lochin.us

[ BACK ]

Greywater System

Lint from the washing machine water is the first cause of sceptic system failure. The content of the greywater from the washing machine is actually very beneficial to plants (organic materials, but also phosphates from the soap - phosphate is a fertilizer).

[ Laundry Setup ] [Inlet and Overflow outlet ] [ Outlet ] [ Through-Wall Connection ]

[ Flowering Pear Drain Field ] [ Flowering Pear ] Planted in 2005

[ Birch Drain Field ] [ Birch ] Planted in 2000.

I used a small 8 gallon tanks in my laundry to allow the water to flush. Here is where you can get one: [ 8 GAL TANK ]
A better choice is their 12 gallon tank, that costs only a few dollars more: [ 12 GAL TANK ]

First Phase Completion: 100% in July 2006

The first phase consisted of connecting the washing machine outlet to the yard, while avoiding lint clogging (it happened), overflow inside the laundry room (happened too), making sure the system was maintenance free, no greywater got stagnant in any part of the system, and the water was irrigating the desired areas.

The small drain fields at the feet of the two trees keep the water where it is needed, and the small river rocks allow the water to reach ambient temperature before infiltrating into the ground.

The flowering Pear was getting most of the water, so the addition of a valve was needed. The valve diameter must be as big as the hose, to prevent lint clogging.

Although I consider the system safe thanks to the small drain fields that prevent runoff, I disabled it a few weeks after setting it up, when I discovered it was not compliant to regulation.
The greywater must be disposed off through an underground leach field. I think this is to avoid run-off, as well as any potential contact between humans and the greywater.
Before I set the leach field, I will need to provide a mean of removing the lint. This will be done in phase 2.

Second phase Completion: 100%

In June 2007, a reed bed used as a biological filter, was contructed. So far it is working fantastic, beyond expectation. Check the link below

[ Phase 2 ]

Four fruit trees were planted in 28 January 2007. Check the [ Gardening ] page. Also see this [ Hydroponic Bog Garden ]. Using salt tolerant herbaceous would allow to reuse the dishwasher and shower greywater by reducing its alcalinity.

[ Oasis Design Common - Greywater Mistakes and Preferred Practices ] Very informative page (external link).

Question? -> please email me.
You may also tell a friend.