water recycler (grey water)

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slemke (/member/slemke/)

Water Recycler (Grey Water) by slemke (/member/slemke/)

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Water Recycler (Grey Water) http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Recycler-Grey-Water/?ALLSTEPS

1 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

The area that I live in has been in a drought for a year or more. As such we nowhave water restrictions on washing the car, watering the garden etc. Initially I setup a drainage hose from the washing machine outlet to containers outside toenable me to collect the waste water so I could water the garden. This processworked fine except for the back breaking work of emptying the waste water (greywater) onto various places in the garden.

The next stage was to develop an automatic system that would distribute the

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Home made DIY Grey watersystem water recycling.(http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-Water Your Garden withGray Laundry Water(http://www.instructables.com/id/Water-Your-Garden-with-Gray-Laundry-DIY: Drip Irrigation in theHome Garden with


2 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

grey water into the garden and have the following features.1) Filter the water before sending it to the garden.2) Automatic pump to allow water to be delivered to the high end of the garden.3) Timer to prevent water stagnating in the tank.

The system uses a wheeled trash bin which is made out of 5mm thick plastic(nice and sturdy). Grey water comes into the top of the bin into a filter. When thebin fills to around 3/4 full, a water level switch triggers the pump controller to turnon the pump sitting at the bottom of the bin. The pump continues to operate untilthe lower water level switch is triggered.

The pump controller also has some logic built into the program to detect if wateris in the bin but not high enough to operate the high water level switch. If thissituation occurs, at 10 hour timer is started. If the water stays in the bin for 10hours the pump will start and empty the bin. This stops the water fromstagnating. I also have another timer that detects the run time of the pump. If thepump runs for longer than an hour (without any of the level switches beingtriggered) then the fault LED will be lit and all pumping will stop. This wouldindicate that the output pipe is blocked.

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Step 1: The schematic

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Recycled material(http://www.instructables.comDripper irrigation. This ledto "tcmtech dripperirrigation". Check it outinstead. I(http://www.instructables.comGreen Drip Irrigator(http://www.instructables.com/id/Green-Drip-Irrigator/?utm_source=base&utm_medium=related-

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3 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

The pump controller is built around a PICAXE 8m PIC. The reason I chose thisparticular PIC is that it is programmed in BASIC and is cheap ($4 AUD) and Ican't program in C to save myself.

There are 3 float sensor switches used in the project. Two of these float sensorswitches detect high and low water levels of the tank. The third sensor detectswhen the water filter needs a clean.

The controller also drives 3 LED's that are mounted on a remote indicator panelin the laundry that indicates pump running, filter clean required & fault condition.

The transformer I used in the project has a 24VAC tap that I was going to use topower some water solenoids. Any voltage from 12VAC to 18VAC can power thecircuit. The voltage regulator doesn't get hot as the PIC only draws a fewmilliamps. I also use a resistor to reduce the unregulated voltage to the pumprelay which may need to be altered depending on the relay voltage.

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FOX/Z1PI/F6S8Z2LU/FOXZ1PIF6S8Z2LU.LARGE.jpg)


4 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

water.sch (/files/orig/FQW/Z3Y2/F6S8Z1Q0/FQWZ3Y2F6S8Z1Q0.tmp)218 KB

Step 2: Make the PCB.

Make your PCB. I used the tried and tested toner transfer method. The attachedschematic & PCB were done in Eagle. I'm just learning Eagle so please excusemy mistakes. I placed vias on most of the pads to increase there size. I found Ijust couldn't get the DRC rules right so I found this method easier.

Parts List

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5 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

1x 8 pin IC socket.1x PICAXE-8M1x 7805 5v regulator.1x 1amp bridge rectifier.2x PCB mount fuse holders for M205 fuse.1x 500mA M205 fuse.3x BC639 transistors.12V relay with switch contacts rated at 240VAC 10 Amps.3x 3way PCB screw terminal blocks 5mm spacing.2x 2way PCB screw terminal blocks 5mm spacing.1x 1N4004 diode.1x 1000uf 35v (or higher) electrolytic capacitor.6x 2.7K resistors 1/4 watt.3x 10K resistors 1/4 watt.1x 100nf ceramic or mylar capacitor.1x 180ohm 1 watt resistor - note resistance and wattage may need to be varieddue to supply voltage.2x 5mm green LEDs.1x 5mm red LED.1x 5mm amber LED.1x weatherproof box to house the controller.1x small box to house the 3 status LEDs.4x waterproof cable grommets with internal rubber glands.Various size cable ties, heat shrink.

