Graywater Reuse Methods

What are the different methods for reusing graywater?

If graywater reuse is allowed in your area, then here are the various methods of graywater reuse.

Single Fixture System

A single fixture system routes the graywater from one or two fixtures and distributes the graywater by gravity to generally one landscape area. This system normally collects the graywater from the the washing machine especially if the washing machine is installed along an exterior wall of the house. The waste pipe is intercepted and routed out the exterior wall to the closest landscape area.

Gravity, Branched Drain System

This graywater recovery system expands on the idea of the single fixture system but uses a branched drain pipe network to distribute the graywater to multiple landscape areas. The graywater is still distributed by gravity so the main issue with this type of system is ensuring an even distribution of the graywater to all of the landscape areas desired. The main benefit of this system is the low capital cost but the main disadvantage is that the distribution pipes can become clogged over time.

Pumped Graywater System

A pumped graywater reuse system collects graywater by gravity from the various fixtures in the house, but then the graywater is pumped to the desired landscape areas. A filter may be installed in the system in order to reduce the amount of debris that could clog the distribution pipes. The main benefit of this type of system is that the graywater gets distributed over a larger area and even uphill but the higher capital cost is a disadvantage.

When should or can I install a Graywater Recovery System?

The most economical way to install a total graywater system (a system that captures all of the graywater produced) in a house is to plan it into the construction of the house. You will be able to place the necessary plumbing to recover all of the graywater. Retrofitting existing homes where the plumbing is located in a concrete floor is nearly impossible and is usually limited to recovering washing machine water only.

What kind of precautions are taken?

Graywater should never be stored for long periods of time, since we are constantly producing it and because of its ability to turn septic with a presence of bacteria. There are many precautions that are specified in the graywater regulations passed by TCEQ. The graywater surge tank should have an overflow valve leading to the sanitary sewer or septic system to prevent overflow and flooding. Also, homeowners should have the ability to direct all graywater flow to the sanitary sewer or septic system when desired or when water is not needed in the quantities produced by the household. A sand filter can be used to remove unwanted solid material and a pump transports the graywater to the drip irrigation system or to the toilets located within your home.

How can Innovative Water Solutions help me out?

Find out about our Graywater Reuse System Installation Services.