water savin tips needed

[John G]

The problem with grey water in the garden is the potassium in the detergent will lock the minerals in the soil and eventually the plants will die off. (so I've been told).
But supposedly there is a product you can add to the grey water to condition the water. Something like a capful per bucket. I saw it on one of those home shows once.

Anyone have any idea what this grey water conditioner is?

[soundman]

as far as washing machines go.
Most of the modern machines run some form of plc controll with a variable frequency drive. which makes them a lot more efficient and very much cheaper to make but may be a bity fussy about the quality of the power unless they are very well designed.

stear clear of uld hoover twin tubs as the power factor and peak currents are wild.

I tried to run my neibours twin tub of my jenny ages ago & it wouldn't play but my old GE top loader worked fine with a 500watt QI lamp for balast. of a 2kvamachine.

we've just gone form a front loader to a F&P top loader & the water consumption is about the same with the machine full but better with a small load.

If you are on acreage recycling grey water is reasonably easy. If you are not on town plumbing you gata do something with it any way.

A sullage tank pump & sprinkler is cheaper and easier to maintain than a trench system. we abandond our sullage trenches a few years ago.

[soundman]

as for chemicals from sullage.

most detergents contain phosphates whic are also common fertilisers (that have side effects)

as long as you spread you water arround you shouldn't have too many problems.

also it is wise to water with clean water if you have it from time to time.

organic firtilisers should help keep the soil microbialy health enough to cope with a little washing water.

if you tank is big enough the washing, diswasher ect should be diluted by the shower & basins. .....

no dead plants here.

[Sir Stinkalot]

Originally posted by ChrisH
However my current Asko washing machine works perfectly on it, but many other models of Asko don't. One particular model of Asko, no longer made, is notorious.
Chris.

Which models of Asko do you recommend on a pv/wind system? We are currently designing a house to be put on an island with no power, we have had a consultant size the power system but I have to specify the washer. I have selected the top of the range Asko front loader (its not my money but the client would like to go for entry level as she feels it would be easier for guests to use. Your comments on which machine would be very useful for me. Unfortunately I do not have any details on the inverter or regulator at hand but I can provide them on Monday if needed.

Thanks

Stinky.

[journeyman Mick]

Just wondering where the microbial growth in the grey water comes from? I can understand it if the grey water comes from the shower - dead skin cells and bacteria etc, but if you've only got water laced with detergents coming out of your washing how does the microbial growth start?

Mick

[Sir Stinkalot]

Originally posted by journeyman Mick
Just wondering where the microbial growth in the grey water comes from? I can understand it if the grey water comes from the shower - dead skin cells and bacteria etc, but if you've only got water laced with detergents coming out of your washing how does the microbial growth start?

Mick

Not trying to be crude but ..... flatulence smells as there are minute particles of .... these get filtered like a cyclone into underpants. I think you get the drift. There is also problems with washing nappies. Dead skin cells remain on clothes as well as dirt, blood, dust etc.

[journeyman Mick]

Ok, that makes sense. No kids, so the nappies thing wasn't thought of. Didn't really think about skin cells on clothing, my work clothes are usually choked with sawdust and cement dust, so that's primarily what I was thinking about going down the drain. And flatulence? - mine smells like roses mate!

Mick

[soundman]

most modern detergents also have ensimes in them which could be considered microbes.

[ChrisH]

Hi Stinky.

Now about Asko...
I'd suggest you contact the manufacturers of the INVERTER you plan to use for suggestions on which washing machines work best with their inverters.
I wrote 5000 words of detail on brands, models etc but I forgot there is a 1000 word limit on this site! So it is deleted. Sob!

BASICALLY... my Asko machine is about 10 years old and the efficient motor used in it is no longer used, so I would not recommend any of today's Askos for solar power use. I believe they all now use similar motor technology to the "problem" model of the past.

Fisher and Paykel top loaders have a reputation for working really well on inverters (MUST be sine wave inverters or the washing machine will be seriously damaged) and use bugger all power. Way lower than most. They are reliable and clever machines, but do use more water than front loaders.
I am happy to talk to you over the phone if you like, just email me your phone number.
Chris.

[John G]

- enzimes are not microbes! Not even close. They are just another type of chemical.
- grey water contains phosphates (not potassium), over-use of which can damage soils and plants. There is a way to condition grey-water but I don't know how.

[schaf]

Hi Cx3,

What a interesting thread you have started.

Have read it all the replies and l have learnt some,thank you.

I have one more question to throw into the pot.
Has anyone any advise or a method of turning brackish water into
drinking water( I think it is called potable water).

Regards Schaf.

[Iain]

Paddy Palin and similar places have a filter for turning salt/polluted water into drinking water.
They work under pressure (don't we all!) and are very slow.
This is for walkers etc, and I imagine there is a domestic/commercial unit available.

[Jeff]

so ya wanna learn how to save water huh? Well, it all starts with knowing how much you are using. I lived six years on a boat, and I can tell you, nothing teaches you water conservation like packing water. I've lived in a high desert in a hundred year drought. I know a little about conserving water, from experience. So here's the closest thing to that you may be able to duplicate: Put a tap on your source, and start filling up jugs or buckets or whatever you want, and use those to fill up your washer or tub or sink. Next, start watching where that water goes after you're done with it. Is it still usable? Many clothes washers have a "water saver" where the second wash/rinse water can be recaptured for the first wash of the next load. Front loads are really very good. Ever use a wringer washer? You may learn a few things there too. You will learn it's a matter of time vs. water savings in a lot of cases, but not always..... Do you have a stream, or consistent wind power, or solar power? A lot of the washing mechanism can be done on a slower, smoother basis with better results, utilizing nature's free power. Combine new technology with simple and proven older methods. Learn how soaps and detergents work (different princples) and make the best of knowledge. There are countless gadgets and "systems" out there, and most of them are . Stay simple, use your brains, and watch every drop. Bottom line is, use each drop as many times as you can, so plan, plan, plan.

[Johnno]

A while back, Sir Stinkalot offered to post a URL for Leeaky Hose. I've also been researching this product, and here's the URL: <http:\\www.leeaky.com.au>

It seems to be a good product and is backed by CSIRO research. The only drawback I've found so far is the need to use a pressure reducer as our Canberra mains run at a higher pressure than recommended.

Given the impending level 3 and above restrictions here I will be removing my inground sprinklers and hanging some leeakyhose on the end of the existing buried watering system. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Johnno2

[Johnno]

Something went wrong there; the URL is

<http:// www.leeaky.com.au>


Johnno2