Parts list for the PIC programmer circuit1x 10K resistor.1x 22K resistor.1x 9 PIN female DB connector (this connects to your PC / MAC).

water.brd (/files/orig/F9F/XJTK/F6S8Z1Q2/F9FXJTKF6S8Z1Q2.tmp)26 KB

Step 3: Programming


6 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

The PICAXE-8M is programmed via the serial port of your PC. The PICAXEeditor and data sheets can be obtained from the following URL:-http://www.rev-ed.co.uk (http://www.rev-ed.co.uk)

The code is easily modified however I didn't put any "in circuit" program headerson the PCB so you'll have to take the PIC out to re-program.

The schematic & PCB could be used for other switching / sensor purposes withthe required code changes made.

Here's the BASIC code:-

;Grey water controller MK2

symbol PUMP=0 ; name output 0 as the PUMP

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7 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

symbol ERROR_LED=1 ; name the output 1 as the error (fault) LED

;high waterfloat switch = input 3, low water float switch = input 4

let dirs=%0000111let pins=%0000000 ;ensure all outputs low

;float switches are inverse logic, a 0 means it is turned onmain_loop:if input3=0 and input4=0 then debounce ;high water float markif input4=0 then inc_timer ;low water float markgoto main_loop

inc_timer:let w0=w0+1if w0=36000 then start_pump ;if water is in the tank for 10 hours, start pumppause 1000 ;pause 1 secondgoto main_loop

debounce:pause 500if input3=1 then main_loop ;check if the float is still high

start_pump:high PUMP ;turn on pump relay

pump_loop:if input4=1 then stop_pump ;check to see if low waterif w1=3600 then pump_error ;error if pumps operates continuously for more than60 minuteslet w1=w1+1pause 1000goto pump_loop

stop_pump:low PUMP ;stop pumplet w0=0 ;reset stale water counterlet w1=0 ;reset error countergoto main_loop


8 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

pump_error:low PUMP ;stop the pump

error_loop:if input4=1 then exit_loop ;stay errored until tank emptyhigh ERROR_LEDpause 500low ERROR_LEDpause 500goto error_loop

exit_loop:let w0=0 ;reset counterslet w1=0low ERROR_LED ;reset error LEDgoto main_loop

I set up the following circuit up on a prototyping board to program the PIC.

grey_water_mk2.bas (/files/orig/FP9/WVRB/F6S98KIN/FP9WVRBF6S98KIN.tmp)1 KB

Step 4: The mechanicals of the project.


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10 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

The pump I chose was a submersible type designed for dirty water. It wassuppose to operate in the vertical position but it would not reliably deliver waterafter a few months of operation. I tracked the issue down to air in the impellerchamber. There was a small ball bearing that was suppose to let air escape andclose the bleed hole when the pump was running. However grey water has soapin it. After some months this ball bearing was stuck in its hole preventing airescaping from the chamber.

The solution was to put the pump on its side to prevent air pockets from beingcreated. A year later I think this mounting method was not in the best interest ofthe pump. The pump seems to have lost its punch, it still delivers water but notlike it use to. I suspect the pump being on it side has let water seep into themotor bearings (only a theory).

The pump is mounted on a aluminum frame. The frame is secured to the bin atthe top of the frame. This was done so that the bin is watertight. Any mountingholes in the bin are above the high water line. Also mounted on the aluminum

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11 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

frame is the 2 water level switches. These are sealed magnet & reed switchunits and can be purchased at spa shops or here in Australia at Jaycarhttp://jaycar.com.au (http://jaycar.com.au) or Altronicshttp://www.altronics.com.au (http://www.altronics.com.au).

