Laundry to Landscape: Your Homestead's Gray Water Solution
Imagine this: the sun beats down on your parched garden. Water restrictions are in place, and you cringe as you turn on the hose, knowing every drop is precious – and expensive. But what if you could tap into a hidden source of water, right under your own roof? That's the power of gray water.
Here on our homestead, we're constantly looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint and increase our self-sufficiency. In our dry climate, water conservation isn't just a good idea; it's a necessity. That's why we decided to tackle a laundry-to-landscape gray water system. This simple setup allows us to reuse the water from our washing machine to irrigate a section of our garden, saving water, money, and resources. Best of all, with the right planning and materials, this is a project you can tackle yourself, making your homestead even more sustainable! This post will guide you through building your own simple, affordable, and eco-friendly gray water system, complete with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. Remember, legality can vary, so be sure to research your local codes before beginning. And, of course, using eco-friendly laundry detergents is crucial for the health of your garden and the environment.
Understanding Gray Water & System Basics
So, what exactly is gray water? Simply put, it's wastewater from household sources excluding toilets. This means water from your showers, sinks, and, in our case, the washing machine. It's called "gray" because it's not as contaminated as "black water" (toilet water). A laundry-to-landscape system takes this relatively clean water and directs it to your garden for irrigation.
The system is fairly straightforward. The washing machine discharge hose is connected to a diverter valve. This valve allows you to choose whether the water goes to your septic system or to the gray water system. When diverting to the gray water system, the water flows through a filter to remove lint and other debris before being distributed to the garden through a network of pipes and mulch basins.
It's vital to understand your local regulations regarding gray water systems before you begin. Some areas require permits, while others have specific guidelines for installation and usage. Contact your local building department or search online for your state's environmental regulations. In many cases, these systems are legal to install, but require specific installation methods or registration.
Another crucial aspect is the type of cleaning products you use. Harsh chemicals can harm your plants and the environment. We only use biodegradable, eco-friendly laundry detergents. Look for detergents that are free of phosphates, boron, and chlorine bleach.
Finally, consider what you'll be watering. Gray water is generally safe for irrigating ornamental plants, fruit trees (where the fruit is not in direct contact with the soil), and shrubs. However, it's best to avoid using gray water on edible plants, especially those that are eaten raw and grow close to the ground (like lettuce or strawberries).
Planning & Design: Tailoring the System to Your Homestead
Careful planning is essential for a successful gray water system. First, estimate your laundry output. How many loads of laundry do you typically wash each week, and how much water does your washing machine use per load? This information will help you determine how much water your system will need to handle. Our machine uses about 20 gallons per load, and we do about 4 loads a week, so we're looking at around 80 gallons of gray water per week.
Next, assess your garden's water needs. How large is the area you want to irrigate, and how much water does it require? Consider the soil type, sun exposure, and the types of plants you're growing. Sandy soil drains quickly and requires more frequent watering than clay soil. We chose a section of our garden that houses several established fruit trees and ornamental shrubs.
Based on your water output and garden needs, plan the layout of your distribution lines and mulch basins. Mulch basins are shallow depressions around the base of your plants that help to distribute the water evenly and prevent runoff. The distribution lines are typically made of PVC pipe and are buried a few inches below the surface of the soil. Space the lines appropriately so that the gray water can adequately soak into the surrounding area.
Choosing the right components is crucial. PVC pipes and fittings are relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. You'll also need a diverter valve, a filter, and some mulch. The cost of the project will depend on the size and complexity of your system. For a basic laundry-to-landscape system, you can expect to spend between $100 and $300.
Depending on your local regulations, you may also need to install a backflow prevention device. This device prevents gray water from flowing back into your drinking water supply. This is especially important if your washing machine is connected to a municipal water system.
