Home Made DIY Grey Water System Water Recycling
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http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/ Home Sign Up! Explore Community Submit All Art Craft Food Games Green Home Kids Life Music Offbeat Outdoors Pets Photo Ride Science Tech Home made DIY Grey water system water recycling. by simon72post on April 21, 2009 Table of Contents License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Intro: Home made DIY Grey water system water recycling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 step 1: Basic principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 step 2: Parts needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 step 3: Assembling the water collection pipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 step 4: Making the cut off switch mechanism in the collector tubes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 step 5: Preparing the storage tank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 step 6: Fitting the pipes on the wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 step 7: Plumbing the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 step 8: Making the control box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 step 9: Wiring the control circuit and pump. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 step 10: Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 step 11: Update fine tuning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
description
Home made grey water system
Transcript of Home Made DIY Grey Water System Water Recycling
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
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Home made DIY Grey water system water recycling.by simon72post on April 21, 2009
Table of Contents
License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intro: Home made DIY Grey water system water recycling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
step 1: Basic principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
step 2: Parts needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
step 3: Assembling the water collection pipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
step 4: Making the cut off switch mechanism in the collector tubes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
step 5: Preparing the storage tank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
step 6: Fitting the pipes on the wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
step 7: Plumbing the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
step 8: Making the control box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
step 9: Wiring the control circuit and pump. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
step 10: Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
step 11: Update fine tuning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
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Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa)
Intro: Home made DIY Grey water system water recycling.I have always hated flushing clean water down the toilet and wasting the water that goes down the plug hole.
So I decided to make my own grey water recycling system.It is fairly easy to put together if you are technically minded. And doesnt cost to much compared to other systems.
Image Notes1. collection pipes2. waste from bathroom3. colection tubes
step 1: Basic principleThe basic principle is when water goes down the plug hole from the bath shower or bathroom sink. It is collected in 2 soil pipes fixed to the side of the house, and thenpumped up in to the loft to be stored in a storage tank ready to be used to flush the toilet.
here is a link to a larger image
http://sites.google.com/site/simonspagesproject/Home/grey-water-system
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
Image Notes1. collector tubes2. toilet3. bathroom4. switch mechanisum5. filter6. pump7. loft tank
step 2: Parts needed2 x 110mm soil waste pipes.1 x 40mm waste pipe.3 x 40mm fitting for 110mm soil pipe2 x end caps screw on type1 pump1 one way valve1 foam filter1 storage tank with lid2 ball cocksSome 15mm copper or speed fix pipe.2 magnets2 reed proximity switches.2 relaysSome cable
Originally I was going to use a 12 volt pump running from a solar panel. But the pump I had wasnt powerful enough to pump the water up to my loft so I had to use an oldcentral heating pump I have from my old central heating.
step 3: Assembling the water collection pipesTo start with I laid out the 2 soil pipes and drilled a hole in the side of both of them at one end so I could fit the 40mm fittings and join the 2 pipes together. And glued inplace the 2 40mm fittings.
You will need to make sure there is lots of adhesive on them and they are well sealed because there is quite a lot of pressure in the bottom of the pipes.
Then I drilled another 40mm hole in the top of one of the pipes so I could fit an overflow pipe.
Next I glued the screw on inspection end cap in the end of one of the tubes.
While the adhesive was drying I made up the cut off switch mechanism.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
Image Notes1. 40mm link pipe2. magnet switch3. pipe to the pump4. end cap
step 4: Making the cut off switch mechanism in the collector tubes.The cut off switch in the bottom pipe is basically a magnet on a pivoting arm. A bull cock. And a reed switch on the outside of the tube.
When the water level rises the ball cock pulls on the arm which moves the magnet against the side of the tube.When the water level drops the arm drops back down and moves the arm away from the side of the pipe.
This I bolted to an end cap to be fitted in the bottom of one of the collection tubes.With a 15mm fitting to supply water to the pump.
