines, taps or irrigation outlets.
Isolation valves on the rainwater and mains-water sides can also make future maintenance easier by allowing the RainBank assembly to be removed without unnecessarily draining the rainwater system or shutting down more of the property than required.
CONTROLLER LOCATION
Where Can the RainBank Controller Be Mounted?
Davey allows the RainBank assembly to be mounted with a compatible pump or on a nearby supportive wall.
The controller needs to remain accessible for inspection, manual operation, fault indication and future servicing.
The manufacturer also recommends positioning considerations that reduce nuisance from pump sound around bedrooms and occupied areas.
Wiring, plumbing and the controller should be protected from inappropriate access by children or pets.
TOILET & LAUNDRY APPLICATIONS
What Can a RainBank KRB2 Supply?
Toilets
RainBank is specifically promoted for compatible toilet rainwater supply with automatic mains backup.
Laundry
Compatible washing-machine or laundry rainwater plumbing can be supplied where the property is designed for the RainBank system.
Garden & Exterior Taps
Davey also identifies exterior taps and garden irrigation among suitable RainBank applications where the required pressure and flow suit the system.
WATER SAVINGS
Can RainBank Reduce Mains-Water Use?
Yes. By prioritising available rainwater for connected fixtures, RainBank can reduce the quantity of mains water used for those applications.
Davey markets RainBank as capable of saving up to approximately 40% of household mains-water use in suitable rainwater-harvesting applications.
The 40% figure is not a guaranteed saving for every property. Actual mains-water reduction depends on rainfall, tank capacity, household demand, roof collection area and which fixtures are connected to the rainwater system.
KRB RANGE COMPARISON
How Does KRB2 Compare With Other Surface-Pump RainBank Systems?
| RainBank Model |
Pump |
Level Method |
Davey Flow at 200kPa |
| KRBX1 |
SJ35-04 |
Top entry |
25L/min |
| KRB1 |
HP45-05 |
Top entry |
40L/min |
| KRB2 |
HS50-06 |
Top entry |
46L/min |
| KRB3 |
HM60-08 |
Top entry |
60L/min |
| KRB4 |
HM90-13 |
Top entry |
80L/min |
KRB2 therefore sits above Davey's smaller single-storey-oriented RainBank selections but below the larger KRB3 and KRB4 system configurations.
SUPPLY ONLY
Buy the Davey RainBank KRB2 Supply Only
Choose supply only where an appropriately licensed installer is already arranged and the exact KRB2 package has been confirmed.
The product-only price does not automatically include:
- Plumbing installation
- Rainwater-tank modifications
- Mains-water pipe alterations
- Additional rainwater pipework
- New isolation valves
- Pressure-control equipment
- Additional backflow equipment where required
- Tank filtration or first-flush equipment
- Electrical outlet or circuit work
- Old controller or pump removal
- Tank cleaning
- Difficult-access work
- Off-site disposal
Confirm whether the selected product is a complete KRB2 system or a replacement controller component. Davey's KRB2 manufacturer designation refers to the HS50-06 surface-pump system configuration.
SUPPLY & INSTALL
Davey RainBank KRB2 Supplied & Installed
Eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast customers can select a supplied-and-installed pathway where the tank, mains-water connection, pump location and rainwater plumbing suit the KRB2 arrangement.
Tank & Level Check
The standard KRB2 requires an appropriate top-entry level-switch arrangement inside the tank.
Pump & Hydraulic Check
The HS50-06 system, pipework, vertical lift and connected fixtures need to suit the required pressure and flow.
Mains & Power Check
The mains backup connection, water pressure, RainBank controller and electrical supply all need to suit the current installation requirements.
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
What Can Change the Installation Scope?
A straightforward RainBank replacement assumes an accessible existing tank, compatible plumbing, suitable pump position and electrical supply.
Additional work can apply where:
- The tank requires a new level-switch opening
- The existing pump does not suit the KRB2 configuration
- The controller or pump is being relocated
- Mains-water pressure requires control
- Rainwater pipework needs rerouting
- Additional backflow protection is required
- A Y strainer or filtration is being added
- The tank contains excessive sediment
- A new electrical outlet is required
- The existing system has leaks or damaged components
- Access falls outside standard installation conditions
INSTALLATION AREAS
RainBank KRB2 Installation in Brisbane & Gold Coast
Installed Today can provide supplied-and-installed pathways across eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where the RainBank system and required installation scope are available.
Brisbane
Gold Coast
Supply-only ordering can also suit customers who already have an appropriately licensed installer arranged and have confirmed the correct Davey system configuration.
WARRANTY
Davey RainBank KRB2 Warranty
Davey's current Australian RainBank for Surface Pumps product listing states a 36-month manufacturer warranty period.
The current RainBank datasheet also presents the product range with a three-year guarantee.
Warranty remains subject to Davey's conditions, correct product selection, correct installation, suitable water quality and operation within the manufacturer's limits.
RAINWATER FIRST, MAINS WHEN REQUIRED
Why Choose the Davey RainBank KRB2?
The KRB2 combines Davey's automatic dual-source RainBank control with the HS50-06 surface pump for properties wanting rainwater priority without losing access to mains water when the tank cannot supply the system.
Current manufacturer data identifies 46L/min at 200kPa, higher-pressure and higher-flow selection status, a top-entry level switch, automatic mains backup, built-in dual-check backflow protection and a 36-month Australian warranty.
