Phone: 310-463-2634
Brief Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. For more in depth information about our systems call 310-463-2634.
Q: What is gray water?
A: Gray Water is the generic term given exhaust water from shower, bathtub, laundry, dishwashers and sinks in your kitchen and bathroom. Black Water is the term given raw sewage from toilets.
Q: What do your system do?
A: They receive the exhaust water from shower, bathtub and laundry then filter that water so it can be re-used for landscape irrigation and flushing toilet.
Q: Why don't you recommend using dishwasher or kitchen sink water?
A: Both contain a high degree of food by products; oil, grease and other solids that are difficult to properly purify.
Q: How do I determine if a system will be a benefit and save money?
A: Any amount water recycled will benefit our environment. There is no doubt, our system will save you money; your water usage will drop by more than half. If you want accurately calculate ROI you need to review a full years water bills to average seasonal changes in usage. Apply current rates, add penalties for exceeding 'base allotments' and sewer discharge fees. This will give you a close estimate of what the next 12 months will cost without our system. To calculate water cost with our system, reduce the total water usage by half and apply the base or tier 1 rates. From here you should be able to determine ROI. We've found in homes with average landscape needs located in areas where water has or will soon become scarce, the ROI is 3 1/2 to 4 years.
Q: What type of maintenance does your system require?
A: Similar to servicing swimming pool and spa equipment. Filter housings have back flush valves and pressure gauges to indicate when back flushing is required. A weekly inspection of the pressure gauges will indicate when service is needed.
Q: Is there a service technician who can handle maintenance for me?
A: Yes, we are in the process of setting up authorized service outlets in major areas.
Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Yes, the overall system is covered by a one year warranty. In addition, individual components are covered by the manufacturers warranties ranging from 1 to 7 years. Call or refer to the System Manual for full details.
Q: How long does it take to install one of your systems to an existing home?
A: It depends on the complexity and size of the home and landscape area. For a Cottage System, one day. The Ever Green and Clearly Green can take two to four days.
Q: Is a building permit required for installation?
A: It depends entirely on your cities building department guidelines. If you like, we will check your local building requirements for you. Gray and rainwater recycling is going through rapid building department revisions nationwide. Most cities are very progressive, understand the need to recycle and support what we're doing and are very receptive.
Q: What if my city tells me a gray water system can't be installed?
A: Contact us direct. After we show the specific building department the design of our system, it's benefit and test results of water quality, they become very receptive. If roadblocks remain, we have had great success by getting local City Council Members or Mayor involved. No elected official wants to be viewed as one that opposes responsible and beneficial recycling efforts.
Q: Can I install one of your systems myself?
A: With the Cottage System, yes it's designed for DIY or Handyman installation. The Ever Green and Clearly Green are a bit more complex. Unless you're a contractor or plumber, we don't recommend it and strongly urge you to use one of our recommended installers. That's not to say a skilled homeowner comfortable working with hand tools and knowledgeable of building codes, regulations, processes and techniques could not do it themselves; we just don't recommend it.
