If you live in a state with an existing greywater code that allows for simple, affordable systems, focus your efforts at getting a streamlined permitting process and working through barriers people encounter when they try to install a permitted system. If your state has had a recent state code change you can work to gain buy-in […]
To become a greywater installer, you need a combination of ecological landscaping/permaculture training and basic plumbing skills. There are many ecological landscaping training opportunities from Green Garden programs, Bay Friendly Landscaping, and others. For related skills, many excellent permaculture trainings are offered across the country, like at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. Community colleges and […]
There are some simple, economical ways to flush a toilet with greywater. Here are two we recommend. Easiest way: The bucket flush method. Lift the lid of the toilet. Dump greywater directly into the bowl. This will create a siphon affect and the contents of the bowl will empty. Or, install a simple system like […]
When ever possible, greywater should be diverted downstream of the fixture’s p-trap and vent (this is also required by most codes). In some situations it’s much more convenient to install the diverter valve before the p-trap and vent, and it’s safe to do so, here’s why: In standard plumbing, drain flowing to the sewer/septic system needs a P-traps to prevent […]
Greywater policies differ state to state. Currently, the best policy is for the state of Arizona. They have greywater guidelines to educate residents on how to build simple, safe, and affordable, greywater irrigation systems. If people follow the guidelines their systems falls under a general permit and is automatically “legal”, that is, the residents don’t […]
Warranties vary from company to company and policy to policy. Based on anecdotal evidence and conversations with people who have installed a laundry-to-landscape system, a washing machine’s warranty does not seem to be affected. If washing machines have required maintenance, the repair people have not attributed the problem to the greywater system. On newer machines […]
A properly designed laundry-to-landscape system should neither harm a washing machine nor cause it anymore wear and tear than normal use. Factors such as washing machine variation and landscape differences result in no two systems being alike. Hence, recommendations for how to design a safe system do not guarantee that they are safe for your […]
In a simple greywater system you want to find a balance between the amount of greywater generated and the water requirements of the plants you’ll be irrigating. Since both these amounts fluctuate, the optimum design strikes a good balance. You want to keep the plants healthy while irrigating as many as possible (to save the […]
Do not store greywater! Learning to use greywater can feel counter-intuitive because the rules for irrigating with fresh water do not apply. You can store fresh water or rainwater for later use, but greywater should be used as soon as possible after it’s produced. In pumped systems with a temporary surge tank greywater should not […]
Drip irrigation tubing has very small emitters, which will quickly clog from particles in greywater. To use successfully use greywater in a drip irrigation system you’ll need to: Filter it. Have a plan to clean the filter (either automatically or by hand). Employ “greywater compatible” drip irrigation tubing. Keep in mind that greywater filters do not […]