feeling thoughtful at
Many people have asked about recycling rinse water from a *front loader*. I went to Brights Stikland this morning and with the assistance of Roger McCarthy came up with the following suggestion.
What you need is a "Y-shut off valve" (R155) which, under normal operation, will divert water to one of the two outputs, or to both simultaneously. You connect this between the municipal supply and the washing machine hose. The other end is then connected to your rainwater tank or gravity feed container.
Remember to use threading tape (PTFE tape).
What you need is a "Y-shut off valve" (R155) which, under normal operation, will divert water to one of the two outputs, or to both simultaneously. You connect this between the municipal supply and the washing machine hose. The other end is then connected to your rainwater tank or gravity feed container.
Remember to use threading tape (PTFE tape).
In the photos I show a setup which allows for both the municipal supply or rainwater tank supply.
== The following is intended for individuals who don't have rainwater tanks or other sources ==
For the *Rinse* cycle use municipal water with the valves as shown in the photo. Collect the used water into a container. For the *Wash* cycle use the collected water from a gravity fed container or pump. Switch off the municipal water supply and open the valve to allow water through from the one output into the washing machine hose via the other output. (It may sound confusing, but use the photos as a guide.)
I am not really familiar with pumps or front loaders. If some pressure is required by the machine's input valve then I wonder if a fish pond /fountain pump could work. They usually have flow, max height and pressure graphs on the box.
Should you want to buy a pump to try it out, go for something which you may be able to reuse somewhere else if this doesn't work. Good luck!
For the *Rinse* cycle use municipal water with the valves as shown in the photo. Collect the used water into a container. For the *Wash* cycle use the collected water from a gravity fed container or pump. Switch off the municipal water supply and open the valve to allow water through from the one output into the washing machine hose via the other output. (It may sound confusing, but use the photos as a guide.)
I am not really familiar with pumps or front loaders. If some pressure is required by the machine's input valve then I wonder if a fish pond /fountain pump could work. They usually have flow, max height and pressure graphs on the box.
Should you want to buy a pump to try it out, go for something which you may be able to reuse somewhere else if this doesn't work. Good luck!
*Disclaimer*
I don't have a front loader and have not tried this. I cannot take any responsibility for leaks or damage to your washing machine. Apparently some front loaders do require some pressure from the hose - let us know. I am not promoting the use of municipal drinking water over rainwater or other sources. I forgot to place PTFE tape in the photos. If it doesn't work, please inform us.
I don't have a front loader and have not tried this. I cannot take any responsibility for leaks or damage to your washing machine. Apparently some front loaders do require some pressure from the hose - let us know. I am not promoting the use of municipal drinking water over rainwater or other sources. I forgot to place PTFE tape in the photos. If it doesn't work, please inform us.
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