Image Notes1. Magnet
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
2. pivot arm3. Ball cock4. pipe fitting5. end cap
step 5: Preparing the storage tank.The storage tank will have one 15mm pipe from the pump one 15mm pipe supplying water to the toilet.An over flow pipe. And a bull cock with a magnet attached.And a reed switch which will cut of the power to the pump when the water level rises.
Image Notes1. over flow pipe2. pipe from the pump3. pipe to toilet
Image Notes1. ball cock2. magnet3. switch
step 6: Fitting the pipes on the wallWhen all the tubes had dried I fitted the blanking end caps. One of them is the one with the magnet arm and bull cock fitted to it.I bolted the two tubes together on the wall with a small peace of 40mm tube between them.Then I fitted the over flow and the waste pipe from the bath to the top.Making sure I had already installed the foam filter in the top of the pipe this is just held in place by chicken wire bent over the top of the pipe.
Image Notes1. over flow pipe2. waste pipe from bathroom3. position of the foam filter
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
Image Notes1. collection pipes2. waste from bathroom3. colection tubes
step 7: Plumbing the systemI attached a 15mm copper pipe to the bottom of one of the collection tubes and plumbed it inside to a one way valve to keep the water in the pipe when the pump is off.which is connected to the central heating pump.Then I ran some 15mm pipe up through the house to the top of the tank in the loft.Then I attached the overflow pipe to the top of the tank and a 15mm pipe from the bottom of the storage tank to the toilet.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
Image Notes1. one way valve2. pump3. pipe to loft tank4. control box
step 8: Making the control boxThe control box is basically 2 relays. The relay wired to the collection tubes switch is wired as normally open. The relay for the tank in the loft tank switch is wired normallyclosed.
So when the water level in the collection tubes drops to low the ball cock drop causing the arm to move away from the side of the tube. switching of the relay isolating thepower to the pump.
The relay in the loft is off until the water level get towards the top of the tank. Then the magnet activates the switch causing the relay to switch on which will turn off thepump.
When the tanks are half full the circuit will switch on the pump and pump the water from the collection tube to the storage tank until ether the collection tubes empty or thestorage tank is full.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
step 9: Wiring the control circuit and pump.I ran some bell wire from the reed switches to the control box which I mounted on the wall next to the pump.Then I wired the pump up to the control box.As shown.
Image Notes1. collector pipe relay2. 12 volt suply3. switch wires4. mains suply for the pump5. power to pump6. loft tank relay
step 10: TestingTo test the system I ran the bath and allowed the water to go down the plug hole and to start filing up the collection tubes.I checked the tube for leaks if I found any I had to empty the water and apply more adhesive to the pipes to try and seal the leaks.
When the adhesive had dried I ran the test again to find any more leaks.When I was satisfied there were no leaks I was able to test the rest of the system.
I switched on the pump and made sure there was no air in the system. And that the pump was powerful enough to pump the water to the tank in the loft. And checkedthat the loft tank was not leaking.
Then it was just a matter of waiting for the pump to pump enough water in to the loft tank so that the water level in the collection tubes droped enough to activate theswitch and turn the pump off. At the same time I manually checked the switch on the storage tank would switch off the power to the pump when the water level rose tohigh.
When I was happy the switches were switching the pump on and off correctly.And the pipes were not leaking and the overflow pipes were working correctly.
I put the lid on the loft tank.
And went and had a shower and allowed the water to fill the collection pipes, the pump switched on and the loft tank started to fill.
Then I just flushed the toilet to make sure it would fill up and there were no leaks.
And that was it.
step 11: Update fine tuningHi
I have been using this grey water system for about 6 months now.In this time I have had 1 or 2 small problems that I have had to sort out.
The first one is, I have had 2 switches fail. I have put this down to the switches not being able to cope with the current drawn by the relays so I have made a simpletransistor circuit to reduce the current going through the switches this has also enabled me to use just 1 relay.
see attached circuit diagram.
the second problem has been when the weather gets hot there is a bit of a smell from the grey water stored in the tank in the loft.
