Grey Water Tank

[Stuart]

Actually Ern, that is a good point - thanks for the perspective. I'm used to very urban environments where the water never sees the light of day again until it hits the sea. But obviously that is not always the case, so yes- proper research is needed.

In fact, the entire country's philosophy on water needs a major reevaluation. Countries such as Israel don't spray their crops anymore - wastes too much water. They are expert at drip irrigation systems for crops, and we have similar needs here - we need to get away from old water management practices.

[rsser]

Very true.

We've been able to take water for granted in Melbourne - one of Croxford's legacies.

btw, I'm in Reservoir - kind of ironic naming with the benefit of hindsight.

[Iain]

1000 l tanks Melbourne...http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Water-Tank-10...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1000-LITRE-PL...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1000-LITRE-PL...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1000L-plastic...QQcmdZViewItem

And the list goes on.

To think that where we are used to be swamp and had drains put in to make it usable pasture, created one man made river and numerous channels, all still flowing straight into Westernport Bay.

[Stuart]

Found one place today - theirs are $375 new. (1000L pallet tank) More than I want to spend for the greywater system.

[Grunt]

Kilmore Pastoral has them $200, not so far from Res.

[Stuart]

That's getting much better!

[some_one]

Hi guys I went to my local hardware shop they had a rubber tube that they said you could use to divert grey water passing through the pipes staright to the garden. It is fitted through the inspection hole! can anyone explain if it works and how??

[Gumby]

Is that the one Bunnings have with a T-shape end which has 3 outlets ?

It looks pretty basic but it said something on the box about the 3 outlets preventing back pressure in the pipe. I assume the single one doesn't allow enough water through and it runs the risk of blocking the outflow.

They have rubber pipe (half inch i think) connected to them and the water just runs to where ever you end the pipe.

[some_one]

That is right and the same question came to my mind that if I fit it to the laundry outlet will be able to handle the flow from that machine or will it flow back into the room? Has anyone actually used it?? Because the store will say it will work but i need to be reassured!! also how will the inspection hole be fitted back once I install the flow pipe??
hummmmmmm

[Stuart]

Not likely to flow back into the room, but if there is too much backpressure, you can put more wear and tear on the washing machine pump.

That being said, if you are just taking it from the washing machine, why not take the outflow straight outside and collect it in a bin or a tub. You can drip feed from there, or bucket, or pump.

As to the inspection hole, it screws off, and on - there is no issue there.

[Stuart]

Here are the photos of what I have done.

I already have a sprinkler system in place, including the timing computers, so that isn't in the price.

I have spent about $350 on the pump, which gives mains pressure on demand (ie - you pull the trigger on the hose, the pressure drops and the pump turns itself on.) About $100 in fittings etc. And an old (free) rubbish bin.

You could couple this up to a weeper hose, or sprays, or I good ol' hose and sprinkler. I use a hose from this to water some trees.

Anyway, here goes:

1: The connection from the washing machine through a new hole I cut in the sink. Silicon around to stop water getting through the hole from the tap and under the sink

2: The connection under the sink into a larger diameter hose (Bunnings - $20 for 10m) There are some plumbing fittings inside, and a pipe clamp to hold it all together. Some duct tape, cause I like wasting duct tape. Oh, and more silicon.

3: The hose goes through a hole under the sink to under the house (or you could take it through the wall, depending on your property slope etc ), and then out into the top of the 'tank' The whole hose is downhill so there is no backpressure placed on the pump - using gravity as much as possible.

In the top of the tank I have screwed a downpipe header which has a leaf catcher inside. I have then wrapped a whole heap of a netting around that, and stuffed around the pipe to catch as much lint as possible. Don't want that wrecking my pump.

4: Here you can see the overflow going back to the stormwater, and the outlet from the bottom of the tank leading to the pump.

[Stuart]

5: The pump (bit hard to see), with output to a whole heap of spaghetti! I have an offtake just before the computers which I can plug in a hose. At the moment, I have a manual system which I have jury-rigged together where I can manually turn on which line I want to feed water down. Down track, when I have a low level switch that shuts down the pump, the feed will be automatic, through the two computers and the "octopus" valves which systematically feeds each watering line.

forgot to mention, the outlet from the tank has a second, fine inline filter to catch the last of the lint.

6: The sign in the front garden telling nosy neighbours to mind their own business.

7: Closeup of the sign (made with the router as seen in my signwriting video )

Another hint - I rang SE Water, and had them put on my account that I use recycled water for the garden, for when they get complaints.

Anyway, there it is. I may make a video of it in time, but I've just found out that my baby's date of birth has been bought forward, and is now (suddenly) only a week away

[some_one]

That is all I can say,,,let me absorb all that has to be done...you have done a great deal of work ....Congr atulations.

[Gumby]

here's my effort.

I put in a 2200L tank and pump about 2 years ago.

The price of the tank has gone from $490 to over $600 since ! I'm getting another one to add to it soon and recently doubled the roof area which feeds it. It has a pump so the pressure from the hose is pretty good.

Great for the garden and cars. We put a sign at the front too. don't want anyone to think we are cheating.

The last pic shows the downpipe from the deck roof (laser lite) which just feeds a 120L storage container from Bunnings (cost $22 plus about $35 for the pipe etc). This water used to run off the deck roof and onto the lawn. Now we just bucket it out to the lemon tree and some of the garden.

[Groggy]

Hi guys I went to my local hardware shop they had a rubber tube that they said you could use to divert grey water passing through the pipes staright to the garden. It is fitted through the inspection hole! can anyone explain if it works and how??

These type are easy to insert, remove the inspection plug and push it in. It is inserted far enough to block the exit pipe and collect all the waste water, which is routed to the garden. 99c should see you buying one.

There is another type here.