To stop the pump from sliding around at the bottom of the bin it is cable tied tothe aluminum frame.

Step 5: Wiring it all up.


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(http://cdn.instructables.com/FUD/EKK7/F6S98KKQ/FUDEKK7F6S98KKQ.LARGE.jpg)


13 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

The following instructions show how to wire up the controller to the pump andremote indicator panel.

For the power cord I used a power extension lead and chopped it in half. This

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14 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

method left me with a molded power socket for the lead that goes to the pump.That way I didn't need to butcher the existing power cord on the pump.Alternatively you could mount a power socket on the case of the controller.

Please ensure that the earth wire (green/yellow stripe) is connected from thepower cord through to the lead going to the pump. To join the earth wirestogether I used a crimp lug that was then bolted to the transformer chassis(using star washer to ensure a good connection to the metal).

The transformer I used had flexible leads so I crimped the 3 neutral wires (blue)together using an insulated joiner (then heatshrink was placed over it).

To connect the 3 LED's on the remote indicator panel you need 4 wires. You canuse Cat5 or phone cable. I also had a power LED that is mounted in thecontroller box itself (not remotely).

The remote indicator panel is made from a hobby box that you can purchasefrom electronic stores like Jaycar, Altronics, Dick Smith, Radio Shack etc. Thelettering I used was Letraset rub on lettering. The weatherproof polycarbonatebox was purchased from an electronic supply store. Ensure that it can be sealedto prevent rain from getting in.

Since you will be having a pump that is submerged in water you must power thecontroller / pump from a safety switch protected power outlet. You can findcheap extension cords that have a safety switch built into the plug.

Step 6: Setting it up outside

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15 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

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16 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

I installed the Grey Water recycling bin up the side of the house that has all theplumbing. The recycler needs a sewage inlet that the overflow pipe can connectto. It also needs a hose run from the outlet of the washing machine to the inlet(top) of the bin. You can connect your shower or bath to the bin but this wouldrequire major plumbing alterations. Also hear in Australia any permanentplumbing needs to be carried out by a licensed plumber. You also must not usethe recycler for Black Water e.g. water from sinks & toilets for obvious smellyreasons.

The outlet of the recycler is feed into the garden via 19mm (3/4" I think) gardenpoly tubing. This is nice and cheap. In the garden I have buried slotted polydrainage pipe which the Grey Water empties into. You can't use sprinklers as thesoap in the water will clog any small nozzles and also spraying the water couldbe a health hazard as any water left in the tubing will become stagnant. There isalso the risk of inhaling waterborne bacteria so don't use sprinklers.

I have also noticed a range of low pressure drip hoses designed for tank water /gravity feed irrigation systems. I'm not too sure how long these hoses would lastwith the soap content in the water. They also could be used to deliver the waterto the required locations in the garden.

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FD5/DF4A/F6S8Z30I/FD5DF4AF6S8Z30I.LARGE.jpg)

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FET/YZC5/F6S8Z30K/FETYZC5F6S8Z30K.LARGE.jpg)


17 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

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beetpickles (/member/beetpickles/)My plants love greywater! It's not recommended to use greywater on foodcrops that grow underground (carrots, potatoes, etc), but in general it is fine touse on the garden. The plants like the nutrients. I have a low tech system thatdelivers my laundry water to berry bushes and cherry trees: I am careful to useonly Eco soap with no salts or phosphates and have a three way valve to sendthe water to the sewer if I need to use bleach or am washing something that'snot good for them. My plants are very happy and growing like crazy!

lionelb (/member/lionelb/)What about using the dish-washer and clothes washing machines' waste waterto flush your toilets .... hygienic too !

4 Pumps (/member/4+Pumps/)Hi,

Good to see someone thinking ahead. You could use a similar system to pumpgrey water with a submersible pump (http://www.4pumps.com.au/categories/submersible-pumps/). You could use a pump with a rigid float and a timer onthe power source. This way you could set the system up with a much lowervolume of water to get it started. It would also save you having to design acontroller but it looks like you are pretty good with that anyway :)

hhamilton2 (/member/hhamilton2/)Since you have an interest in sustainability, you might like this as well.

http://www.growingpower.org/aquaponics.htm


18 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

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G Gurunadha Reddy (/member/G+Gurunadha+Reddy/)How does this stuff work.

