Creative plumbing...

[imamartian]

For quite a few years i've wanted to do this, but would it be possible/feasible/legal to try to divert rainwater from my roof gutter to fill my toilet cisterns?

My plan is to install a smallish header tank (2.5ft x 2.5ft x 2ft) in my old airing cupboard (upstairs) - now redundant after combi boiler installed.

I'd like the sort of connection on the gutter downpipe you get to fill water butts, to fill the header tank. And then a pipe from the header tank to the toilet cistern.. The cistern will also have a feed from the mains water, but with a tap to turn on only if the header tank doesn't fill the cistern.

Two float valves? two entry points into cistern? not enough water collected to feed one toilet, let alone two! not enough pressure from the header (don't think this is a problem though!)

Any thoughts appreciated. Ta.

 

[Onetap]

Yes, it is common practice, grey (gray?) water, go Google.

 

[imamartian]

Yes, it is common practice, grey (gray?) water, go Google.

Thank you, i will google (other search facilitators are available )...

So are there kits available? i haven't seen anything in the SFx catalogue, and i regularly scour that sat on the throne !!!!

 

[mickyg]

there's even an association for it !
http://www.ukrha.org/home

plenty of info if you use the right terminology

 

[Onetap]

So are there kits available? i haven't seen anything in the SFx catalogue, and i regularly scour that sat on the throne !!!!

Specialist suppliers for commercial projects, various fora & discussion groups for DIyers interesting in conserving or recycling water and constructing devices from components and IBC containers. Waterless urinals (saves 6+ litres per flush), urine recycled to compost heaps, water storage, recycling pumps, grey water filters, etc., it has all been done before.

 

[imamartian]

wow didn't expect quite the positive response.. many thanks.

as regarding my airing cupboard idea, in simple terms... it it feasible?

 

[Onetap]

Yes, but read up on what others have done to get warning of the pitfalls. I'd anticipate problems with grit, algae, bacterial growth, legionella risks, etc..