I have calculated that the tank in the loft is holding to much water for to long.It is holding enough water for 5 days. so I am replacing the tank in the loft with a smaller tank which will hold enough water for 1-2 days. then more of the water will bestored in the tubes outside. and the water will be recycled sooner. and won't be sitting around getting smelly.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
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Comments50 comments Add Comment
dagdon says: Dec 3, 2009. 1:33 PM REPLYThis is a VERY environmental project. Typically, this will save about half of your domestic water consumption. Depending on your household demographicsand their flushing and bathing/showering habits. Modern toilets use only a fraction of the water per flush, compared to a couple generations ago. If youneed more "grey" water to balance the equation, consider the output from the laundry, too.Board of health-wise. You must have it constructed so there is an overflow of excess grey water into the drain( you have that). Also, you need provision forfreshwater feed to makeup any shortage of grey water. (If not enough showers, you still need to flush.) Finally, to pass engineering standards, you mustprovide for air-breaker and one-way valves so that even if the fresh water system (city water mains, whatever, experienced a momentary suction instead ofpressure; the grey water could never enter the freshwater system. Congratulations on a very eco project. Nicely done.!!!BTW, the cabin version of this is the bucket under the sink--bucket used to flush the toilet.
simon72post says: Sep 9, 2009. 1:33 PM REPLYI did think about doing it that way. but its good to have a storage tank in case. the toilet is used more. and the tubes outside get emptied. or if I have anyproblems with the system. a storage tank gives me a bit more lee way.
dkstruska says: Sep 8, 2009. 6:14 PM REPLYCouldn't you just skip the attic tank and have the pump piped directly to the toilet? A small pressure tank and pressure switch would be necessary, but therewould be no exposed water inside to stink up the place except in the toilet.
turner_chris1 says: Jul 17, 2009. 11:48 AM REPLYlook at the dps systemhttp://www.telegraphbusinessclub.co.uk/default.asp?p_id=ibm-yourideas-detail http://www.telegraphbusinessclub.co.uk/default.asp?p_id=ibm-yourideas-detail
Ive seen it, looks good - you should disinfect - legonaires - aerosols - its in the regulations apparently
wazzup105 says: Jul 12, 2009. 12:54 AM REPLYI really like the vertical pipe storage system... saves me from storing a large box full of water... I could just mount some pipes on the wall with an overflow"mechanism" to store some rain water...
water harvest online says: Jul 6, 2009. 4:25 PM REPLYCool project! It's good to see people getting their hands dirty with the whole greywater concept. It truly is a super tangible way for people to start conservingwater and make a noticeable difference. For more ideas check out www.waterharvestonline.com It's a really cool community where people can share ideasand their vision for the future of water harvesting.
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claudiojsouza says: Jun 15, 2009. 1:08 AM REPLYThanks for sharing... that's amazing... As soon as I have my own house I'll try it.
nsgrossman says: May 17, 2009. 7:44 PM REPLYSo question: Would this be useful for me if I have a septic tank & well water? This makes perfect sense in a city where filtering requires many resources, butin my current setup waste water goes into my septic tank where it drips into the aquifer and is eventually reclaimed by the well. It would seem the pumpneeded to move the gray water would probably use a similar amount of power as my well pump, leaving the filtering action as the only real difference.Thanks for the info, GREAT tutorial! Peace Nate
stormuk says: Apr 23, 2009. 7:19 AM REPLYSimon, Great instructable and it's something I really want to do. Where I've had problems is sourcing a cheap removable/cleanable filter. You mention thatyou've used a 'foam filter' - can you let me know where I could get something like that and how much they cost? If anyone knows of any alternative filtertypes that would work for this, that would be helpful too!! Many thanks. James
simon72post says: Apr 24, 2009. 1:22 AM REPLYHi the filter I'm using at the moment is a foam air filter. the type you would use for a car or motorbike. it will catch most of the larger lumps and hair andso on. it also dose not restrict the water flow to much. it is shaped like a cone. so it dosn't restric the water to much
damoelld says: May 12, 2009. 8:49 PM REPLYGreat instructable! Where you live does it get below freezing? As I would worry about your collection pipe becoming solid in winter and spilling it's'precious cargo' :) I think you are on the right track and with a few tweaks and alterations dealing with fungal growth and stagnation, and a few years,some form of this type of system will be legislated in all new builds. Keep it up!
