my attempts at saving water
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the full instalation
all the water from my bath shower and hand basin was going down the drain i thought what a waste ans as i have already paid for it why not use it again it travels along the side of the shed round the corner and into a spare wheelie bin that has a tap fitted to it so i can fill my watering can it works a treat .it fills about two thirds full in one day as you can see the tube is made up of vacuum wands easy to slot dismantle when the rain [or winter]comes
all the water from my bath shower and hand basin was going down the drain i thought what a waste ans as i have already paid for it why not use it again it travels along the side of the shed round the corner and into a spare wheelie bin that has a tap fitted to it so i can fill my watering can it works a treat .it fills about two thirds full in one day as you can see the tube is made up of vacuum wands easy to slot dismantle when the rain [or winter]comes
beko1987
Well-known member
Lol that's brilliant! I remember tying an old hose to the end of the gutter on our garage as the downpipe broke!
That's just inspired though
That's just inspired though
davetranter
Well-known member
Re-using water
We ALL need to do this.... My parents and their neighbours started doing the same in the 'Big Heat' of 1976, and never stopped... Nowadays, water is no longer a 'throwaway' commodity.
All best
Dave T
We ALL need to do this.... My parents and their neighbours started doing the same in the 'Big Heat' of 1976, and never stopped... Nowadays, water is no longer a 'throwaway' commodity.
All best
Dave T
madabouthoovers
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Very nice and a sure candidate to join the Green Party. Spare a thought for the people who live in the USA where it is REALLY hot - over 40C most days in Summer, and think ourselves lucky in the UK that we only get a few weeks of temps usually no higher than 30C. Imagine what its like to live in Arizona where its over 45C at the present - this is the real definition of HOT.
We all need to conserve water and not waste it and I agree that more should be done to stop selfish people wasting it - including the greedy water companies who cant be bothered to spend their colossal profits on repairing leaks in the ancient Victorian water supply system. Billions of litres of water are lost per year because of leaks in underground supply pipes as bosses are more bothered about their own selfish profits than the limited water supply. I really despair of the way mankind has become - but at least there are some good people such as yourself left in the world. Fair do's to you!
We all need to conserve water and not waste it and I agree that more should be done to stop selfish people wasting it - including the greedy water companies who cant be bothered to spend their colossal profits on repairing leaks in the ancient Victorian water supply system. Billions of litres of water are lost per year because of leaks in underground supply pipes as bosses are more bothered about their own selfish profits than the limited water supply. I really despair of the way mankind has become - but at least there are some good people such as yourself left in the world. Fair do's to you!
vacbear58
Well-known member
Saving water
Unfortunately for those of us in newer houses with the "stack" pipe running inside the house and the outlets sealed into it, this is not such a viable option. What I will do in the warm weather is pull out a twinnie and do my laundry in it saving the rinse water for washing my car in a plastic bin - I have an inlet hose for my pressure washer that can be used with a bin or a water but. I use the wash water to wash the car first.
I will give it a clean water final rinse, but that uses far less fresh water overall. the white pipe you see in the picture is from the roof guttering - you cant see it in the picture but even it does not have a gully into the train
Al
Unfortunately for those of us in newer houses with the "stack" pipe running inside the house and the outlets sealed into it, this is not such a viable option. What I will do in the warm weather is pull out a twinnie and do my laundry in it saving the rinse water for washing my car in a plastic bin - I have an inlet hose for my pressure washer that can be used with a bin or a water but. I use the wash water to wash the car first.
I will give it a clean water final rinse, but that uses far less fresh water overall. the white pipe you see in the picture is from the roof guttering - you cant see it in the picture but even it does not have a gully into the train
Al
madabouthoovers
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Vacbear58 - my aunt has this type of square guttering and she has a water saver built into the downpipe that can divert into a water butt - this very quickly fills the butt with a good thunderstorm which we will undoubtedly be getting soon with this warm weather. I'm sure you can still get these from DIY stores, and all you would need is a hacksaw and a bit of DIY knowledge which I am sure you have much of lol.
sebo_fan
Well-known member
Well you're more than welcome to help yourself where I am in Scotland. We have tons of water!
vacbear58
Well-known member
madabout
Actually I have the same thing, its just being obscured by the towel but you can see the hose going round to the water butt. The only disappointing thing is the downpipe is white and the diverter is black. Its an ingenious device (no moving parts) though as the butt does not overflow because of it
Actually I have the same thing, its just being obscured by the towel but you can see the hose going round to the water butt. The only disappointing thing is the downpipe is white and the diverter is black. Its an ingenious device (no moving parts) though as the butt does not overflow because of it
gsheen
Well-known member
In Sa it gets really hot and some times we even get water restrictions. So all my drain gutters are hooked up to tanks. It saves a bundle.
