How to Make a Greywater Grease Trap

With the growing concern for the health of the environment, greywater reclamation also is growing in popularity. Greywater is water that has been used for another purpose, such as washing or bathing, and is recaptured to use elsewhere, such as watering the lawn. It differs from blackwater in that it comes from a source that does not carry harmful pathogens. Water from a washing machine that has washed cloth diapers or from a toilet are examples of blackwater.

5-gallon bucket
Cement
Saw
1-inch PVC pipe, either perforated or regular (length depends on situation)
Drill and bit
PVC coupler with vent to connect existing PVC or copper plumbing of the greywater exit line to the bucket.
Plumbers cement

Instructions

- 1
  Locate where the greywater diversion system exits the home and is buried or otherwise diverted. In most cases, this will be a point above ground where a PVC pipe comes out of the house. For example, greywater that comes from the bathroom sinks and bathtub will often exit the home at the bathroom. However, more complicated greywater diversion systems may have greywater traveling further or consolidating from multiple sources. If the exit point is below ground, dig around the PVC pipe so the terminal end of the line can be seen. Be careful to support and not damage the PVC piping while digging around it.
- 2
  Shut off the greywater diversion so water is not emptying into the pipe.
- 3
  Measure the circumference of the PVC pipe currently in place for diverting the greywater. Drill this circumference of a hole into the bucket, about 1 inch below the lowest lip.
- 4
  Dig a hole at the current terminus of the greywater system the depth of the 5-gallon bucket. Dig trenches or holes to accommodate the length of PVC piping that the water will be diverted to. If water is being delivered to water a large tree, for example, a trench will need to be dug from the hole for the bucket to the tree that the piping will carry water to. If many pipes are installed to provide general landscape watering and groundwater recharge, a large area must be dug in order to lay the 1-inch PVC pipes.
- 5
  Connect the 1-inch PVC pipe to the holes in the bucket, using a coupler and plumbers cement to create a water-tight seal. Make sure the 1-inch pipe is supported during coupling, cementing and burying to avoid damaging pipes and the bucket.
- 6
  Bury the bucket with soil and cement if desired. Leave the top of the bucket open to the air for cleaning, or cover with a lid that can be easily removed for cleaning.
- 7
  Turn the greywater diversion system back on so greywater is again delivered through the pipes.

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