Can I install the Grey Water System myself?
Yes, The DIY handyman will be able to install a unit, in the average home, on a Saturday morning if its a difficult installation or within 2 hours for a standard "above ground" installation. The minor plumbing work required is only to connect the unit to the existing down pipes. Garden ResQ however, insists that all electrical work be carried out by a qualified electrician.
How often should I clean the Grey Water System filter?
This depends largely on use i.e. the number of occupants in the household and the number of showers / baths that each occupant has during the day. As with any filter, regular maintenance will ensure many years of service.
Do I need to use chemicals to treat my Grey Water?
No. As the water is used directly from the bathroom and is never stored, this water is relatively pollutant and bacteria free. The water is never given a chance to stagnate, reducing the chance of offensive odours and / or bacteria proliferation.
Why should you NOT use a grey water storage tank?
Storage of grey water is illegal in most countries. We follow various international health standards that state that grey water must never be stored. Our recommendation is "Use It Now Or Lose It Now". Stored grey water results in a pathogen bloom that may be a health risk - never mind the terrible odour when left to stagnate. Try it yourself - leave a bucket of used bathwater in the sun for a day. Would you want to irrigate your garden with that smelly substance?
What type of irrigation may be used?
The unit has been designed for use with the "pyramid" type sprinkler head. This type of sprinkler allows for a single large outlet that delivers large water droplets. The large hole in the sprinkler head copes very well with fine debris that is often characteristic of grey water. Note, the outflow should be filtered before being used with drip irrigation, pop up or mist sprayers - these consist of very small water exit holes and will block with the use of Grey Water, no matter what you have been told.
Will all my bath or shower water be utilised for irrigation?
The unit has been designed to allow for +-10% of all grey water to return to the sewer. This water serves as a lubricant in the sewer pipes and assists with the removal of solid toilet waste in your sewer system. It is also important to keep the sewer moist which prevents any seals from drying out.
My bath drains very quickly and a fair amount of grey water is wasted
An older type bath contains up to 125 litres of water which can drain in a matter of minutes. In order to use as much of this water as possible, it is recommended that a simple filter be fitted over the bath drain plug. This filter will act as a "choke" and will slow the draining process down to a rate that the Garden ResQ unit can utilise efficiently. A simple plastic or chrome kitchen sink drain strainer can be purchased from most hardware stores and/or large retail supermarkets.
Must I clean the interior of the unit?
It is not normally necessary to clean the interior of the grey water unit. However should it be required, you can clean the interior with a baby's bottle brush. This will effectively remove soap scum from the unit's interior walls. Do not use excessive force as this may damage the components in the water filter chamber. If required, a very small amount of bleach or vinegar may be used to help sterilise the unit.
What steps should be taken when cleaning the filter?
As this filter will contain hair, soap scum and other debris, it is recommended that rubber gloves be worn at all times when working on the unit. It is wise to treat any grey water or grey water debris as you would any other potentially harmful liquid such as an insecticide or herbicide. Please wash your hands after cleaning the filter and ensure that the area is left to dry thoroughly before animals or children have access to it.
May I use harsh chemicals when cleaning my bath or shower surfaces?
Remember that any product used in the bath or shower will end up in the garden. Please use these products sparingly and if at all possible place the irrigation end of the hosepipe down a drain and flush the unit with clean water before returning the grey water to your garden. Excessive use of bath oils, bubble bath and bath salts should be used sparingly. The ENCHANTRIX range of chemical free cleaners is recommended as it does not harm flora or fauna. Any other biodegradable products are recommended.
Can I service any mechanical parts myself?
No. There are no homeowner serviceable parts to the unit. The unit has been sealed and any tampering with this seal will void the warranty. Should your grey water system require repairs, the Garden ResQ Head Office will be happy to assist you.
Can I use the unit for my kitchen grey water?
It is not recommended that grey water from the kitchen be utilised for irrigation. This includes kitchen sink water as well as water from an automatic dish washer. Kitchen water often contains animal and vegetable matter which could affect your garden soil negatively. Chemicals used in your dishwasher are also very alkaline and, this too, could have negative effects on the garden. If you insist on using your washing machine water, please ensure that you use a biodegradable washing powder at the very least.