stormuk says: Apr 24, 2009. 2:32 AM REPLYSimon, Thanks for your reply. So you mean like a K and N air filter? Sounds good. rying not to sound stupid now, how have you housed it andconnected the pipes to it? I don't suppose you have any photos or drawings of this part? Thanks James
brokengun says: May 12, 2009. 7:53 PM REPLYThis is pretty sweet. I haven't seen many DIY grey water recycling systems, this is a good way to do it though. Do you have any calculations as to how muchmoney this will save? I have a well so I have no idea of the cost of public water. What would the payoff be for something like this? Considering your use of anold pump and just some pvc, I bet you don't have much invested...
altomic says: Apr 21, 2009. 9:28 PM REPLYexcellent. very excellent. thank you a neat thing that I saw i Japan was when you flushed the toilet there was a tap and sink on the top of the cistern. so youpush the button, toilet flushes and water starts running from the tap in to the sink which then goes in to the cistern to flush next time. the sink and cisternwere one unit.
chuckr44 says: Apr 29, 2009. 5:12 AM REPLYIn the US they sell a special toilet top, connected to the toilet water inlet valve, which lets you wash your hands over the toilet tank (not bowl). So washingyour hands fills the toilet tank for the next flush. But these are hard to find. Not sold in stores.
danm9 says: Apr 23, 2009. 2:41 PM REPLYstinks if you still have soap on your hands when the tank is full! :-P
WilderLust says: May 11, 2009. 3:02 AM REPLYtanks have an overflow tube... excess water just goes down the tube into the bowl and sewer.
iPodGuy says: Apr 22, 2009. 5:56 AM REPLYThat would only put out cold water, no? Not so good for washing with soap and killing germs.
WilderLust says: May 11, 2009. 3:05 AM REPLYno... you will plumb it like a regular sink. i was going to build a fiberglass sink-shower-toilet combo unit for a while but decided to do whole house graywater system and use the excess for the garden to supplement my rainwater system.
madanna says: Apr 23, 2009. 3:11 AM REPLYHi. You don't need hot water for killing germs. All you need are wet hands, soap and friction (rubbing the surfaces of your hands together) - thoroughdrying is also essential. Not using hot water to wash your hands might be more energy/resource beneficial than re-plumbing your toilet. Neatinstructable though.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
Broom says: Apr 22, 2009. 6:47 AM REPLYI think you missed an essential point:
The system recycles from the sink to the toilet.
You wouldn't want to wash your hands in recycled greywater.
iPodGuy says: Apr 22, 2009. 9:22 AM REPLYYeah, I got that. What altomic was saying is that there's toilets out there with a spout that puts out water for you to wash your hands with. Thehandwash water then fills the tank of the toilet. That is greywater recycling, but toilets are cold water so all that would come out of the spout iscold. That was really just an observation I made. The system featured in this i'ble is well-thought.
Froggrrrr says: Apr 23, 2009. 10:41 AM REPLYWhile cold water isn't the most comfortable to wash with, it isn't less hygienic. When my son was learning to wash his hands, even lukewarmwater was "TOO HOT!". While complaining about this to a microbiologist friend he told me that the temperature of the water doesn't matter,it's that you work up a good lather to remove the germs. Washing in temperatures hot enough to actually kill or harm the bacteria would hurt! :)
Froggrrrr says: Apr 23, 2009. 10:42 AM REPLYoops, sorry, missed the above post!
roosta says: Apr 23, 2009. 5:45 AM REPLYim not sure thats quite right. why couldnt you put hot water into the cistern? the way i read it is that the taps (hot and cold) are on top of thecistern pumping fresh water through fromt the mains. flush the toilet, cistern empties, turn on the tap(s) and the waste water from washing fillsthe cistern. obviously if you just swapped out your toilet for one of these you would only have a cold water pipe there, but you dont need theold sink either so you may as well put the new toilet where the sink was and then you would have both hot and cold pipes present. then againpipes can easily be moved using flexible piping. i dont know how old this product is by i had a similar idea when i was 14 (2004-2005 time)where the bass and seat of the toilet slid out from under the cistern, and the sink was mounted on top. we were trying to fit a toilet and sink inan under stairs cupboard, but there wasnt enough space.
