Regular maintenance of a greywater system typically involves cleaning and replacing filters and making sure the system continues to function as designed.
Greywater Do’s…
- Your irrigation system should be operated to efficiently provide sufficient water to your plants while minimizing loss from deep percolation beyond the root zone.
- Filter your greywater with something as simple as a stocking to trap hair and lint. Clean and/or replace this filter regularly.
- Regularly check your greywater system to be sure it is functioning properly.
- Frequently check your plants that are greywater irrigated for signs of over watering or stress from high organic content in the water.
- Check for information about ingredients in laundry products that may affect the plants you are irrigating.
- Divert your greywater to your sewer or septic system when laundering diapers or dying clothes.
Greywater Don’ts…
- Don’t drink your greywater.
- Don’t use water from the laundering of diapers because the bacterial contamination is too high and is a health risk.
- Don’t use water that contains hazardous chemicals such as those used for cleaning car parts, washing of greasy or oily rags, disposal of solutions from home photo labs or similar hobby activities.
- Don’t allow your greywater to pond beyond what is necessary to effectively irrigate your plants. Standing water increases health risks and provides breeding opportunities for mosquitoes.
- Don’t use greywater to irrigate food crops intended for human consumption.
- Don’t reuse your greywater if any family member has an infectious disease such as diarrhea, hepatitis or internal parasites.
Greywater and/or Dual Plumbing System Repair
Greywater reuse systems vary tremendously in size and scope and hence describing specific repairs is difficult. Typical repairs may include: cleaning and replacing filters, maintaining plumbing and pipe connections, pump maintenance, repairs to the greywater irrigation system, and patching leaks.
If you have any questions about how to repair or maintain your greywater system, contact the dealer, the installer, or a professional plumber. Be aware that many plumbers may be unfamiliar with greywater systems.
Tim Caldwell works as both a writer and author and enjoys writing articles on many different topics. He specializes especially in topics concerning Environmental Conservation. Caldwell graduated from Taft Junior College.
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