Yes, The DIY handyman will be able to install a unit, in the average home, on a Saturday morning if its a difficult installation or within 2 hours for a standard "above ground" installation. The minor plumbing work required is only to connect the unit to the existing down pipes. Garden ResQ however, insists that all electrical work be carried out by a qualified electrician.
How often should I clean the Grey Water System filter?
This depends largely on use i.e. the number of occupants in the household and the number of showers / baths that each occupant has during the day. As with any filter, regular maintenance will ensure many years of service.
Do I need to use chemicals to treat my Grey Water?
No. As the water is used directly from the bathroom and is never stored, this water is relatively pollutant and bacteria free. The water is never given a chance to stagnate, reducing the chance of offensive odours and / or bacteria proliferation.
Why should you NOT use a grey water storage tank?
Storage of grey water is illegal in most countries. We follow various international health standards that state that grey water must never be stored. Our recommendation is "Use It Now Or Lose It Now". Stored grey water results in a pathogen bloom that may be a health risk - never mind the terrible odour when left to stagnate. Try it yourself - leave a bucket of used bathwater in the sun for a day. Would you want to irrigate your garden with that smelly substance?
What type of irrigation may be used?
The unit has been designed for use with the "pyramid" type sprinkler head. This type of sprinkler allows for a single large outlet that delivers large water droplets. The large hole in the sprinkler head copes very well with fine debris that is often characteristic of grey water. Note, the outflow should be filtered before being used with drip irrigation, pop up or mist sprayers - these consist of very small water exit holes and will block with the use of Grey Water, no matter what you have been told.
Will all my bath or shower water be utilised for irrigation?
The unit has been designed to allow for +-10% of all grey water to return to the sewer. This water serves as a lubricant in the sewer pipes and assists with the removal of solid toilet waste in your sewer system. It is also important to keep the sewer moist which prevents any seals from drying out.
My bath drains very quickly and a fair amount of grey water is wasted
An older type bath contains up to 125 litres of water which can drain in a matter of minutes. In order to use as much of this water as possible, it is recommended that a simple filter be fitted over the bath drain plug. This filter will act as a "choke" and will slow the draining process down to a rate that the Garden ResQ unit can utilise efficiently. A simple plastic or chrome kitchen sink drain strainer can be purchased from most hardware stores and/or large retail supermarkets.
Must I clean the interior of the unit?
It is not normally necessary to clean the interior of the grey water unit. However should it be required, you can clean the interior with a baby's bottle brush. This will effectively remove soap scum from the unit's interior walls. Do not use excessive force as this may damage the components in the water filter chamber. If required, a very small amount of bleach or vinegar may be used to help sterilise the unit.
What steps should be taken when cleaning the filter?
As this filter will contain hair, soap scum and other debris, it is recommended that rubber gloves be worn at all times when working on the unit. It is wise to treat any grey water or grey water debris as you would any other potentially harmful liquid such as an insecticide or herbicide. Please wash your hands after cleaning the filter and ensure that the area is left to dry thoroughly before animals or children have access to it.
May I use harsh chemicals when cleaning my bath or shower surfaces?
Remember that any product used in the bath or shower will end up in the garden. Please use these products sparingly and if at all possible place the irrigation end of the hosepipe down a drain and flush the unit with clean water before returning the grey water to your garden. Excessive use of bath oils, bubble bath and bath salts should be used sparingly. The ENCHANTRIX range of chemical free cleaners is recommended as it does not harm flora or fauna. Any other biodegradable products are recommended.
Can I service any mechanical parts myself?
No. There are no homeowner serviceable parts to the unit. The unit has been sealed and any tampering with this seal will void the warranty. Should your grey water system require repairs, the Garden ResQ Head Office will be happy to assist you.
Can I use the unit for my kitchen grey water?
It is not recommended that grey water from the kitchen be utilised for irrigation. This includes kitchen sink water as well as water from an automatic dish washer. Kitchen water often contains animal and vegetable matter which could affect your garden soil negatively. Chemicals used in your dishwasher are also very alkaline and, this too, could have negative effects on the garden. If you insist on using your washing machine water, please ensure that you use a biodegradable washing powder at the very least.
