Grey Water Recycling System

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Grey water recycling system for baths / showers / laundry waste water for use in flushing toilets.

Visit Brac Systems website for further information

Brac Systems W-200

A concise description of the Brac System is:

 

"The technology is a patented method and mechanism that captures greywater, sanitizes it, and provides it under pressure to flush toilets. It consists of a compartmented tank (a wet area, and a mechanical area), a jet pump with pressure tank, a filter housing, an automatic water valve system, and various lines and fittings. The greywater is routed to the system through dedicated drain lines, passes through a physical 100micron filter, and into the holding tank. A user-added chlorine tablet sanitizes. On demand (line pressure drop), the jet pump draws water from the holding tank through a foot valve, and maintains pressure (with pressure tank) to the supply lines that lead to the toilet. To prevent the jet pump from running dry, a float activates an automatic water valve, adding potable water to the holding tank to maintain a minimum water level, assuring that the foot valve is always submerged. Overflow, ventilation, and drain fittings are provided, as well as a hose bibb for depressurizing and priming the system, or where allowed, garden irrigation. (While the system has a built-in air gap between the overflow limit of the greywater and the potable water outlet, we highly recommend that all local regulations regarding backflow prevention and cross connection control be rigorously followed at installation.)

 

The only competitor we are aware of is the Pontos Aquacycle, ( http://www.pontos-aquacycle.com/ ) a system built in Germany, which is several times more expensive, and has a much more complicated filtration system, I believe utilizing reverse osmosis. The water output from their system is very clean (nearly drinkable), and is recommended for doing laundry in addition to flushing toilets. Because of the great price differential, we don't really see them as direct competition. "

 

 

"The Brac water system was developed because home owners all over the world are experiencing water shortages, and the problem is only growing. During hot summers, people using wells can run out of water. What can we do? There is only so much water available, but we still need drinking water, water for the shower, the washroom, the laundry etc…

What if there was a way some of our water could be used twice? Let’s look at some figures: More than half of our water is being used to shower, bathe and do the laundry, while another third is being used to flush the toilet. This is a rather standard proportion throughout most homes.

This is why we developed a system that would recycle the water from the shower, bath and laundry, filter it, and reuse this water for the toilet tank. Using this solution we can now save approximately one third of our water consumption.

This means that even here in the UK, in our own towns, we will soon experience this shortage. You may have noticed recently that more and more water companies have started introducing hosepipe bans. And it’s only just beginning. As water consumption rises important changes will be asked of us over the coming years. So, we may as well take advantage of this to do our part while also keep our money in our pockets.

Brac Systems offers a real solution and gives us hope. And we are proud to share it with the world.

Thanks to our water-recycling product, each household saves one third of its annual water consumption. Now, not only can we save money on our water bills but we can also extend our chances for water supply and give our children a future."

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions.

Q: How much water can the Brac System hold?
A: The Brac System was designed to hold 200 litres (48 gallons). If your water usage goes over that mark, the surplus will automatically be drained out so as not to overload or cause water damage.

Q: How much water will the Brac System save me?
A: The Brac System will save approximately one third of your total water usage.

Q: What is involved in cleaning the Brac System?
A: There are two simple cleaning procedures: Cleaning the filter, and flushing the holding tank.

Q: How do I clean the filter? And how often?
A: Every two to three weeks, simply remove the filter and rinse it. Soaking the filter in a vinegar solution on occasion is also recommended.

Q: How do I flush out the tank? And how often?
A: Drain the holding tank through the cleanout valve, add a vinegar solution, allow to soak for a short time, and drain again. This should be done two or three times a year.

Q: Are there any other products I should use with my Brac System?
A: We recommend dropping a Lysol Brand Continuous Action Toilet Cleaning Tablet, available from Biotank Ltd website, through the filter housing into the bottom of the tank every eight weeks or so. We prefer the Lysol tablets, because they use no dyes that may stain the tank, and contain both chlorine and a clearing agent. The use of Lysol tablets will prevent the growth of bacteria in the tank, and any accompanying odours. You may also choose to use a tablet of your choice in your toilet tanks.

Q: How hard is it to install a Brac System?
A: While the connections are not difficult, your Brac System should only be installed by a qualified professional plumber. In new construction, it is easy to design the system into the plumbing of the home. In an existing home, new water supply lines for the toilets will need to be installed, and some of your drains will need to be rerouted. You should consult a plumber for an evaluation of your existing construction to determine the feasibility/difficulty of installing a Brac System in your particular situation.

Q: What happens in the event of an extended power outage, or if my Brac System needs to be removed for some reason?
A: When your plumber installs your Brac System, he should install a fresh water bypass with ball and check valves between the fresh water supply and the grey water outlet lines. This will allow you to easily supply your toilets with fresh water (and prevent the contamination of your fresh water with grey water) in the event of an extended power outage or removal of the tank. If the tank must be removed, a drain pipe can be easily fitted between where the grey water inlet and over flow drain entered the tank, diverting your bath water to the sewer.

Q: Is a basement necessary to use the Brac System?
A: Not necessarily. The transportation of grey water to your Brac System is by gravity, so as long as the bathtub/shower/laundry drains are above the inlet of the filter housing, the system will function. However, there are pumps available (laundry tub and bar sink pumps) that are designed to transport drainage to a higher level. If your home is single level with no basement, such a pump could be a solution for you.

 

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