Using rainwater to flush your downstairs loo

charlesh

The Telegraph on Saturday had a piece about green housing and mentioned one idea that a couple had put into practise about using collected rainwater to flush their downstairs loo. When you think about it, it's an obvious thing to do and can save money if you're on a meter, as well as being more environmentally friendly. I've just installed a water butt in my garden next to the house wall which has the downstairs loo on the inside, so I'm quite interested in seeing if I've got the basis for going one stage further.

So, this is an appeal for information: Has anyone rigged up such a system in their house already?

I would imagine one requirement is to make the source for the cistern switchable, so you could revert to mains supplied water in periods of drought.

Cardew

I am no plumber, but these things are not as simple as they seem to be. I suspect you will need some sort of anti-syphoning device to prevent any possibility of the butt water getting into the house main water supply; unless it is a totally separate system.

From a money saving aspect you really need to weigh up the cost in water of using a downstairs toilet each year, against the cost of installing such a system.

Ken68

Quite a bit on this site, Charles.

http://www.itsnoteasybeinggreen.org/forum/

...and a water butt wouldn't have the capacity.

woollyjumper

Depends on whether you use the motto, on how much water you use.


I have thought about it - just unsure whether it would payback sufficiently for the outlay.
Has any body done any calculations they are willing to share.
I see there is something on your website saying payback in five years.
I did a spreadsheet ages ago ... based on buying a system - but wouldn't shy from doing DIY if I knew what bits i needed !