We also use about 200L a day at my shop for washing the striped down vacuums, So I hooked up a system to use rainwater ( we filter it ) to wash the machines. I will take pictures on Monday.
We also use about 200L a day at my shop for washing the striped down vacuums, So I hooked up a system to use rainwater ( we filter it ) to wash the machines. I will take pictures on Monday.
i am also working
on another gismo that will store the used water from the washingmachine that can then be used for flushing the downstairs toilet im not a skinflint i just hate waste we also use the Hoovermatic twintub when we have lots of washing to do in a hurry even though its the last model produced its already 20 years old
on another gismo that will store the used water from the washingmachine that can then be used for flushing the downstairs toilet im not a skinflint i just hate waste we also use the Hoovermatic twintub when we have lots of washing to do in a hurry even though its the last model produced its already 20 years old
nycwriter
Well-known member
We live in an enclosed ecosystem.
The water never "goes" anywhere -- it just gets recycled. Over and over and over. For the past 3 billion years.
The water never "goes" anywhere -- it just gets recycled. Over and over and over. For the past 3 billion years.
davetranter
Well-known member
Ecosystem
I agree fully, NYCWriter. The problem is the costs involved in returning the water to a place and condition suitable for re-use by bill-paying humans... ;-)
All best
Dave T
I agree fully, NYCWriter. The problem is the costs involved in returning the water to a place and condition suitable for re-use by bill-paying humans... ;-)
All best
Dave T
kirbysthebest
Well-known member
There are several historical houses here in the city that has Large rain cisterns to catch the rain water for household use. These houses date to before public water supplies and electricity. The tanks are located in the attic area of the three story houses and are then gravity fed for use in the house. I understand the tanks are now not in use but still there for historic purposes.
However, there are some other houses that employ a gray water system, much like you have. The Dymaxicon house was one of those. One house I know of is owned by the owners of a plumbing company here. They have a 500 gallon tank underground that captures gray water, though I believe it doesn't capture the kitchen water due to grease and harsh dishwasher detergents, and it is used for lawn and garden irrigation. I believe I heard that the gray tanks also are used to flush toilets.
I always thought this was a good idea to use water that wasn't too nasty for other purposes. My grandmother always watered her flowers with the dish water but she didn't have a dishwasher. It just makes sense to use it where you can.
However, there are some other houses that employ a gray water system, much like you have. The Dymaxicon house was one of those. One house I know of is owned by the owners of a plumbing company here. They have a 500 gallon tank underground that captures gray water, though I believe it doesn't capture the kitchen water due to grease and harsh dishwasher detergents, and it is used for lawn and garden irrigation. I believe I heard that the gray tanks also are used to flush toilets.
I always thought this was a good idea to use water that wasn't too nasty for other purposes. My grandmother always watered her flowers with the dish water but she didn't have a dishwasher. It just makes sense to use it where you can.
davetranter
Well-known member
Water companies
I 'second' MadaboutHoovers' comment about profiteering water supply companies and their refusal to invest in the infrastructure. Having said that, it seems to be the same in all the 'Public Utilities'. Our electrical distribution system is now grossly overloaded (most of it dating back to the 1950s/60s), and (as MadaboutHoovers will know) the roads in the Stoke-on-Trent area have LONG had a reputation for poor maintenance, but the rest of the country seems to be catching up now. The various councils seem to be willing to spend vast sums on digging up the roads to install 'humps', 'chicanes', etc., but refuse to spend anything on actual maintenance.... :-(
Rant over ;-)
Dave T
I 'second' MadaboutHoovers' comment about profiteering water supply companies and their refusal to invest in the infrastructure. Having said that, it seems to be the same in all the 'Public Utilities'. Our electrical distribution system is now grossly overloaded (most of it dating back to the 1950s/60s), and (as MadaboutHoovers will know) the roads in the Stoke-on-Trent area have LONG had a reputation for poor maintenance, but the rest of the country seems to be catching up now. The various councils seem to be willing to spend vast sums on digging up the roads to install 'humps', 'chicanes', etc., but refuse to spend anything on actual maintenance.... :-(
Rant over ;-)
Dave T
sebo_fan
Well-known member
If water was such a blessing doesn't it seem a bit of a waste of having to wash bagless cyclonic filters? : )
davetranter
Well-known member
Unsustainable
We are all (to a greater or lesser extent) enjoying a thoroughly unsustainable lifestyle. we are quite literally 'Eating the future'. We have used the vast majority of 300 million years' worth of fossil fuels in the last 300 years, and have probably created 3 million years worth of pollution in the same time. I truly feel sorry for future generations, one reason (among others) why I've never had children.
