Q: Can I use the Brac System for a different purpose?
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 delivers the water under normal household pressure, and many alternate uses can be imagined. For example, if one is already using composting toilets, the collected gray water can be used strictly for irrigation. The system might also be used as a rainwater collection or delivery device, for flushing toilets, for washing cars, for irrigation or for 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 System hold?
The RGW Series residential models are designed to hold from 39 to 119 gallons (150 to 450 litres). 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 System save me?
The Brac System will save approximately one third of your total water usage. An average family of four could save over 21,108 gallons (80,000 litres) every year.
Q: What is involved in cleaning the system?
There are two simple cleaning procedures: cleaning the filter and flushing the holding tank.
Q: How do I clean the filter? And how often?
Every two to four weeks, simply remove the filter and rinse it. A good tip is to rinse the filter inside-out thoroughly, then run it in the next load of laundry. This will help to retain the original white look. Soaking the filter in a vinegar solution on occasion is also recommended.
Q: How do I flush out the tank? And how often?
Drain the holding tank through the cleanout valve, add a vinegar solution, allow to soak for a short time and then drain again. This can be done once a year if there are signs of residue build-up in the bottom of the tank.
Q: Why aren’t the bathroom sinks connected to the Brac System?
The main reason we do not suggest including the gray water from the basins is because the plumbing’s piping system would have to be considerably altered to include the basins. Typically the toilets are vented through the basins wet vent pipe, so the added costs in light of the little gray water produced from basins may not be cost effective for some people.
Q: Can the kitchen sink and/or dishwasher be connected to the Brac System?
The gray water produced from kitchen sinks and dishwashers is referred to as “dark gray” water and is not permitted to be recycled by most codes as it contains a fat, oil and grease (FOG) content. It can also contain high concentrations of micro-organisms.
Q: Are there any other products I should use with my Brac System?
For the RGW Series, we recommend dropping a tri-chlor tablet (available in bulk at pool supply stores) into the bottom of the filter housing 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 gray water be dyed blue or green before it enters the plumbing system. If you live in such an area, you may choose to use BracBlue.
Q: What will the gray water look like in a toilet bowl?
Unless a dye is used, the water will be slightly cloudy. There is not much difference in appearance between gray water and tap water when compared in a drinking glass.
Q: Will the chlorine tablets cause problems with my septic tank?
Considering the concentration of chlorine in the volumes of water involved, the chlorine in your gray water 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 Brand Continuous Action Toilet Cleaning Tablet 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 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 gray water?
Our latest generation of tanks includes a programmable chlorination system. This design allows the user to fine-tune the water treatment, so that only as much chlorine as is needed to keep the water sterile is added to the gray water.
Q: I have been told that chlorine is bad for the environment. Why do you use chlorine to treat the gray water?
When handled properly, chlorine is the most effective way to treat gray water, and is the most cost-effective as well. Other treatment methods of gray water could be utilized, but the result would be a larger system footprint and a much more expensive price tag. In addition, Health Canada is in the process of instituting national guidelines that will require that recycled gray water be treated with a form of chlorine, regardless of what other methods are utilized.
Q: How hard is it to install a Brac System?
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 feasibility or 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 System needs to be removed for some reason?
When your plumber installs your Brac System, he should install a freshwater bypass with ball and check valves between the freshwater supply and the gray water outlet lines. This will allow you to easily supply your toilets with fresh water (and prevent the contamination of your fresh water with gray 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 gray 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 System?
Not necessarily. The transportation of gray water to your system is driven by gravity, so as long as the bathtub, shower and/or 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,” we offer 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 gray water from bathing fixtures, and the sump pump automatically pumps the gray water up to the level of the system inlet.
Q: You state that use of laundry water in the Brac System is optional. What issues should I be aware of when considering this option?
Based upon customer usage, we have found that on average, if every member of a household bathes once per day, the amount of gray water 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 gray water drain behind your washing machine, so that you can switch back and forth as your needs and convenience dictate.
Q: If the Brac System is connected to a laundry machine, can regular laundry detergent be used?
If the gray water is rerouted for irrigation purposes, a phosphate-free detergent should be used.
Q: Is it safe to water vegetable plants and fruit trees?
Gray water recycling codes restrict the uses and do not recommend using recycled water on edible plants such as vegetables and fruit trees.
Q: Why does the Brac System have a potable water connection?
The jet pump in the system can be severely damaged by allowing it to run dry. While an average household will produce enough gray water 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 showering. The freshwater system insures that there is always enough water in your tank to prevent the pump from running dry. A float connected to a freshwater 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.