G Gurunadha Reddy (/member/G+Gurunadha+Reddy/)Does this project have a purification or afitration device.

harry88 (/member/harry88/)thanks

harry88 (/member/harry88/)does it have to run on ac i was thinking running it on solar pannels

slemke (/member/slemke/) (author) harry88Just connect the 12VDC (I'm assuming the output is 12V) from thesolar panel up to the AC terminals on the PCB. Don't use the ACtransformer. This will then feed 12VDC strait into the voltage regulator.Don't worry about the polarity of the 12V from the solar panel as thebridge rectifier in the circuit will sort it out. Note that you may need toreplace the resistor just above the relay with a wire link as I originallyused a 12V relay which was running off 20V. Use a 12VDC pump.

notsogoldenoldie (/member/notsogoldenoldie/)Hi,

for those interested in grey-water systems, check out Art Ludwig's 'laundry tolandscape' system. It's similar to slemke's but uses the washing machinepump to directly deliver the water to the mulch-beds, bypassing the need for a


19 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

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sump/bilge pump. I believe Art also uses a fairly large bore pipe to avoid lintblockages.

Here's the link... http://www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/laundry/index.php

gardenResQ (/member/gardenResQ/)Grey is now the new green. Grey water, if utilised immediately in exits yourbathroom, is considered safe. However we need to be responsible with ourgrey water and how we use it. Go easy on chemicals in the bathroom whencleaning the bath and shower. Divert the grey water to the sewer if you have afamily member with a "funny tummy" and never use a fine mist sprayer toirrigate with. Choose a low pressure pump with a sprayer that results in largewater droplets. This consideration will prevent your grey water entering yourneighbors garden as well as public walkways and storm water drains. As far asexpense is concerned a good grey water product, one that does not storewater but simply filters and diverts, should cost no more than $400.

Derin (/member/Derin/)could you use grey water from the balcony? that would be rare but would stillbe good

Master Yoda (/member/Master+Yoda/) Derinis your picture a penguin from miniclip.com and the game clubpenguin?

Derin (/member/Derin/) Master Yodayes

Derin (/member/Derin/) Derinit has its own official site though


20 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

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dove cottage (/member/dove+cottage/)This is a beautiful setup. Mine works off two trash cans, a hose and gravity. Isimply haul my hose to the plants and set the timer on my watch. Our wellwent dry a year after we bought our home, so we haul in our own water. With afamily of 7 we generate a lot of laundry & now we have a nice green landscapewith a little bit of work. I do not recommend Borax . I have tested it two times, itwill kill the plants. I use bleach occasionally ,so I don't worry about it. If it wasregular I wouldn't dump it on your plants though.

boarder2k7 (/member/boarder2k7/)It seems like putting soapy water into the garden is going to have a detrimentalimpact on plant growth.

ausisit (/member/ausisit/) boarder2k7no in fact it will help as when you buy wetta soil and other wettingagents they contain similar materials and the soapy water is good toget rid of aphids

Dru77 (/member/Dru77/) boarder2k7Actually, the soap (phosphate or otherwise) is a great fertilizer for yourlawn or garden. You have to make sure you switch to organic soaps,use NO bleach or powdered detergents (which contain heavy salts) inorder to use this system. But liquid detergent can be great plant food ina system like this. What you don't want to do is put grey water ON theplants, but water the ground by running the outflow into a shallow pitnext to the plants, which is filled with bark, stones or other porousmaterials.


