What about Black and Greywater
When it comes to managing sewage in a tiny house, several options are available. Exploring three common choices—connecting to an existing septic tank, linking to a public sewerage system with proper building consent, or utilising a filtration system like the "Greywater Mate"—provides insight into the diverse approaches to wastewater management.
Connection to an Existing Septic Tank:
Connecting to an existing septic tank requires several steps. Quick release couplings facilitate easy disconnection and reconnection, while careful planning and installation of the plumbing layout within the tiny house are essential to ensure alignment with the septic tank's requirements. Seeking professional assistance from a licensed plumber experienced in septic systems is advisable to ensure proper installation and compliance with local regulations.
Connection to Public Sewerage System:
For connection to a public sewerage system, obtaining building consent for these connections is necessary. This process involves checking with local authorities to determine requirements, securing necessary permits, and adhering to specifications provided by the public sewerage system for plumbing installation. Engaging a licensed plumber to handle the connection ensures compliance with standards and guidelines provided by regulatory authorities.
Utilising the "Greywater Mate" Filtration System:
The "Greywater Mate" filtration system, available through Allflow, offers an eco-friendly solution for treating and reusing greywater. This system employs a combination of physical filtration, biological processes, and UV disinfection to purify greywater from sinks, showers, and laundry. Treated greywater can then be utilised for garden irrigation, reducing water wastage and providing a sustainable approach to managing wastewater. Installation of the Greywater Mate system involves plumbing connections and setup of the filtration unit, with regular maintenance such as filter cleaning and system performance checks essential for optimal operation. Before installation, ensuring compliance with local regulations and obtaining necessary approvals or permits from local authorities is crucial.
Utilising the GreyFlow™ Filtration System:
Available through WCTNZ® (NZ's official GreyFlow™ agent), GreyFlow™ filtration systems offer powerful screening of problematic particulates from greywater, and use high-reliability dripper systems to achieve professional land application field discharge compliance. Fully WaterMarked and designed by a qualified hydraulic and wastewater engineer, GreyFlow™ systems are the best in their class, proving themselves in the Australasian market for over 20 years and winning the 2018 Australian Water Association Award for Innovating for Sustainable Water & Environmental Outcomes Award. GreyFlow's™ range offers scaled systems: from smaller systems for standalone tiny homes, to larger systems for centralised, tiny home community applications. Please engage with your local authorities prior to installation to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Blackwater Management:
In addition to greywater management, handling blackwater—wastewater from toilets—presents its challenges. Options include connecting water-based toilets to existing septic tanks or public sewerage systems, using holding tanks for temporary waste storage, or opting for waterless toilets like composting or incinerating toilets. Each option requires consideration of factors such as maintenance requirements, space constraints, and adherence to local regulations.
In conclusion, selecting the right wastewater management system for a tiny house is a significant decision influenced by factors such as location, regulatory requirements, and personal preferences. Whether choosing to connect to existing infrastructure or implement innovative solutions, ensuring compliance with regulations and seeking professional guidance is essential to ensure safe and effective operation of the chosen system.
*Please reach out to the Ruru team to enquire about your specific case. Each case is unique and depends on various factors such as zoning, the water system, etc. We offer assistance in this matter, equipped with knowledge in consents and regulations in New Zealand.