Q: Can I use the Brac Greywater Recycling System for a different purpose?
A: The Brac System is not intended, nor is it approved for storing and delivering potable drinking water. But beyond that restriction, the system is essentially a water collection vessel which deliveres the water under normal household pressure, and many alternate uses can be imagined. For example, if one is already using composting toilets, the collected greywater can be used strictly for irrigation. The system might also be used as a rainwater collection/delivery device, for flushing toilets, washing cars, irrigation, or other outdoor uses. If you have a particular application which you think the Brac System might be useful for, feel free to contact us about it.

Q: How much water can the Brac Greywater Recycling System hold?
A: The Brac System was designed to hold 200 liters (52 gallons). If your water usage goes over that mark, the surplus will automatically be drained out so as not to overload or cause water damage.

Q: How much water will the Brac Greywater Recycling System save me?
A: The Brac System will save approximately one third of your total water usage.

Q: What is involved in cleaning the Brac Greywater Recycling System?
A: There are two simple cleaning procedures: Cleaning the filter, and flushing the holding tank.

Q: How do I clean the filter? And how often?
A: Every two to three weeks, simply remove the filter and rinse it. Soaking the filter in a vinegar solution on occasion is also recommended.

Q: How do I flush out the tank? And how often?
A: Drain the holding tank through the cleanout valve, add a vinegar solution, allow to soak for a short time, and drain again. This should be done two or three times a year.

Q: Are there any other products I should use with my Brac System?
A: We recommend dropping a tri-chlor tablet (available in bulk at pool supply stores) or a Lysol Brand Continuous Action Toilet Cleaning Tablet through the filter housing into the bottom of the tank every eight weeks or so. The use of chlorine tablets will prevent the growth of bacteria in the tank, and any accompanying odors. You may also choose to use a tablet of your choice in your toilet tanks. Some jurisdictions require that greywater be dyed blue or green before it enters the plumbing system. If you live in such an area, you may choose to use a tablet that also dyes the water.

Q: Will the chlorine tablets cause problems with my septic tank?
A: Considering the concentration of chlorine in the volumes of water involved, the chlorine in your greywater shouldn't cause any problems in a modern, healthy septic system. While we haven't had any reports of problems, there could be issues with older, smaller septic systems that are already operating on the edge of failure. In such cases, you should use the Lysol tablets that we recommend instead of the swimming pool type tri-chlor tablets. The Lysol tablets claim on the packaging that they are not harmful to septic tanks. If you choose another brand, be sure to check the packaging for a statement about septic tanks. There is also a variety of products available, such as "Septic Miracle" and "Organica Cesspool/Septic Treatment", to name two, that can help boost the bacterial culture of a struggling septic system. Consult with a waste professional if you have concerns about your septic system. Not using tablets at all is not recommended, as unpleasant odors will almost certainly result after a few weeks.

Q: How concentrated will the chlorine be in the Brac Greywater Recycling System?
A: We can't give an exact number, because the concentration of free chlorine will depend upon the exact quantities of water used in any particular case. However, through our own testing and observation using the 200g tri-chlor tablets in our test system, we have come up with the following approximate average numbers: A total of approximately 12.4mg/liter of chlorine is introduced to the greywater, with approximately 5mg/liter remaining free chlorine after treatment.

Q: How hard is it to install a Brac Greywater Recycling System?
A: While the connections are not difficult, your Brac System should only be installed by a qualified professional plumber. In new construction, it is easy to design the system into the plumbing of the home. In an existing home, new water supply lines for the toilets will need to be installed, and some of your drains will need to be rerouted. You should consult a plumber for an evaluation of your existing construction to determine the feasability/difficulty of installing a Brac System in your particular situation.

Q: What happens in the event of an extended power outage, or if my Brac Greywater Recycling System needs to be removed for some reason?
A: When your plumber installs your Brac System, he should install a fresh water bypass with ball and check valves between the fresh water supply and the grey water outlet lines. This will allow you to easily supply your toilets with fresh water (and prevent the contamination of your fresh water with grey water) in the event of an extended power outage or removal of the tank. If the tank must be removed, a drain pipe can be easily fitted between where the grey water inlet and over flow drain entered the tank, diverting your bath water to the sewer.

Q: Is a basement necessary to use the Brac Greywater Recycling System?
A: Not necessarily. The transportation of grey water to your Brac System is by gravity, so as long as the bathtub/shower/laundry drains are above the inlet of the filter housing, the system will function. For those who have a single-level home on a slab foundation, or who wish to utilize the Brac System in a "flat", Brac Systems now offers a Sump and Pump kit, which consists of a sump basin and fully submersible sump pump. The basin is installed in the foundation or floor to collect greywater from bathing fixtures, and the sump pump automatically pumps the greywater up to the level of the Brac System inlet.

Q: You state that use of laundry water in the Brac Greywater Recycling System is optional. What issues should I be aware of when considering this option?
A: Based upon customer usage, we have found that on average, if every member of a household bathes once per day, the amount of greywater generated nearly matches the amount of water used to flush the toilets in that household. In addition, laundry water contains a great deal of lint, which will clog your filter quicker, requiring more frequent filter cleanings. So you should balance your family's bathing habits against the increased maintenance that will be required. Since the drain hose of a washing machine can be easily moved, you may even consider having both a traditional sewage drain and a greywater drain behind your washing machine, so that you can switch back and forth as your needs and convenience dictate.

Q: Why does the Brac Greywater Recycling System have a potable water connection?
A: The jet pump in the system can be severely damaged by allowing it to run dry. While an average household will produce enough greywater to keep plenty of water in the tank, there will be occasions, such as dinner parties, when visitors may be flushing your toilets frequently, but not bathing. The fresh water system insures that there is always enough water in your tank to prevent the pump from running dry. A float connected to a fresh water valve will add potable water from your home's plumbing system when the level of water in your tank reaches a minimum level, and will automatically stop adding water when the water reaches a safe level.