Last time I looked at this sort of thing (back when I was still in Norfolk, for timescale) we looked at fairly simple syphon pumps, and ended up at things like this - http://www.reuk.co.uk/wordpress/water/watergreen-syphon-pump-recycle-bath-water/
My impression was that the real problem was that it needed some kind of height to work from, which was less than ideal in a bungalow (and may cause issues with the downstairs shower room) but I'm dredging memories from a decade ago
Depending on the accessibility of the plughole/waste, I'd have *thought* it was easy enough to have a diverter at that point, to be able to decide whether to purge the water into greywater use or straight into sewerage/drainage. (I'm about as practical as a sugar teapot, so I've no idea for sure) and potentially even with a nice big lever to do the switch, rather than having to fiddle with stopcocks and the like.
Posted by Lyle on 19 May, 2021 at 1:25 PM
That's interesting, thanks Lyle. Your device is by the same people as the permanent exterior diverter valve I'd found (as linked in the post). But... the article linked in your item description shows that you can get interior fitted valves - of the sort not sold in the UK - in the US for $49.
I don't think the syphon pump will work for flushing toilets though as it won't provide the water force needed. Although I guess one could use it to fill a bucket more easily than directly from the bath.
It shouldn't be this difficult though, should it? Such a simple idea... it would save millions of gallons of water per year...
Posted by Blue Witch on 19 May, 2021 at 2:55 PM
Time to think laterally.
If you can't bring the bath water to the toilet then you bring the toilet to the bath.
Then again perhaps not...
Posted by Mr BW on 19 May, 2021 at 5:14 PM
And you wonder why I am insisting on finding a way to fit a double sink into the new bathroom...
Posted by Blue Witch on 20 May, 2021 at 6:47 AM
Alas, no new ideas from me. But I do wonder why modern homes aren't required to be built with grey water systems as standard...
Last time I looked at this sort of thing (back when I was still in Norfolk, for timescale) we looked at fairly simple syphon pumps, and ended up at things like this - http://www.reuk.co.uk/wordpress/water/watergreen-syphon-pump-recycle-bath-water/
My impression was that the real problem was that it needed some kind of height to work from, which was less than ideal in a bungalow (and may cause issues with the downstairs shower room) but I'm dredging memories from a decade ago
Depending on the accessibility of the plughole/waste, I'd have *thought* it was easy enough to have a diverter at that point, to be able to decide whether to purge the water into greywater use or straight into sewerage/drainage. (I'm about as practical as a sugar teapot, so I've no idea for sure) and potentially even with a nice big lever to do the switch, rather than having to fiddle with stopcocks and the like.
Posted by Lyle on 19 May, 2021 at 1:25 PMThat's interesting, thanks Lyle. Your device is by the same people as the permanent exterior diverter valve I'd found (as linked in the post). But... the article linked in your item description shows that you can get interior fitted valves - of the sort not sold in the UK - in the US for $49.
I don't think the syphon pump will work for flushing toilets though as it won't provide the water force needed. Although I guess one could use it to fill a bucket more easily than directly from the bath.
It shouldn't be this difficult though, should it? Such a simple idea... it would save millions of gallons of water per year...
Posted by Blue Witch on 19 May, 2021 at 2:55 PMTime to think laterally.
Posted by Mr BW on 19 May, 2021 at 5:14 PMIf you can't bring the bath water to the toilet then you bring the toilet to the bath.
Then again perhaps not...
And you wonder why I am insisting on finding a way to fit a double sink into the new bathroom...
Posted by Blue Witch on 20 May, 2021 at 6:47 AMAlas, no new ideas from me. But I do wonder why modern homes aren't required to be built with grey water systems as standard...
Posted by Tim W on 20 May, 2021 at 8:11 AM