Materials, Tools, and Safety First
Here's a list of the materials and tools you'll need for your laundry-to-landscape gray water system:
Materials:
- PVC pipes (1", 1 1/2" or 2" depending on your washing machine drain size) - Approximately $20-$50
- PVC fittings (elbows, tees, couplings) - Approximately $10-$20
- Diverter valve - Approximately $20-$40
- Lint filter - Approximately $20-$50
- Mulch - Approximately $20-$40
- Eco-friendly laundry detergent
- PVC primer and cement - Approximately $10
- Gravel or landscape fabric (optional, for drainage)
Tools:
- Pipe cutter or saw
- Shovel
- Level
- Drill with various drill bits
- Measuring tape
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Wrench
Before you start, remember safety! Wear gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from dirt, chemicals, and sharp objects. Familiarize yourself with basic plumbing safety and be careful when working with tools. Always call 811 before you dig to locate any underground utilities.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Now, let's get to the fun part: building your gray water system!
Step 1: Disconnecting the Washing Machine Drain Hose
Carefully disconnect the washing machine drain hose from the drainpipe. This is usually a simple matter of loosening a clamp and pulling the hose free.
Step 2: Installing a Diverter Valve
Install a diverter valve on the drainpipe. This valve will allow you to switch between sending the water to your septic system and sending it to your gray water system. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the valve.
Step 3: Running the PVC Pipe to the Garden
Run a PVC pipe from the diverter valve to your garden. Bury the pipe a few inches below the surface of the soil to protect it from damage and prevent freezing.
Step 4: Installing the Lint Filter
Install a lint filter in the PVC pipe. This filter will remove lint and other debris from the gray water before it reaches your garden. Place the filter in an easily accessible location so you can clean it regularly.
Step 5: Creating Mulch Basins
Create mulch basins around the base of your plants. These basins will help to distribute the water evenly and prevent runoff. Dig shallow depressions around your plants and fill them with mulch.
Step 6: Connecting Distribution Lines to Mulch Basins
Connect the distribution lines to the mulch basins. Drill small holes in the PVC pipe to allow the water to flow out into the basins. Be sure to space the holes evenly to ensure even distribution.
Step 7: Testing the System
Test the system by running a load of laundry and diverting the water to your garden. Observe how the water flows and make any necessary adjustments. If the water is not flowing evenly, adjust the size or spacing of the holes in the distribution lines.
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Long-Term Care
To keep your gray water system running smoothly, regular maintenance is essential. Clean the lint filter regularly (we clean ours after every other load) to prevent clogs. Inspect the distribution lines for leaks and damage and repair them as needed. Periodically check the soil moisture levels and adjust the system as needed. If the soil is too wet, reduce the amount of water you're sending to the garden. If the soil is too dry, increase the amount of water.
Common problems include slow drainage, clogs, and odors. Slow drainage can be caused by clogged distribution lines or compacted soil. Clogs can be caused by lint, hair, or other debris. Odors can be caused by anaerobic bacteria in the soil. To prevent odors, make sure the soil is well-drained and that the gray water is not pooling on the surface.
It's a good idea to rotate the discharge points periodically to prevent soil saturation in one area. Consider adding a surge tank to accommodate the large volume of water discharged by a washing machine in a short amount of time. This will help to distribute the water more evenly over time.
Results & Benefits
Since installing our laundry-to-landscape system, we've significantly reduced our water consumption and water bill. We estimate that we're saving around 3,200 gallons of water per year! Our fruit trees and ornamental shrubs are thriving, and we're confident that we're making a positive impact on the environment.
The total cost of the project was around $200, and we expect to recoup that investment in water savings within a few years. More importantly, we're contributing to a more sustainable future.
Embracing Sustainable Homesteading with Gray Water
Building a laundry-to-landscape gray water system is a simple, affordable, and rewarding project for any homesteader looking to conserve water and reduce their environmental footprint. It's a tangible way to embrace sustainable practices and increase your self-sufficiency. It may require a little research, a little planning, and a little effort, but the results are well worth it. You'll save water, save money, and help to create a healthier planet.
Have you built your own gray water system? What tips would you share?