21 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

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boarder2k7 (/member/boarder2k7/) Dru77Alright yeah that makes sense, because I was thinking ofthe ramifications of putting all laundry water on the plants,and it didn't seem like it would be good. I guess you couldadd some sort of a bypass valve to the system to go intothe regular sewer/septic system when you needed to usebleach or something in the load.

lilykoart (/member/lilykoart/)Great Idea! i was looking into rainbarrels, but saving waste water especiallyfrom my washer is also a good way to get "free" water. i use a biodegradabledetergent, plus borax powder, and a bit of vinegar in the bleach dispenser.wonder if borax would be ok for the plants? btw, borax is an ingredient used inthe most effective ant killer...

ausisit (/member/ausisit/) lilykoartBoth borax and vinegar are good to help keep the ph adjusted. TheBoron in the borax will help with the roots and any fruit growing on theplants

ausisit (/member/ausisit/)This is a great idea as the politicians restrict the water be used the water goingup to form rain reduces so there fore less rain. I am going to use this idea itrocks.

Now if you put some sponge rox in your filter as directed at ausis sponge rox(http://www.ausis.info/sponge_rox.html) page you would be helping theenvironment greatly.

Reducing heavy metal bioaccumulation we understand is a big phrase todigest however it is described simply as follows: Heavy metal bioaccumulationsuch as in large fish they build up toxic levels of mercury which we all know ispoisonous, our sponge rox help in reducing heavy metal bioaccumulation bytrapping these poisons FOREVER...


22 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

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lilykoart (/member/lilykoart/) ausisitDetoxamin the heavy metals out. google Detoxamin :)

oakironworker (/member/oakironworker/) lilykoartChelation = snake oil =stupid = detoxamin

RadBear (/member/RadBear/)I have three questiions. 1) Can you give us more info on your filter? 2) Doesthe detergent harm the plants or degrade the quality of the soil? 3) forelectronically challenged folks such as myself is there a off the shelf pumpcontroller available? Excellent idea, great executuion and a very goodinstructable!!!

Drew-Oz (/member/Drew-Oz/) RadBearI've only just found this instructable and am reading the responses first,so this might be covered in the text, but...

Easy solutions..?

Laundry detergents generally contain things that gardens don't like inbig quantities, such as salt and phosphorous, so best just to buydetergents that are formulated specifically for grey water systems. Herein Aus, there are an increasing number of brands that produce such aproduct, and it would appear the market is growing. If your supermarketdoesn't stock these, maybe you could buy online. So detergent worriescould be easily sorted when you buy. Hand soap or shower products(shampoos etc) are a little more tricky, so be cautious about using yourshower/hand basin water too.

Pumps are used in the boating industry a lot, especially water-level-triggered bilge pumps. They're almost always 12V so should be easy tohook up to a common, or garden variety, mains transformer. Now


23 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

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unfortunately, as soon as you attach the word "boat" to any product, youcan almost double the price, so you'll have to shop around, but there areloads of different models and capacities available. Why not Google it?

Web references:There is a gardening programme that has been airing in Aus for years.They publish "fact sheets" about all sorts of things:http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s1366316.htm(http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s1366316.htm)

Check out these guys too:http://www.sgaonline.org.au/info_greywater.html(http://www.sgaonline.org.au/info_greywater.html)

Heck! Why not just Google "grey water"...?

smokehill (/member/smokehill/) Drew-OzBoat bilge pumps are one of those tools that you keep find more usesfor. I've used Rule (brand) pumps from online suppliers (cheap) foreverything from basement sump pumps to watering saplings in remotelocations, spraying, etc. My first $15 pump (no auto shutoff) served asa garden sprayer, running off my 12v tractor btry, for almost 10 yrs --until I drove over it. I think the auto shutoff for their 350 model (350gpm with no lift) is another 12 bucks. I use another for the homemaderock waterfall in my front yard. They have a built-in filter that's easy toclean, but if there's a lot of crud in yr gray water it might be best to rigup some pre-filter to save constant fiddling with it. Usually you can findbetter prices for their hosing if you buy sump pump hose instead offrom the boat yard; adding "boat" in front of something really doesmultiply the price, usually. One of my neighbors whose well went dry forsix months used one of these (bigger model, 1000gpm) to fill waterbarrels from the river every evening, to water his livestock (andhimself). I'd do an instructable on the big rock waterfall (total price $45),but am too lazy to take it all apart. Basically two 7-dollar mortar tubs,the pump & a 12v supply, and a scrap of old garden hose. Plus therocks to hide it all. Anyone could figure it out, tho. The advantage of theboat pump in this application is that you can easily change the waterlevel it kicks on at by just hanging the pump at different levels in thecontainer, since it operates electronically by sensing when it's sitting in


