Renovator's Guide
An independent guide to improving your home
BUYER'S GUIDE RENOVATOR'S GUIDE TECHNICAL MANUAL

What's wastewater?

  • Wastewater is the general term for contaminated water.
  • 'Greywater' is used to describe water from the shower and laundry.
  • 'Blackwater' is water that includes sewage from the toilet. Check regulations - in some areas the reuse of treated blackwater may be prohibited for single dwellings.
  • The shower and laundry are the best sources of wastewater, requiring less treatment than water from the kitchen or toilet.
  • The level of treatment needed also depends on what you plan to use it for.

Rainwater tank maintenance tips

  • Maintain your rainwater system regularly to keep it operating well.
  • Check roofs and gutters for debris, and keep your roof clear of overhanging trees.
  • Check and clean mosquito screens and first flush diverters. Drain and clean out your tank every few years to remove sediment.

Find out about rebates

  • You may be eligible for a rebate on the cost of your rainwater or wastewater system.
  • Check with your local council, state government or water utility.
Making it happen
Tips & Checklist

Choosing rainwater & wastewater products

Collecting and using rainwater

For many renovations, installing a rainwater tank will be a requirement.

In any case, it can be a great way to save even more water, once you already have a water efficient house and garden. In most areas rebates are available on the cost of rainwater systems (unless they're already required by law).

To get the most out of your system, firstly make sure you have a decent roof area from which you can collect water. You can maximise the area by using underground tanks, or above ground tanks that use a 'wet downpipe' system. Secondly, make sure you have a decent tank capacity - 3,000 litres or more is recommended if you have room.

You may have to install a minimum-sized tank to qualify for rebates. If space is tight, many innovative solutions are available, such as under-floor bladders and interconnecting plastic tanks that double as fences.

Lastly, make sure you're connected to at least one indoor use like toilet flushing or the washing machine.

If you're collecting rainwater from a new roof, choose a compatible roof material (steel is ideal, most tiles are also fine).

'These systems do need regular maintenance, but it's no big deal when you get used to it.'

If you're collecting from an old roof and will use the rainwater for drinking, your builder will need to check for lead flashing and seal it. You may also need special gutter treatments such as screens to keep out debris. Not all states allow rainwater to be used for drinking water.
[See Your Home: Rainwater.]

Recycling wastewater

Domestic greywater systems collect and treat wastewater from the shower and laundry for reuse in the garden or within the home for toilets or washing machines.

Arrange drainage pipes so it will be easy to collect greywater at one point. Regulations vary so check first with your local council, and then make sure you seek expert advice on choosing and maintaining your system. In many areas rebates are available.

Be aware that greywater systems do require a reasonable level of homeowner commitment to maintenance, to avoid health risks and soil damage. If you're using untreated greywater on the garden you'll need to check with your expert that your soil and plants can handle it. You'll also need to use detergents and powders that contain no phosphate or salt.

A licensed plumber must be used when installing rainwater and greywater systems, in addition to any plumbing work within the renovations. Many plumbers will be able to provide specialist advice regarding rainwater collection and usage.
[See Your Home: Wastewater reuse.]

Tips & checklist

Save moneyHealthy and ComfortableEnviro-friendly PlumbingPlumbing that's future proof
We couldn't afford a greywater system upfront, but our plumber had a great 'future proofing' idea. He installed the extra plumbing while he was doing the regular work. It didn't cost much and now we - or any future buyer - can add greywater more easily later.
TipsChecklist for rainwater and wastewater
Save money tip
Enviro-friendly tip Check regulations before you start. Check with your local council or state health department about the regulations on using rainwater and greywater. Your plumber may also be able to help.Rainwater regulations:


Greywater regulations:


Other applicable regulations:


Save money tip

Check if rebates are available. Make a note of rebate amounts and any conditions that apply.
Item: Rebate available:
Rainwater system $
Greywater system $
Other: $
Total (for water systems) $
Conditions:

Save money tip
Enviro-friendly tip Get the most out of your rainwater system. Maximise the roof area you will collect water from and install an adequate size tank. For maximum benefit connect the sytem to the toilet or laundry. You may have to install a minimum-sized tank and indoor connection to qualify for rebates
Maximise roof area you collect from Checkbox
Tank capacity of at least 3,000 litres Checkbox
Connect to toilet and/or laundryCheckbox

Healthy and comfortable tip
Check your roofing. Ensure it's compatible for drinking water collection, if that's what you plan and are allowed to do.
Steel or terracotta tilesCheckbox
Any lead flashing properly sealedCheckbox

Healthy and comfortable tipEnviro-friendly tipSeek expert advice on wastewater reuse (greywater or blackwater systems). Make sure you're aware of the maintenance procedures required and how often they need to be done.People we'll talk to for expert advice:


Applicable systems:


Maintenance requirements


Useful websites