Greywater and Tankwater with single pump

[jvdv]

Hi,
I would like to use a single pressure control pump to pump water from a greywater source or raintank depending on a selector.

I was wondering if anyone previously used a manual float level valve in the output line of a pressure control pump? Something along the lines of the attached sketch. I am hoping to use this mechanism to switch off the pump via its own pressure control unit before the greywater reservoir is totally empty an the pumps dry run protection kicks in?
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Any other/simpler design ideas? I am known for complicating things above to what is required.

Many thanks, Jan

[atregent]

There's a device called a RainBank that automatically switches from tank to mains supply, you might be able to modify it to suit your purpose. Pretty sure they're not too cheap though

[Big Shed]

Jvdv, before you address the "how", I think you need to explain the "why".

What is this grey water/rain water being used for? If it is anything to with human consumption, even watering the vegie patch, then I think you should kill the whole idea right off.

Any chance of contaminating rain water for human consumption and/or vegetable/fruit watering should not be risked.

But perhaps you have other uses in mind?

[jvdv]

Hi,
I will not use the water for human consumption. The main idea would be to water the plants in my garden. I will keep it out of my raised vegie patch. I am also aware of the sub-surface requirement for greywater outlets in the garden.

Stopping cross contamination between the greywater and rainwater source is important, because the rainwater will be stored for longer than 24 hours. That is the reason why I proposed the non-return valves to isolate the two water sources.

If that is all ok, I would still like some feedback on the greywater level / control idea.

Regards,
Jan

[Big Shed]

Fair enough, your sketched idea should work.

I would still not be that happy to have rain water and grey water connected to the same system, too easy to get cross contamination into the rain water tank, particularly with children around.

[Qldp]

Why not put a sump pump in your grey water tank?
Its made to pump small amounts of sludge where your pressure pump is made to pump clean water.
They make differant pumps to do differant jobs, you will only bugger your pressure pump if you put too much rubbish through it.

[sdrob]

i guess another question is what type of pump are you going to use?? i mean yes you are going to save water but if you use a mains power pump you then going to have to pay for the power consumption... i bought a 12v pressure pump, the type used in caravans.. i fitted this to my rain water tank with a small solar panel and batteries.. so now i get free water under pressure from my hose. works great.. well worth looking into.. all up cost slightly more than a cheap mains water pump

[bricks]

the cost associated with all of the controls and non-returns would make it too expensive.

You also need to factor it the possibility that someone may in-advetantly drink from one of those taps, or the tank- you cannot have that happen, you also need a dual check valve on the tank ( $180).

It would be simpler and easier to have a tank with pump and a self contained greywater system, But all of this needs to be done by a liscenced plumber.

You also need a filter on the greywater line to prevent the lint,hair,soap, whatever getting into the pump body.

With a grey water pump system you need to have corrosion resistant pump body and housing if it is to be durable enough ( stainless steel)

plus once you store grey water, it is not ussually put back into sewer, you'll need an air gap, proper drainage backflow prevention ect.

This is very costly if done right.

[Doctorphil]

Hi. I don't like grey water much as it has a lot of problems. That's why I invented a better way. Instead, take a look at my water harvesting system (as shown on the ABC's New Inventors program in August 2007 and winner of the Episode's People's Choice Award). The web page is;
www.everydropwaterharvester.itaustralia.org/webpage.html
Regards, Phillip