It is particularly relevant where toilets, laundry or compatible outdoor water uses are already designed around a domestic rainwater-harvesting system and a surface-mounted pump is preferred.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions About the Davey RainBank KRB2
Is KRB2 Still a Current Davey Model?
Yes. Davey's current RainBank datasheet continues to list KRB2 among its surface-mounted RainBank systems.
Why Does Davey's Website Mostly Show KRB2NF?
The current Australian product page highlights its floatless surface-pump options, including KRB2NF, while the current manufacturer datasheet linked from that page continues to list KRB2, KRB2F and the wider RainBank range.
What Pump Does KRB2 Use?
The standard KRB2 is paired with the HS50-06 surface pump.
What Is the KRB2 Flow Rate?
Davey lists approximately 46L/min at 200kPa.
Does KRB2 Use a Float?
The standard KRB2 uses a top-entry tank level switch.
What Is KRB2NF?
KRB2NF is the floatless surface-pump configuration using the same HS50-06 pump and the same listed 46L/min at 200kPa selection point.
Is KRB2NF Suitable for Every Tank?
No. Davey's floatless arrangement is primarily intended for suitable flooded-suction surface-pump installations. Tank level relative to the pump and suction configuration need to be checked.
Does RainBank Use Rainwater First?
Yes. Rainwater is the preferred source whenever suitable tank water is available.
What Happens When the Tank Runs Empty?
RainBank automatically allows mains water to supply the connected fixtures.
What Happens During a Power Outage?
The pump stops, while mains water remains available through RainBank's backup arrangement.
Does RainBank Pump the Mains Water?
No. Davey specifically identifies no re-pumping of mains water as a RainBank feature.
Does It Have Backflow Protection?
Yes. Davey's current datasheet lists an integrated dual-check valve. Additional backflow protection can still be required for some tank or water-source configurations.
What Is the Maximum Mains-Water Pressure?
Current Davey documents conflict. The current datasheet lists 900kPa as a hardware operating limit with a local-requirements note, while the installation manual instructs that mains pressure be limited below 600kPa. The more conservative 600kPa installation figure should be used unless current instructions supplied with the actual unit state otherwise.
What Is the Maximum Pump Pressure Through RainBank?
The current general RainBank datasheet lists 600kPa.
What Is the Maximum Flow Through the RainBank Controller?
The current general datasheet lists 100L/min for both the mains and pump sides of the controller.
What Size Is the Mains Connection?
The mains inlet is 3/4-inch BSP male.
What Size Is the Rainwater Connection?
The rainwater inlet is 1-inch BSP male.
What Size Is the Outlet?
The RainBank outlet is 3/4-inch BSP male.
Can RainBank Supply Toilets?
Yes. Toilet supply is one of Davey's primary RainBank applications.
Can RainBank Supply a Washing Machine?
Yes, where the property has an appropriate rainwater laundry connection.
Can It Supply Garden Taps or Irrigation?
Yes. Davey lists exterior taps, garden irrigation and turf watering among RainBank applications where the required flow and pressure suit the selected system.
Does RainBank Make Tank Water Safe to Drink?
No. RainBank controls water sources; it does not purify rainwater.
Is RainBank Tested for Drinking-Water Contact?
Davey's current Australian product information states that RainBank products have been tested and certified to the requirements of AS/NZS 4020 for products in contact with drinking water.
Does the Tank Water Need Filtration?
Davey recommends tank inlet screening, first-flush management where appropriate and a 1-inch 200-micron Y strainer between the pump and RainBank to reduce debris entering the system.
Can the Controller Be Wall Mounted?
Yes. Davey allows RainBank to be mounted on the compatible pump or on a nearby supportive wall where the installation remains accessible.
Can RainBank Save 40% of Mains Water?
Davey markets potential mains-water savings of up to approximately 40% for suitable households. Actual savings depend on rainfall, tank storage, household use and which fixtures are connected.
Does It Need a Licensed Installer?
Davey's current datasheet and installation instructions state that RainBank must be installed by a licensed plumber.
What Is the Warranty?
Davey's current Australian product page lists a 36-month warranty for RainBank for Surface Pumps.
Can I Buy the KRB2 Supply Only?
Yes, where the exact selected package is confirmed and an appropriately licensed installer is already arranged.
Can Installed Today Install It?
Eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast properties can select a supplied-and-installed pathway where the rainwater tank, HS50-06 pump configuration, mains backup, pipework, electrical supply and access are suitable.
FINAL CHECK
Is the Davey RainBank KRB2 Right for Your Property?
The Davey RainBank KRB2 is primarily suited to domestic rainwater-harvesting systems needing a surface-mounted pump, automatic mains backup and more hydraulic capacity than Davey's smaller RainBank selections.
Current manufacturer documentation pairs KRB2 with the HS50-06 surface pump and a top-entry tank level switch and lists approximately 46L/min at 200kPa.
Before ordering, check whether the required product is the complete KRB2 system or a replacement controller component, then confirm tank access, level-switch arrangement, water cleanliness, pump position, pipe size and length, mains-water pressure, backflow requirements, electrical supply and the connected fixture demand.
For supply only, arrange an appropriately licensed installer. For eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast properties, select the matching supplied-and-installed pathway and any required pump, filtration, plumbing, pressure-control, electrical, removal or access add-ons before checkout.
