As per a report from Edie Newsroom, “Australia is wasting huge amounts of water every year”. So, it’s essential to look for some effective ways to reduce water wastage.
Using greywater is the most-used practice throughout Sydney, as people are finding it great for watering the gardens and the lawns. If you are also looking to reduce the water wastage in your house, consider getting a greywater system installed.
What is greywater, by the way? What are its merits and demerits? In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about greywater and greywater systems.
What is Greywater?
Greywater is the non-toxic water coming out of the drains. In simple words, it’s the wastewater that comes from the kitchen sink, washbasin, bathtub, and other non-toilet plumbing systems.
There are two types of wastewater phenomena:
- Greywater
- Blackwater
You can use greywater but not blackwater. The blackwater comes from toilet-related plumbing systems and is not usable in any form.
Understanding the Types of Greywater
There are different types of greywater in your house, and not all of them are usable. Here are the common types of greywater you can use:
Washbasin Water
The hand sink water contains toothpaste, soap, and the residues of cleaning products. You can use this type of greywater for irrigation purposes.
Kitchen Sink Water
This type of greywater contains traces of pesticides, soap, and food scrap. It is not suggested to use kitchen sink water for watering veggies meant to be eaten raw. However, this type of greywater can be used for flushing purposes.
Laundry Water
The water coming from the laundry room has good amounts of soap, detergent, and dirt. You can use this type of greywater for irrigation and watering the lawn.
Bath Water
The bathwater contains soap, shampoo, urine, and sometimes fecal matter. You should avoid using this type of greywater directly on veggies, but it is fit for watering the garden.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Greywater Around the House
Before hiring a local plumber in Winston Hills and getting a greywater collection system installed, it is essential to know about the dos and don’ts.
The Dos
Check the Local Council Rules
It would be great to go through the local council rules to ensure that you can use greywater. Every state has some different rules related to greywater, as some of them require you to treat it before using it.
Always Hire a Licensed Plumber for Installation and Maintenance of Grey Water System
After checking the state’s rules and regulations on greywater systems, you should get in touch with a local and licensed plumber. Only licensed plumbers can carry out the installation and maintenance of greywater systems.
Use Natural Shampoos and Soaps
Using eco-friendly soaps and shampoos isn’t just good for your skin and hair, but it improves the quality of greywater as well. Furthermore, these products don’t contain any chemicals and are best suited for gardening purposes.
Do Rotate the Area of Use
When using greywater, it is essential to rotate the area of use. Keep rotating the area so that there is no toxin build-up around the house.
Use a Filter
The greywater contains several contaminants such as hair, soap scum, and more, so it would be great to use a filter.
Inspect the Water Before Using It
Expert plumbers suggest that you should inspect the greywater before using it. Make sure the water doesn’t contain any traces of bleach or ammonia. Also, avoid using the water if there are any impurities floating on the top.
The Don’ts
Don’t Use Grey Water on Veggies and Fruits
Never sprinkle greywater on fruits and veggies meant to be eaten raw. It is not advised to spray the greywater on edible plants as it can introduce potential contamination.
Don’t Let Your Children Play with It.
Don’t let your kids touch or play with the greywater. Educate them what greywater is, and tell them about the potential harms of touching it with bare hands.
Don’t Store it for More than 24 Hours.
Use the greywater within 24 hours of its collection, or drain it. As the water contains several impurities, it is necessary to use it quickly.
Don’t Store it During Winter.
Plumbers don’t recommend storing greywater when it’s cold outside. If the several inches under the ground freeze, the water can convert into ice, so draining it will be a task.
Don’t Use It in Areas Where Runoff is Likely.
Avoid spraying greywater in areas where there is a slant and runoff is likely. The water can enter other areas of the garden. So, create a boundary, or don’t use it in such areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to install a greywater system?
A: It depends on several factors, including the size and type. Also, the cost of installing a greywater system depends on the plumbing agency you are hiring. Call Sydney Plumbers to know more about greywater system installation and cost.
Q: Is using GREY water illegal?
A: You should check the local council rules and regulations to determine if it’s legal or not. Several suburbs in Sydney allow the usage of greywater at homes.
Q: Does a greywater system save money?
A: Yes, it can save you money! You will be using greywater for several purposes such as gardening, flushing and more, so the overall consumption will reduce drastically. As a result, you can save money.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know about the do’s and don’ts of using greywater, you can decide if you need it installed on your property. Get in touch with Sydney Plumbers, and we will guide you about the process, and our team will provide you with a quick quote after understanding your needs.
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