Culturedropout says: Apr 23, 2009. 6:03 PM REPLYEverything I've read (and experienced when dumping our bus's grey water tank) indicates that icky, smelly things will grow in grey water if it's stored for anylength of time. It gets pretty disgusting. Ever taken apart the trap under the bathroom or kitchen sink? Ugh. Lots of mysterious, stinky, slimy stuff growingthere. There's a booklet called, "Create an Oasis with Grey Water" which also mentions that storing it isn't a good idea. We have our shower set up with avalve in the crawlspace that lets you send the waste water either into the septic tank (we live in the country) or into the garden to water the grape vines.Works fine, but it's not stored. I'm curious if you've had this system in place long enough to be able to say whether or not there are problems with odor and/orbacterial growth. Very well done "Instructable" though; lots of nice pictures and diagrams, and good explanations.
chuckr44 says: Apr 29, 2009. 5:11 AM REPLYYep. I get so much black bacteria growing in my sink I actually have to clean the pipes once per year, as it builds up and impedes the flow of water downthe drain. And that part isn't even under water.
simon72post says: Apr 24, 2009. 1:06 AM REPLYHi I have already thought about this. I have a lid on the tank at the moment and hopefully that should be enough. But If I find I start having problems withsmells and so on. I will change the tank for a smaller sealed container. with an overflow pipe. which will also act as a breather pipe which I can run up theside of the house to the roof. just like a soil pipe breather pipe. The only other thing that could possibly need a bit of attention at times is if there is a buildup of muck on the inlet ball cock valve on the toilet or in the pump. But hopefully the filter will stop most of that. I will just have to wait and see. And younever know until you try.
eseaman says: Apr 27, 2009. 4:29 PM REPLYNice instructable - but here in Adelaide, Australia you would have to adapt it a little to comply with regs. We have to use greywater within 24 hours, after thatit needs to be allowed to run away and start again, though I guess you could arrange to empty the tank overnight and refill from the morning shower. Also(just in case anyone is interested...) regs here state that if we do anything permanent with greywater plumbing we have to have it noted on the deeds of thehouse! Temp solutions with pipes out of windows etc are fine though :) I really think greywater use is the way to go and would also recommend the bookmentioned above "create an oasis with grey water".
hammer9876 says: Apr 23, 2009. 8:01 AM REPLYThis system seems pretty intriguing. I would have to wonder about reusing the bathwater three little boys have used (OMG), even in toilets!
There are two things I would note. One is, "Pipes and supply points on the grey water system must be clearly labeled in order to avoid confusion with themain drinking water." Quoted from http://www.rainwatercollection.co.uk/grey-water-collection.html
I would also make sure that everyone in the household and any guests are aware that everything that goes down "here" ends up "there" unless it gets caughtin the filter.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
simon72post says: Apr 24, 2009. 1:19 AM REPLYHi that is a good point about labeling pipe. I will have to do that.
nolte919 says: Apr 23, 2009. 11:17 AM REPLYInteresting system. What happens if the toilet needs more water than is provided from the shower, sink and bath? Also, are you concerned with thingsgrowing in the water causing it to be unsafe or smelly?
simon72post says: Apr 24, 2009. 1:16 AM REPLYHi So far I have more than enough water for the toilet. and a lot of the water from the shower bath is still being wasted. the pump was running for quite awhile to start with when it was original filling the tank. but now it only runs for a short while to top the tank up. I have also thought about the possibleproblem with smells and so on. and what I will do if it's a problem. see my response to Culturedropout
bbsux says: Apr 22, 2009. 8:50 AM REPLYI've been thinking of doing this with collected rain water, this may be a big help..
iPodGuy says: Apr 22, 2009. 9:51 AM REPLYI would love to try that as well, but it isn't allowed in our town and they monitor our sewage vs. consumption.
