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GREYWATER RECYCLING IN PLUMBING

7/11/24

Washing machines, bathroom sinks, and showers produce wastewater that can be recycled and reused in the home. These gently used waters are called greywater – and they’re not contaminated like blackwater (wastewater that comes from kitchen sinks and toilets). Greywater is easily recycled for non-potable purposes like irrigation and toilet flushing.

Nowadays, water conservation is essential. It helps protect drinking water resources and also plays a major part in minimizing water pollution and health risks. Greywater recycling plays a major role in water conservation.

Greywater recycling promotes sustainable water usage and reduces reliance on fresh water. It also helps you get the most out of the water you have at home, improving the overall water conservation strategy.

Benefits of Greywater Recycling

Reduced Strain on Municipal Water Supplies:

Greywater recycling lessens the need to rely on municipal water excessively. Less reliance on municipal water supplies alleviates the strain on the stressed infrastructure.

Recycled greywater can be used in the home for irrigation and flushing toilets. This reduces the volume of water needed from municipal water sources. Since greywater is diverted and recycled for reuse, less wastewater will be sent to treatment plants, and that lowers the overall treatment costs.

Lower Water Bills:

Large volume of domestic water is used for showering, and bathing. Letting it go down the drain is expensive in the long run — and that will translate to an increase in water bills.
With greywater recycling, you can reuse greywater over again. Since recycled greywater can be used for flushing toilets and outdoor activities, a significant amount of money will be saved on water bills.

Healthier Plants:

Greywater contains valuable nutrients for plants. Nowadays, more households have turned to recycled greywater as a reliable water source for irrigation. Recycled greywater is considered a healthy option for irrigation, and only a few plants, such as Scotch pine, lemon tree, and avocado, are sensitive to it.

Understanding Greywater Systems

Here is a brief overview of greywater systems, their components, and the placement and usage considerations.

Simple vs. Complex Systems:

A simple greywater system is usually designed to deliver less than 250 gallons per day. Since it requires a simple plumbing design, you can either do it yourself or hire a local plumber close to you. Complex systems require advanced filtration systems, and they can deliver over 250 gallons of irrigation water per day.

Components of a Greywater System:

Diverter Valves: The diverter valve is used to direct greywater from the sources like washing machines and showers into the greywater recycling system (located outside the building).
Filters: The greywater filter is used for cleaning the greywater, and trapping solid debris in the greywater.
Irrigation lines: The irrigation line is used for the distribution of the greywater into gardens or landscape areas.

Placement and Usage Considerations:

Greywater systems are usually installed in bathroom drains and washing machine drain pipes. Greywater from these places is collected, filtered, and redirected for outdoor use.

Not all greywater is suitable for reuse. Only gently used water is recycled for reuse. And that could be water from showers, washing machines, tubs, and bathroom sinks.

Safety and Regulations

Greywater contains chemicals from soaps, dyes, toothpaste, and mouthwash. When used to irrigate edible plants like vegetables and fruits, it can cause health risks. Also, if not used properly, it can encourage bacterial growth in your living environment.

Finally, you need to check the local building codes regarding greywater usage. Understanding the local greywater codes helps you know what the law requires of you and enables you to work with the regulatory agency.

Spend Less on Water Bills with Greywater Recycling

Over 50% of domestic water can be recycled and reused — and greywater recycling helps you do that. Greywater recycling enables you to spend less on water bills and also lessens your dependency on municipal water supplies.

Reach out to our team of dedicated professionals to get started.