Sink water containers

meetoo · Guru

Sink water containers

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Hi John, I have been told that you can't use containers you talk about. You must have a 'Grey Water TANK' fitted to your van.

I know, I know, the thing about when is grey, black but hey, I'm just the messenger smile

The 'Authorities' will not allow loose containers even with lids, so I am told anyway. I decided to get a grey water tank fitted to the new van to solve that problem. It has caused a very minor problem for me, not the authorities but I think I have overcome that (smell).

Sorry if that's not much help.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Many places will allow loose containers with lids.
Some will not.
Having a fitted grey water tank (big enough for a couple of days use) will fix the question everywhere, for ever.

Cheers,
Peter

PeterInSa · Guru

A portable Grey water Tanks is discussed here

www.caravanersforum.com/viewtopic.php

Cannot recall whether I mentioned here or on another thread where a friend mounted 2 x20lt( connected) fuel tanks under his van for grey water with valves to include/exclude the containers and also a valve to release the grey water from the 20lt tanks.

To me there are plus's/minus's for the portable and the fixed grey water tanks.

Re the smell if any as Dougee mentioned you could put some Coles Napisan or equivalent down the sink to minimise any smell.

Peter

-- Edited by PeterInSa on Wednesday 3rd of December 2014 04:35:12 PM

-- Edited by PeterInSa on Wednesday 3rd of December 2014 04:37:31 PM

Cloak · Guru

I remember when a bucket was fine but apparently grey water these days is toxic all of a sudden.

rockylizard · Guru

Cloak wrote:
I remember when a bucket was fine but apparently grey water these days is toxic all of a sudden.

Gday...

I believe it is only "toxic" at selected places where people sleep overnight that are not actual camping grounds or caravan parks.

Cheers - John

D and D · Guru

Cloak wrote:
I remember when a bucket was fine but apparently grey water these days is toxic all of a sudden.

Grey water has always had the potential to be toxic which is why water authorities require domestic grey water re-use systems to use the harvested grey water within 24 hours of collection. Further, some of the cleaning substances used these days contain chemicals that can harm Australian native flora. There are a whole stack of qualifications but not everyone does the right thing to minimise the environmental damage they may cause and those responsible for preserving the environment take as few chances as possible - hence the restrictions on grey water collection in RVs.

Regards

Dave

wasn_me · Guru

I've stayed at caravan parks (including council parks) that have no grey water drainage plumbing. Some beside rivers & mangrove flats.

Where do you empty grey water tanks ? Are dump points suitable for grey water? Many dump points aren't accessible for vehicles, You have to walk to them.

Cheers Pete

Blues Man · Guru

Hi Pete,

I think you will find that dump points will accept black,as well as grey water ,and if you can't drive it there ,you may have to use the bucket or two. smile smile

Cheers,

Bluesman.

meetoo · Guru

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

Cheers John

Stl · Senior Member

Hi, re grey water, is what "everyone" saying that we are washing up, showering with toxic chemicals ? We are using plates, pots etc that were washed with toxic - poison ? We are using poison to wash our selves ? In some places they are only to happy for you to run your grey water to the nearest tree - shrub and not put the water down drain. It's not that long ago during dry times we would run the grey water to water the garden around the house. Grey water only smells when it doesn't soak away. Does your fresh sink water or shower water stink , no only after it sits for a while. Does anyone have any photos or documented proof of dead plants, animals, insects or anything that has been adversely afected by grey water? If so please supply and I will only be to happy to change view.

Moonraker · Senior Member

Hi Meetoo,
I bought a Wheel-Tank from The 12 Volt on ebay.
It has 40L capacity.
Cheers
Moonraker

rockylizard · Guru

Stl wrote:
Hi, re grey water, is what "everyone" saying that we are washing up, showering with toxic chemicals ? We are using plates, pots etc that were washed with toxic - poison ? We are using poison to wash our selves ? In some places they are only to happy for you to run your grey water to the nearest tree - shrub and not put the water down drain. It's not that long ago during dry times we would run the grey water to water the garden around the house. Grey water only smells when it doesn't soak away. Does your fresh sink water or shower water stink , no only after it sits for a while. Does anyone have any photos or documented proof of dead plants, animals, insects or anything that has been adversely afected by grey water? If so please supply and I will only be to happy to change view.

Gday...

It is not that the dish washing water that leaves your sink is 'toxic' ... allowed to run straight on the ground is not a problem unless it lays there for time and does not soak in. It then "goes off".

grey water - the relatively clean waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances.

black water - household waste water that cannot be reused without purification containing food scraps, faecal matter and urine.

Grey water should be treated as "Black" after being stored in containers for more than 24 hours because bacteria grows in it, and dish wash-up water is dirty enough to be considered "Black".

From what I have been told (and read) those with installed grey water tanks need to be fully aware of that grey water stinks worse than black water unless treated each day if not discharged.

'Most' dish wash-up water has some 'solids' (food/fat/sauces etc) which is the main problem, these days very few 'dishwashing liquids' or shampoos/conditioners/soap are a problem ... but it will quickly go "off" if stored in closed containers and not treated regularly.

Cheers - John

done dreaming · Senior Member

When i was in Townsville it was a requirement from council on acreage properties to run your grey water onto your lawn or gardens.

Les

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

A little more about Grey Water. I guess those with "greywater tanks" installed to catch all greywater from their van/motorhome need to take action to "treat" (or empty) the greywater regularly to stop it turning 'septic' and smelling -

Greywater is the wastewater stream from all sources other than the toilet (toilet water is called blackwater or sewage). It is called greywater because it appears this colour, or turns grey after a short storage period.

Greywater contains a range of organisms which may cause disease (pathogens). Greywater is not allowed to be used in ponds or for above-surface irrigation systems due to the risk of mosquito breeding and contact with human skin and possible pathogen transfer. Many pathogens such as bacteria (e.g. faecal coliforms) and protozoans (e.g. Giardia) may be present in some greywater sources.

Greywater also contains bacteria and other microscopic organisms which feed on the nutrients in greywater, causing the wastewater to smell after a day or two. High levels of nitrate and phosphate may be beneficial to many plants, but can be detrimental to humans if ingested.

Laundry water is probably the easiest to access as the plumbing often passes through the house wall, and a diverter can be installed. On average it can contribute from anywhere between 30-40% of the total greywater volume. Wastewater from the laundry varies in quality from each wash and can be contaminated with, lint, oils, greases, chemicals, soaps, nutrients and other compounds.

Bathroom water is also suitable, but it may not be easily accessible as drainage normally occurs below the slab and may be close to the toilet water source. It may need to be collected and pumped to the infiltration area. On average it can contribute from anywhere between 50-60% of the total greywater volume. Bathroom greywater can be contaminated with soaps, hair, shampoos, toothpaste, lint, body fats, oils and cleaning products.

Kitchen greywater (and dishwasher water) generally should not be reused as this can contain oil, fats and food scraps, which do not break down easily and can clog irrigation pipes. On average it can contribute from anywhere between 5-15% of the total greywater volume. The detergents and cleaning products may be alkaline and contain chemicals that are harmful to soil structure, plants and groundwater.

Greywater must not be stored for any length of time other than that required if a sedimentation tank is used in the system. Stored greywater will turn septic and cause unpleasant smells.

Cheers - John

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.