How exactly are people using R/O waste for washing machines?

Vincerama2 · #1 03/28/2005, 02:25 PM

OK, I don't get it. My washing machine is hooked to two faucets. Some people say they use their "waste R/O" water in their washing machines/dishwashers, etc. How exactly do you get that water into the washing machine? As far as I can tell, the waste water comes out a 1/4" line and only when the RO unit is running.

Do you store the waste in a big tank then somehow get it into the washer? How do you do that? I have a front loader so I can't just dump water in the washing machine (it uses less water anyway).

Or do you wash clothes by hand??

V

DgenR8 · #2 03/28/2005, 07:02 PM

My washer is a top loader, and I just put the waste tube in the washer after the clothes are in there, and let it fill up. This is quite a PITA, and I don't do it often. Most of the time, I run the waste out the basement window, and use it to water my wife's flowers.

Vincerama2 · #3 03/28/2005, 07:18 PM

I see, so when your washer turns on, it detects the water level and won't overflow with tap water? Can't do that with a front loader...hmmm

V

fins2right · #4 03/30/2005, 11:53 AM

V, Yes, I believe most top loading washers will detect the water level so if you start a normal cycle and the machine already detects that's it's full it won't add any more tap water and will just start running. I do the same as Larry. Just filled the washer up yesterday. About 2 gals of RO water generates enough waste water to fill the washer. I only have 2 nano tanks so the proportions work out OK for me.

Not sure how to help offer any suggestions for a front loader without doing something elaborate w/ a waste can, etc.

RB

rooroo · #5 03/31/2005, 12:22 PM

It is common in Europe for bathroom sinks to be linked to the bathroom toilet so that when you wash your hands in the sink, the wastewater goes into the holding tank in the toilet via gravity feed. I think if you did a google search for water efficient homes you'd find more information on how to set up your washer for this.

Vincerama2 · #6 03/31/2005, 01:11 PM

Interesting.

I think the bottom line is that the "waste" water (actually it's very clean as it's gone through 4 filters before the RO membrane rejected it!) needs to be stored in a tank somewhere, as it can't be used "on demand". I'll look into the european toilet thing. I'm thinking that it would be good water to feed into a water heater.

Dishwasher would be a good candidate too. Or if I had some kind of plumbing skills, it could fill up a bathtub, and you could just add hot water to it to take a bath or shower.

V