It is up to each one of us to do what we can to reduce waste. Perhaps it's time for a return to that wartime mentality of "Is your ....... really necessary??"
With great sadness
Dave T
We are all (to a greater or lesser extent) enjoying a thoroughly unsustainable lifestyle. we are quite literally 'Eating the future'. We have used the vast majority of 300 million years' worth of fossil fuels in the last 300 years, and have probably created 3 million years worth of pollution in the same time. I truly feel sorry for future generations, one reason (among others) why I've never had children.
It is up to each one of us to do what we can to reduce waste. Perhaps it's time for a return to that wartime mentality of "Is your ....... really necessary??"
With great sadness
Dave T
turbo500
Well-known member
Water is a BIG Blessing and gift from God
...no it isn't! It's an essential life resources. If we didn't have it, we wouldn't exist.
It's also completely scientific and has nothing to do with "God". But that's a discussion for another thread
...no it isn't! It's an essential life resources. If we didn't have it, we wouldn't exist.
It's also completely scientific and has nothing to do with "God". But that's a discussion for another thread
turbo500
Well-known member
Dave, I'm completely with you on the wasteful front. I hate being wasteful. All paper, plastic, cans, tins, glass and old clothes are shoes in my house are recycled without fail. Everything that goes in my bin is biodegradable. Mostly food left overs and things like potato peelings and paper wrappers.
Thankfully, times have moved on and we now have appliances like washing machines and dishwashers that use far less energy and water than washing by hand. I never run the dishwasher until it's full, and I don't do half loads in the washer.
When I lived with my Mum, I used to drive her mad going round switching everything off at the wall - the TV, phone and laptop chargers, computers, lights etc.
I'm also a member of the green team at work - we meet every few months to discuss new ways in which we can be more enviromentally friendly and also keep out outgoing costs down as a business. Not only is being greener kinder to our environment, it's saves money! I'm always telling my colleagues off for leaving PC monitors on, not turning air con and lights in meeting rooms off before leaving them, running the dishwasher full and on eco cycles etc.
The only thing I'm guilty of is using the tumble dryer too much, but I don't have any outside space at home to hang washing out, otherwise I wouldn't use it as much.
Thankfully, times have moved on and we now have appliances like washing machines and dishwashers that use far less energy and water than washing by hand. I never run the dishwasher until it's full, and I don't do half loads in the washer.
When I lived with my Mum, I used to drive her mad going round switching everything off at the wall - the TV, phone and laptop chargers, computers, lights etc.
I'm also a member of the green team at work - we meet every few months to discuss new ways in which we can be more enviromentally friendly and also keep out outgoing costs down as a business. Not only is being greener kinder to our environment, it's saves money! I'm always telling my colleagues off for leaving PC monitors on, not turning air con and lights in meeting rooms off before leaving them, running the dishwasher full and on eco cycles etc.
The only thing I'm guilty of is using the tumble dryer too much, but I don't have any outside space at home to hang washing out, otherwise I wouldn't use it as much.
madabouthoovers
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Its all Doom and Gloom
The trouble is that its not just us in the developed world that need to stop consuming so many resources - the third world and in particular India and China are so overpopulated now that most of the resources now seem to be going to China as it becomes a Global Superpower. Unless India starts using methods of Birth Control, the Indians will just keep growing in number and consuming more and more of the scarce resources. This is not racist either, its a fact. Man cannot keep breeding willy-nilly with no thought of the consequences, or like the dinosaurs before us, we will be the masters of our own destruction, through our own greed and selfishness. Its no good doing all this here, if they wont do it in other countries - it will take a Global effort, one that I just don't think will ever happen.