24 of 29 2/15/2015 12:47 AM

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water -- thereby not having to muck about with moving floats that hang up,etc. -- and cheap toggle switches can be easily rigged up for different uses.I also feel better with only 12v going into wet environments, rather than110v. Call me chicken .... Bilge pumps should be listed right along with ducttape & baling wire -- essential for the survival of mankind.

Culturedropout (/member/Culturedropout/) smokehillThese guys have a pretty good selection of various kinds of AC andDC pumps at decent prices. I shop there a lot because they're local,but they mainly do business via web and mail orders.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/water.asp?UID=2009042320224437&catname=water (https://www.surpluscenter.com/water.asp?UID=2009042320224437&catname=water)]

2 stroke (/member/2+stroke+/) smokehillI also feel better with 12 volt going in wet environments

Derin (/member/Derin/) smokehillchicken(you asked for me to call you chicken)

Hawaii00000 (/member/Hawaii00000/) Drew-OzYep, the drought has really changed peoples lives in Australia (and iguess its for the better). When I went back a few months ago I wasamazed at how water-conscious everyone has become. I think youYankees could learn a lesson from us Aussies.lol

Hawaii00000 (/member/Hawaii00000/) Hawaii00000Aussies RULE


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Noodle93 (/member/Noodle93/) Hawaii00000Yeah but we're so freaking far away from anything except Asia andNew Zealand.

DonQuijote (/member/DonQuijote/)excuse me if i misunderstood, 'cause I'm in a hurry right now, but, you AREusing the waste water of your washing machine to water your garden.. right? isthat not harmful to the plants, considering the detergent you use for washing?

shwa (/member/shwa/) DonQuijoteif you use gray water for plant irrigation,just be sure to usebiodegradable detergents no sodium and no softeners,your best bet isto use it on the trees and shrubs,and not on the plants you eat directlylike lettuce or legumes.Yeah I would like to know more about the filter.

slemke (/member/slemke/) (author) shwaYes I use biodegradable detergent and now only use either cold wateror warm water in the washing machine. Definitely no hot water (I couldput a temp sensor in the bin to prevent the pump from working if thewater's too hot).

The plants seem to be growing better with the gray water. I also use alot of mulch around the plants to stop evaporation. As the water isdelivered underground via seepage you can water the vegetablegarden. If you where delivering the water above ground, this wouldn'tbe a good idea as the waste water could sit on the leaves etc. After allyou put manure in your soil.

The filter is made from plastic fly screen material normally found on


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windows (to keep insects out). I sewed the screen material so it forms abag. The opening of the bag is mounted on a 6" circular aluminum frame.The filter doesn't filter chemicals rather it stops lint from clogging up thetubes and pump. The cleaning sensor is a float that moves up andoperates a switch when the filter gets so clogged with lint that the wateroverflows over the top of the filter. Note you have to mount the sensor andthe top of the filter above the high water level to prevent false triggering.

The float switches I purchased are from a company in Australia calledJaycar (http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=) . The vertical float switch for the filter is from Altronics(http://www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?search=float&area=srch&option=and&Submit=SEARCH)

Hope this info has answered most question.

boocat (/member/boocat/) slemkeYou're idea is marvelous! Thanks so much. I can't believe this neveroccurred to me. I can easily set something up from the washer waterline. Terrific.

herebus (/member/herebus/) boocatI just read an article from ReNew (Aust), the research from thissuggests not to use hard soap (cake soap), as it has to much salt(sodium) which can impact on the soil structure, however body wash isOK, so is shampoo and conditioner.

xlioilx (/member/xlioilx/) DonQuijoteI've personally used detergents in hydroponic systems (not that its thebest thing to use) the plants love the stuff just use unscented

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