Browse Forums Bathrooms and Laundry 1 May 22, 2007 9:14 pm I am in the process of building a new home (plans and permits stage) and would like to utilise grey water to water the front yard (lawn, flowebeds and some trees) I also have plans to utilise rainwater tank for laundry cold water inlet
I am noticing that in the new homes the grey water exits from under the slab, and no drainage pipes are visible on the sides of the house. The laundry sink is also placed towards one of the inner walls (not adjacent to an outer wall unlike the older homes) I am wondering how are we going to get access to grey water outlet and also to connect rainwater inlet for washing machine after handover. Do I request the builder to place my laundry trough adjacent to the external wall? Is there any other solution? vp Re: Access to greywater pipes 2May 23, 2007 9:47 am Tell the builder what you want, and they do it while building.
There are rainwater to mains connection valves that stop an issues of backflush (required by law). Tyou also should have a greywater divertor tap that goes under your sink so you have the choice of re-using the water, (greywater) or if it's really greasy etc, sending it down the sewerage line. Talk to them - most builders understand what you are after these days. Steve Re: Access to greywater pipes 3May 29, 2007 8:08 pm Thanks Steve.
The builder doesnt want anything to do with grey water diversion.. this is what the lady who's handling our building plans mentioned upon my request. I am wondering if I get them to place the laundry trough closer to the laundry door (and thus closer to the external wall) could help. VP Re: Access to greywater pipes 4May 30, 2007 11:31 am Where are you VP?
I'd be pushing the builder to include it as it is easier to do now. Maybe find a greywater experienced plumber in your area, then ask them the question and take this back tot he builder as - hey can we do this. Most spec home builders don't emply the best of the best contractors hence it is often "too hard" to do anything different. Don't make me think they say! If it's closer tothe wall it will be easier to run pipe etc later, but where too? There are regulations about grey water runs, and from what I know the best ption to to run it to small sump tank and autopump this sump every day to the areas desired. Grey water cannot be stored more than 24 hours without risks to health potentially starting. Also make sure you get the right detergents etc to reduce damage to your plants and soils. Steve Re: Access to greywater pipes 5Jun 01, 2007 2:11 pm We are in Melbourne- Eastern subs.
I came accross one water diversion system (Ecodiverter or some such name) It costs between 2-4 K . I plan to get the soapy water into the sewer but the final rinse water into the garden(not stored but pumped). According to this system the water pipes are laid in the drip watering style approx 1 cm under the soil and are not likely to be a health hazard. I plan to get some such thing after handover and while planning the garden layout. For the rear garden I will be using water from the alfresco used in vegetable washing etc and rainwater tank if needed. I will contact the local plumbers dealing with greywater and see what they have to say. Thank you for your suggestions. vp Re: Access to greywater pipes 8Jun 01, 2007 7:27 pm Sometimes I feel like a poster girl for the Alternative Technology Association ... but be that as it may, a couple of issues ago, in Renew (their mag) there's a table of a huge range of brands of laundry detergents showing their phosphorous and salt levels. A very handy list indeed.
I suspect if you email them at ata@ata.org.au, they'd be able to send you a copy. They're also a good source of independent advice on greywater (it's been their thing for years), though I'd still go with a green plumber for the fine detail relating to your situation. Cheers e. Re: Access to greywater pipes 9Jun 04, 2007 5:21 pm Hey Vp,
At the Ecoliving show in Adelaide last weekend (There was one in Sydney last weekend too) I chatted these guys. http://www.eco-smartplumber.com.au And yes they said many builders are still not making the effort. Cheers Steve Re: Access to greywater pipes 10Jun 05, 2007 11:57 am Unfortunately these guys are providers for SA only.I enquired with a local plumber who suggested to move the trough to external wall and waste to exit thru wall rather than thru slab and to have powerpoints on the outer wall for pump connections if needed. I will enquire this with the builder and see if they accept.
Thank you for your suggestions. vp Re: Access to greywater pipes 14Aug 28, 2007 9:18 am Hi Oznow,
Basically there will be a 'diverter" under the trough.. you can see these in bunnings catalogue. separate pipes will run thru the wall or slab and exit the house. in this manner u can turn the diverter on when needed without connecting the washer hose to those long black pipes leaving the laundry door open. its simple plumbing mechanics and real cost shd be under $200. volume builders find it 'ugly' and hence overprice it. Are you building with the vloume builders or pvt builder? with pvt builder you can get what u want. good luck viv The only thing to add to these comments is that where possible it's always good to try and work with people than just say "no" because you can. Having someone… 4 19661 Hi, Building a new place and I have limited space from garage to fence. 3130mm width, then opens up over 5000mm once I pass tmy garage. I need a fence that goes from… 0 5500 Hello, Hoping to get some help here. I recently bought a place and for the life of me I can’t find any access to my roof space. But I know that there must be a way to… 0 3710 |