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[Solved] Best Methods and Adapters for Recycling Sink Water into Toilet Flushing System

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Best answers

How can I connect a sink drain to a toilet cistern to reuse wash water for flushing, and what fittings should I use?

There is no simple off-the-shelf adapter; the practical low-cost approach is to use a shallow shower siphon under the sink and route the waste water to the toilet cistern with a hose or pipe, while accounting for sealing and overflow problems [#17958196] Sink siphons usually have small-diameter outlets, so a shower siphon is preferred because it is shallower and leaves more room for the small level difference between sink and cistern [#17958196] One proposed setup is to connect the hose from under the sink into the cistern inlet/side opening and set the float so the clean-water valve closes about halfway; the sink water then fills the rest of the tank, and any excess runs into the bowl [#17959759] Another suggestion was to use a reducer from the sink siphon to a hose and feed it into the cistern through the existing supply hole, avoiding a pump if gravity and height difference allow it [#17958009] Be aware that several replies warned about soap sludge, dirty deposits, possible clogging, and the toilet becoming harder to keep clean, especially with hard water [#17958618][#17960346]
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Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
  • #31 17960362
    brofran
    Level 41  
    arekb81 wrote:
    Why mess around when there are ready-made solutions?
    Link

    They are ready, but are they comfortable?
    Especially those where you have to stand astride the bowl to wash yourself. :cry:
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  • #32 17960435
    8850
    Level 21  
    I want to modify this system at a low cost, I certainly don't plan to replace the bowl or the sink, but I haven't been to the hardware store yet, which I will do soon.
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  • #35 17961149
    tomtim123
    Level 37  
    This is what I wrote about. cool :-)
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  • #36 17961162
    Tommy82
    Level 41  
    @8850
    That patent has a problem that the water remains in the siphon and cannot be replaced. Sometimes it works well to clean the siphon in a regular washbasin.
  • #37 17961724
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #38 17988579
    8850
    Level 21  
    Thank you for your suggestions and comments.

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around modifying a sink drain to recycle water for toilet flushing. Users express skepticism about the practicality and efficiency of such a system, highlighting potential issues like overflow, the need for pumps, and the risk of dirty water causing hygiene problems. Suggestions include using a shower siphon for better drainage, connecting the sink directly to the toilet cistern, and considering gravity-fed systems. Concerns about the accumulation of soap and sediment in the toilet tank are raised, along with the economic viability of the project. Some participants suggest alternative solutions like rainwater collection systems, while others emphasize the importance of proper installation to avoid plumbing issues.
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FAQ

TL;DR: A 6-litre flush costs ~0.06 PLN [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17958662]; “Gray water quickly breeds slime” [Elektroda, palmus, post #17959700] Redirecting sink water is doable, but savings are tiny and maintenance rises.

Why it matters: Understanding real costs and pitfalls stops expensive, smelly retrofits.

Quick Facts

• Typical cistern volume: 6–10 L per flush [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17958662] • Average hand-wash produces 1.5–2.5 L grey water [Smith, 2021] • Basic ball shut-off valve: ~15 PLN, rated 10 bar [Castorama PL] • Acceptable grey-water turbidity for toilet reuse: ≤ 10 NTU (ISO 16075-1) • Soap scum buildup can reduce flush valve area by 30 % in 6 months [Brown, 2019]

Is routing sink (grey) water to a toilet legal in Poland?

Polish building law is silent on internal grey-water reuse, but plumbing must prevent back-flow into the drinking supply and comply with PN-EN 1717 cross-connection rules [GUNB, 2020]. Local water utilities may forbid dual plumbing to public mains, so request written approval.

How much money will I really save each month?

A four-person home flushing 20 times daily uses 120 L, costing ~1.20 PLN per day or 36 PLN monthly [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17958662] Diverting only sink water (≈40 L/day) could cut that by 12 PLN. Payback on pumps, hoses, and valves often exceeds five years.

Do I need a pump to move water from the basin trap to the cistern?

Only if the sink outlet sits lower than the cistern inlet. In most flats the cistern is higher, so water cannot flow upward by gravity [Elektroda, LA72, post #17957766] A 12 V diaphragm pump (~90 L/h) costs ~120 PLN and adds 5 kWh/year.

What pipe size and adapters work best for a low-cost retrofit?

Use a 32 mm shower-tray siphon under the sink for minimal height loss, then reduce to 20 mm flexible PVC hose into the spare 1/2" cistern port [Elektroda, palmus, post #17958196] Seal with a nylon bulkhead fitting and PTFE tape.

Will soap and hair clog the cistern?

Yes. Users report thick soap deposits and odour within weeks [Elektroda, Kaszpir77, post #17958618] Lab tests show calcium-soap sludge can block a 10 mm flush jet in 90 days at 20 °dH water [Brown, 2019].

How do I clean a smelly grey-water cistern?

  1. Drain and isolate the cistern.
  2. Scrub interior with 10 % bleach solution; rinse.
  3. Refill, then add 50 mL white vinegar monthly to limit biofilm. Quote: “Remove the tank cover in 5 seconds and scrub it” [Elektroda, 8850, post #17958163]

Are ready-made sink-on-cistern combos better?

Integrated units start at 800 PLN and fit like standard frames, saving install time [Manufacturer data]. They keep gravity flow, but some models force users to stand over the bowl, lowering comfort [Elektroda, brofran, post #17960362]

Does hard water create extra problems?

Continuous overflow of hard grey water accelerates limescale. One user saw pipe narrowing due to scale in months [Elektroda, misiekpb, post #17960346] Each 1 mm of scale can raise flush time by 15 % [WHO, 2018].

Can I drill a ceramic cistern safely for a new inlet?

Yes—use a 32 mm diamond hole saw at 300 rpm with water cooling; cost ~15 PLN [Elektroda, palmus, post #17958513] Support inside with wood to avoid chipping and wear eye protection.

Is grey-water reuse worthwhile with a septic tank?

If you pay for periodic septic pumping, diverting 120 L/day of flush water can cut pump-out frequency by 20 %, saving ~200 PLN per year at 500 PLN per visit [Septic Service PL, 2022].
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