Did you know that you flush your toilet with fresh drinking water?!
In homes across the U.S., the bathroom accounts for 74% of water used. About 5% of all domestic water consumption runs from the lavatory faucet in the sink, and eventually into the sewer; and about 40% of all domestic water consumed is used to flush toilets.
So, why not install a grey water system that will use recycled water from your sink to flush? The AQUS system saves water by capturing sink water and reusing it for toilet flushing. This system also qualifies for LEED certification points.
Not only does the AQUS system save 10-20 gallons of water per day in a two-person household, it also uses almost no electricity! The system is expected to consume approximately seven kilowatt hours of electricity annually.
Here is how it works: Tucked inside the vanity below the sink, the AQUS reservoir works in conjunction with standard lavatory pipes and holds up to 5 ½ gallons of water from the sink. Inside the toilet tank, the AQUS fill control unit keeps fresh water from filling the tank by holding the fill-valve in the off position. That allows water held in the reservoir under the sink to fill the toilet tank.
Before the water flows from the sink to the toilet, it goes through a filter that keeps hair and other solids from entering the toilet, and contains disinfecting tablets to control bacteria and other contaminants so the reused water in the toilet is not harmful to people or pets. A water hose connects the reservoir to the fill control unit using gravity, water pressure and a small electrical pump to move water from the vanity to the toilet.
Not only does the AQUS system save 10-20 gallons of water per day in a two-person household, it also uses almost no electricity! The system is expected to consume approximately seven kilowatt hours of electricity annually. At an average cost per kilowatt hour of $0.07, the anticipated cost per year will be $0.50 per year.
It is easy to install and ideal for:
- Single- and multi-family homes
- Business and commercial properties
- Eco-minded developments
- Water districts that offer conservation incentives
- Anyone with a compatible toilet and sink wishing to save water and save money!
Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
FAQ:
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: EXCESS WATER. What if the reservoir tank receives more water from the sink than it can hold?
A: As soon as the reservoir tank reaches capacity the extra water exits through the toilet drainline.
- Q: TOO LITTLE WATER. What happens if there is not enough water in the reservoir for flushing?
A: The system uses a combination of reservoir water and fresh water to fill the toilet. If the reservoir tank is empty, the fresh water supply will complete the toilet fill cycle.
- Q: TOILET COMPATIBILITY. Does the AQUS work with all toilets?
A: The AQUS works with most existing toilets, including dual-flush and one-piece toilets.
- Q: DOUBLE-SINK APPLICATION. How does the system work in a double-sink set-up?
A: The inlet plumbing can be configured to join both drainlines prior to entering the reservoir.
- Q: CERTIFICATIONS. Is the AQUS certified?
A: Yes, the AQUS has a full Uniform Plumbing Code product listing (#5129).
- Q: DISTANCE BETWEEN FIXTURES. What if my sink and toilet are not beside each other?
A: That's OK. The pump inside the AQUS reservoir is effective up to 25 feet.
- Q: COVERING TUBES AND WIRES. Can the tube and wires between the vanity and toilet be hidden?
A: Yes, frequently the hose and wires are run inside the wall between the two fixtures. Or you may choose to purchase a hollow channel to conceal the hose and wires along the baseboard.
- Q: LOSS OF VANITY SPACE. How can I minimize the space that the reservoir takes up in the vanity?
A: The reservoir can be recessed into the vanity kick plate to regain about half of the space.
- Q: CHLORINE TABLET DURATION: How often do I need to change/replace the chlorine tablet?
A: The chlorine tablet should be replenished annually, along with cleaning the filter.
- Q: PROFESSIONAL HELP: Do I need a professional plumber to install the AQUS?
A: Retaining a licensed plumber to install the AQUS is highly recommended. However, if you are comfortable installing a toilet, then you can install the AQUS.
A Leader in Green Building Products
Sloan AQUS was given the 2010 Top 10 Green Building Products Award by Sustainable Industries based on environmental performance, scalability/market impact, innovativeness, design aesthetics, value, and compatibility with the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. AQUS also received EcoHome Magazine's 2009 Editors' Choice Award for Innovation and Leadership in Green Building Products.
Sloan is at the forefront of providing sustainable restroom solutions by manufacturing water- and energy efficient products such as the AQUS gray water system, for commercial, industrial and institutional markets worldwide. Headquartered in Franklin Park, Illinois, Sloan Valve Company is the leading manufacturer of water-efficient commercial plumbing systems and has been in operation since 1906.