The trouble is that its not just us in the developed world that need to stop consuming so many resources - the third world and in particular India and China are so overpopulated now that most of the resources now seem to be going to China as it becomes a Global Superpower. Unless India starts using methods of Birth Control, the Indians will just keep growing in number and consuming more and more of the scarce resources. This is not racist either, its a fact. Man cannot keep breeding willy-nilly with no thought of the consequences, or like the dinosaurs before us, we will be the masters of our own destruction, through our own greed and selfishness. Its no good doing all this here, if they wont do it in other countries - it will take a Global effort, one that I just don't think will ever happen.
nycwriter
Well-known member
Sorry Chris ...
... but I think that these "water saving" appliances are total bullshit.
You need WATER to get things clean. Common sense tells you that if you use less water, they will be less clean.
When I outfit my new home, I'll be looking to install three VINTAGE, restored washing machines instead of these dreadful "water saving" machines on the market.
... but I think that these "water saving" appliances are total bullshit.
You need WATER to get things clean. Common sense tells you that if you use less water, they will be less clean.
When I outfit my new home, I'll be looking to install three VINTAGE, restored washing machines instead of these dreadful "water saving" machines on the market.
jeffrey_silva
Member
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- 6
Re:My attempts at saving water
Water is as precious as our life is,we should preserve it rather wasting it.We should also take steps to make others aware about the significance of water.
Water is as precious as our life is,we should preserve it rather wasting it.We should also take steps to make others aware about the significance of water.
nycwriter
Well-known member
I don't think ...
... that washing things PROPERLY is "wasting" water.
And keep in mind, we live in a closed ecosystem. Water never "goes" anywhere. It's recycled into the ecosystem.
... that washing things PROPERLY is "wasting" water.
And keep in mind, we live in a closed ecosystem. Water never "goes" anywhere. It's recycled into the ecosystem.
turbo500
Well-known member
Matt, it's different over here as everybody uses front loaders.
There is no argument that front loaders use less water. I'm not trying to get into yet another debate about FL vs TL as there is no right or wrong answer, it's all what works for an individual. But the design of the frontloader, with the clothes being agitated around eachother rather than around a cental agitator and the water being thrown over the clothes and through the fibres of the fabric, rather than the clothes being pulled through the water undeniabley uses less water than a TL anyway and means that good results can still be achieved by using less water.
I would have also said that the right balance of detergent, agitation and water are what count towards actual washing results, rather than the amount of water being used. You could use all the water in the world, but if you don't have the right detergent and the washing is not agitated enough, or equally is agitated too much and gets damaged, it still won't wash well. Personally, I'd rather have a lower water level with the other 2 factors (detergent and agitation) equally considered, rather than a high water level and no thought to anything else.
There is no argument that front loaders use less water. I'm not trying to get into yet another debate about FL vs TL as there is no right or wrong answer, it's all what works for an individual. But the design of the frontloader, with the clothes being agitated around eachother rather than around a cental agitator and the water being thrown over the clothes and through the fibres of the fabric, rather than the clothes being pulled through the water undeniabley uses less water than a TL anyway and means that good results can still be achieved by using less water.
I would have also said that the right balance of detergent, agitation and water are what count towards actual washing results, rather than the amount of water being used. You could use all the water in the world, but if you don't have the right detergent and the washing is not agitated enough, or equally is agitated too much and gets damaged, it still won't wash well. Personally, I'd rather have a lower water level with the other 2 factors (detergent and agitation) equally considered, rather than a high water level and no thought to anything else.
nycwriter
Well-known member
Chris ...
... based on my experience with BOTH types of machines, the low-water machines suck.
... based on my experience with BOTH types of machines, the low-water machines suck.
turbo500
Well-known member
I'm using a modern Miele W562 at the moment and it washes better than any machine I've ever had, including a 1979 Zanussi.
Each to their own I guess.
Water aside, Matt, what are you like for recycling? Do you have recycling bins that are collected like garbage waste or do you have to take recycling to a plant yourself?
Each to their own I guess.
Water aside, Matt, what are you like for recycling? Do you have recycling bins that are collected like garbage waste or do you have to take recycling to a plant yourself?
