Have you ever wondered what happens when your grey water tank is full? What are the next steps? How do you properly dispose of the wastewater in your tank? Keep reading to find out!
In this post, we will discuss the proper steps for handling a full grey water tank. Stay safe and enjoy your well-organized home!
What Happens When Grey Water Tank Is Full?
What is grey water and why should you care about it? Grey water is wastewater from household activities such as dishwashing, laundry, and bathing. It does not include water from the toilet or kitchen sink (this is considered black water).
While grey water may not be as dirty as black water, it can still contain harmful bacteria and pollutants. That’s why it’s important to properly dispose of it.
Draining grey water into the ground can contaminate groundwater, and draining it into a sewer can overload the system or lead to health problems. It can also attract pests and create unpleasant odors.
When done correctly, disposing of grey water is fairly simple and easy to do.
But question is what to do when grey water tanks are full or overflow:
The first step is to stop using water from the grey water tank. This means no more flushing toilets, running the dishwasher, or doing laundry.
Once the grey water tank is full, it’s important to not add any more water to it.
The next step is to start draining the grey water tank. This can be done by attaching a hose to the drain valve and running it to a nearby sewer cleanout or storm drain.
If you don’t have access to a sewer cleanout or storm drain, you can also run the hose to a low spot in your yard where the water can seep into the ground.
Once the grey water tank is empty, it’s time to give it a good cleaning.
How do you know when your tank is full?
1- By checking the float switch
The easiest way to know when your grey water tank is full is to check the float switch. The float switch is a device that turns the pump on and off. When the water level in the tank rises, it activates the switch and turns the pump on.
As the water level continues to rise, the float switch will eventually turn the pump off.
This prevents the pump from running dry and damaging itself.
When the float switch turns the pump off, it’s an indication that the tank is full and needs to be emptied.
2- By looking at the discharge hose
Another way to tell if your grey water tank is full is by looking at the discharge hose. The discharge hose is the hose that drains the grey water from the tank.
If you see water coming out of the hose, that means the tank is full and needs to be emptied.
3- Err on the side of caution
If you’re not sure whether or not your grey water tank is full, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and assume it is. This way, you can avoid any overflows or damages.
4- By the sound of the pump
You may also be able to tell by the sound of the pump – it will be working harder than usual.
How to dispose of grey water properly?
Here are a few simple methods to dispose of grey water properly.
1- By using a treatment plant
The best way to dispose of grey water is to send it to a wastewater treatment plant. There, the water will be treated and returned to the environment.
2- In sewer system
The next best option is to discharge it into a sewer system. This should only be done if the system is designed to handle the extra water.
3- In a leach field or septic tank
You can also discharge grey water into a leach field or septic tank. A leach field is a specially designed area of your property where the water can seep into the ground and be filtered by the soil.
A septic tank is similar, but it’s a large underground tank that stores the water until it’s treated by bacteria.
4- In a dry well
Another option is to discharge the water into a dry well. A dry well is a hole in the ground that allows the water to seep into the soil.
5- In a holding tank
The final option is to discharge the water into a holding tank. A holding tank is simply a large tank that stores the water until it can be properly disposed of.
Pro tips:
- Whatever method you choose, make sure the grey water is drained at least 10 feet away from your home.
- You should also avoid draining grey water onto paved surfaces, like driveways or sidewalks. This can lead to flooding and/or attract pests.
- And finally, never dispose of grey water in a freshwater body, like a lake, river, or stream. This can contaminate the water and harm the environment.
Tips for conserving water and avoiding overflow in Grey water tank
There are a few tips to help you avoid an overflowing grey water tank.
- Use water wisely: The best way to avoid an overflowing grey water tank is to use water wisely. This means only using as much water as you need and not wasting it.
- Fix leaks: Another way to conserve water is to fix any leaks in your home. A small drip can waste a lot of water over time, so it’s important to fix them as soon as possible.
- Run dishwasher or washing machine when necessary: Waiting until your dishwasher or washing machine is full before running it will help conserve water. This is because these appliances use the same amount of water whether they’re half full or full.
- Collect rainwater: You can also collect rainwater to use for things like watering plants or washing your car. This is a great way to conserve water and avoid an overflow.
- Use grey water for watering plants: Greywater can also be used for watering plants. This is a great way to recycle water and save money on your water bill.
- Have your septic tank pumped regularly: It’s important to have your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years. This will help prevent it from overflowing and causing problems.
- Don’t flush anything down the toilet: Flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper can clog your septic tank and cause it to overflow.
- Use a low-flow showerhead: A low-flow showerhead uses less water than a regular showerhead. This can help you conserve water and avoid an overflowing grey water tank.
- Educate your family and friends about conserving water: Educating your family and friends about conserving water is also important. The more people that know about it, the more likely they are to help conserve water.
FAQs- What To Do When Grey Water Tank Is Full?
Is it OK to leave the grey water tank open?
No, it is not OK to leave the grey water tank open. The tank needs to be covered so that evaporation does not occur and so that mosquitoes do not breed in the water.
How long does it take to fill the grey water tank?
It depends on how much water you use. If you have a family of four and use the dishwasher, washing machine, and shower every day, it will take about three days to fill the tank.
How often should you empty a grey water tank?
It depends on how much water you use. If you have a family of four and use the dishwasher, washing machine, and shower every day, you will need to empty the tank about once a week.
Can I use bleach in my grey water tank?
No, you should not use bleach in your grey water tank. Bleach can harm the bacteria that break down the waste in the tank.
Is shower water considered grey water?
Yes, shower water is considered grey water.
How do you get rid of the poop pyramid?
The poop pyramid is the solid waste that builds up at the bottom of the grey water tank. It needs to be removed every few years. The best way to do this is to hire a professional to pump out the tank.
Why does my grey water stink?
There are a few reasons why your grey water may stink.
- One reason is that there may be too much solid waste in the tank. This can happen if you don’t have your tank pumped out regularly.
- Another reason is that there may be a leak in the tank. This can cause sewage to leak into the tank and make it stink.
Last Words
The tank will overflow and the wastewater will discharge into the environment. This is not only bad for the environment but it is also illegal. It is important to monitor your grey water tank so that you do not overfill it and cause damage to the environment.
The tank should be emptied every two-three weeks. If the tank is full, the water will overflow onto the ground. The water can damage the foundation of your house and seep into the soil, causing problems for plants and underground pipes.