simon72post says: Apr 24, 2009. 1:10 AM REPLYHi you said about your water usage compared with your sewage. That will not change. because at some point it will all go back to the drain. it justgets used twice instead of once. the only thing that would effect the balance of your water usage and sewage. is if you used it for something likewatering your garden, where it wouldn't get back to your drain.
jpharrington says: Apr 23, 2009. 3:10 PM REPLYJust because it isn't allowed doesn't mean you shouldn't rethink trying it. Ever cross the street on a red light? Go above the speed limit. Even if youget charged the same, but are using less then you are helping the planet.
danm9 says: Apr 23, 2009. 2:36 PM REPLYThat is horrible. you should protest!
JettaKnight says: Apr 23, 2009. 8:01 AM REPLYForgive me for saying, but I highly doubt there is a meter on your sewage pipe. I suggest your utility company does as ours, assumes you put downthe down the drain a percentage of what you pour out of the tap and then charge you accordingly. Our city has problems with combined sewageoverflows (CSO) so they're trying to reduce their sewage loads during storms. Furthermore, the water they process is just dumped (now clean) intothe river.
noamparn says: Apr 23, 2009. 5:06 AM REPLYI'm confused. If they charge you drain fees based on the amount of water you pull through the water meter, how would the ratio of those change?Other than losses for evaporation (or what might get absorbed into the towel when you dry things off), you are bringing the same amount of water intothe house as you are putting down the drain. You are just -reusing some of the water a second time before you flush it down the drain.
n3rrd says: Apr 29, 2009. 9:14 PM REPLYIf using gray water, there should be little to no discrepancy, as you have stated. bbsux originally mentioned using collected rain water, whichwould flow through the same sewage pipe, but wouldn't be counted as entering. This would cause a discrepancy if the sewage pipe is in factmetered.
DuhnnnDunDuhnnDunDUHNDUHNDUHN! says: Apr 22, 2009. 11:02 AM REPLYIf they do, just say you buy bottled water only to make up for the difference. I don't see how they could really nail you on this.
sect says: Apr 22, 2009. 1:38 PM REPLYGreat stuff I have a unused water tank still in the loft and would like to use it in this way as well. Please keep us updated on the results. Nice one
blckbuster says: Apr 22, 2009. 12:17 AM REPLYwhat about plumbing codes? you may keep things a secret but should you ever get inspected will you have any problems? and is there any health concernsstoring the soiled water in your home?
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
simon72post says: Apr 22, 2009. 12:58 PM REPLYHi
I have thought about this. and have spoken to a friend of mine that is a plumber.He said as long as the grey water can not come in to contact with the fresh water supply it should be OK.
there is a lid on the water tank as well.
I have also seen professional systems such as this one that work in a very similar way.
http://www.rainwatercollection.co.uk/grey-water-collection.html
iPodGuy says: Apr 22, 2009. 9:48 AM REPLYThis is a fantastic question. I'm also curious as to how much money the system was to put in and what the filter maintenance is like. Could there perhapsbe an addendum to this i'ble regarding the ongoing maintenance of this system? Also, could the use of greywater in a toilet tank cause a buildup of filmon the inside of the tank?
simon72post says: Apr 22, 2009. 12:50 PM REPLYHi I already had the pump and the water tank. but the rest of it cost me about £70. the filter is easy to clean I just pull the end of the waste pipe fromthe bathroom, and remove the filter from the top of the tube. I have only had the system up and running for a couple of weeks. so its a bit early to sayabout any problems. but so far it's been working fine. I will have to see what happens in the winter when it gets colder. with the tubes outside.
iPodGuy says: Apr 22, 2009. 5:57 AM REPLYThis is good. I'm slowly becoming fascinated with greywater use and this is a good read.
omnibot says: Apr 22, 2009. 2:33 AM REPLYBrilliant! And all so simple as an aoutomated system based on switches rather than programmable interfaces, an unusual and elegant solution by todaysstandards. You should get some sort of prize for this.
SinAmos says: Apr 22, 2009. 1:06 AM REPLYI don't have time to really work this out, but great effort on your part. I will be coming back soon to read this through.
