Can't add a grey water tank because of weight? How much do you think a grey water tank will weigh? Cheers, Peter
80 kilos if the size of the regular water tank.
certainly not insignificant if you are close to weight!
I don't think an empty grey water tank would weigh 80kg. Maybe a full tank would be 80+kg.
But if one is free camping, the water in the grey water tank is usually coming out of the fresh water tanks, so isn't that merely a transfer of weight amongst the tanks of the RV? Not really a gain in weight, except for the tank vessel.
-- Edited by watsea on Thursday 26th of August 2021 07:53:34 PM
You beat me to the answer, yes the only extra weight is the empty tank and remaining remnants after you visit to the filling/disposal station.
my personal opinion is if you use it then take care of it, but in defense of others I think maybe it should be the caravan builder that should supply the grey water tank and supply a pump/plumbed drain to empty it, and the gov be it local state or federal make it law to empty in required areas, I have the same issue with household rubbish and have said to Vic and NSW departments that how can they expect people to take rubbish away if there is nowhere to dump it, I always take my rubbish with me and put it in the next public bin I come across, ofc If heading home then it comes with me. but what do I do when I don't have a home to take it too? Maybe someone could fill me in on this? for them to blame use for the reason to lock us out of an area because of their own incompetence in providing legislation or somewhere to dump is not our fault but we seem to get the blame.
sorry I have a few issues about being locked out of what is meant to be mine to use and it's getting harder and harder to dig so many hole for that extra waste lol
yobarr said
08:29 PM Aug 26, 2021
watsea wrote:
Brodie Allen wrote:
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Can't add a grey water tank because of weight? How much do you think a grey water tank will weigh? Cheers, Peter
80 kilos if the size of the regular water tank.
certainly not insignificant if you are close to weight!
I don't think an empty grey water tank would weigh 80kg. Maybe a full tank would be 80+kg.
But if one is free camping, the water in the grey water tank is usually coming out of the fresh water tanks, so isn't that merely a transfer of weight amongst the tanks of the RV? Not really a gain in weight, except for the tank vessel.
Careful Ted! Too much logic involved here.There is no way a grey water tank would EVER add 80 kgs to the weight of a van,as always the contents of that tank have come from the contents of another water tank.May affect towball weight etc,but won't increase total weight of van.Spare me.Cheers
msg said
08:31 PM Aug 26, 2021
oldbloke wrote:
Soooo, I have a compliance issue with weight if I fill both water tanks.
I am yet to camp where it is illegal to dump grey water on the ground.
P&M, what do you think should be the priority?
Although I'm comfortable with what I dump, and where I intend to check what our soaps etc are made of. Is that being irresponsible?
If you have one full water tank and one empty grey water tank as you use the water in the full tank it goes into the empty tank. You will not increase the amount of water you are carrying. So it will not become a compliance issue.
Wanda said
08:45 PM Aug 26, 2021
watsea wrote:
Brodie Allen wrote:
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Can't add a grey water tank because of weight? How much do you think a grey water tank will weigh? Cheers, Peter
80 kilos if the size of the regular water tank.
certainly not insignificant if you are close to weight!
I don't think an empty grey water tank would weigh 80kg. Maybe a full tank would be 80+kg.
But if one is free camping, the water in the grey water tank is usually coming out of the fresh water tanks, so isn't that merely a transfer of weight amongst the tanks of the RV? Not really a gain in weight, except for the tank vessel.
-- Edited by watsea on Thursday 26th of August 2021 07:53:34 PM
Great to see a common sense answer to a simlpe solution!
Tank and fixtures probably less than 10kgs
When full empty at an appropriate spot, simples!
Kiwi-as said
09:28 PM Aug 26, 2021
Back here in NZ we have had to install grey water tanks. You can not join the Caravan Association without them. They have their own van parking areas dotted around the country. The Conservation Dept. have the same rules.
Aus-Kiwi said
09:49 PM Aug 26, 2021
plant based Enviroclean .
oldbloke said
12:02 AM Aug 27, 2021
msg wrote:
oldbloke wrote:
Soooo, I have a compliance issue with weight if I fill both water tanks.
I am yet to camp where it is illegal to dump grey water on the ground.
P&M, what do you think should be the priority?
Although I'm comfortable with what I dump, and where I intend to check what our soaps etc are made of. Is that being irresponsible?
If you have one full water tank and one empty grey water tank as you use the water in the full tank it goes into the empty tank. You will not increase the amount of water you are carrying. So it will not become a compliance issue.
Doh we all know the water moves from 1 tank to the other. Pls give me some credit.
However the tank and additional fittings weigh something, say 15 kg. And if my earlier post was read you would realise I said I was trying to reduce weight not add weight.
And as there is no legal requirement to add one I will not.
Brodie Allen said
08:43 AM Aug 27, 2021
watsea wrote:
Brodie Allen wrote:
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Can't add a grey water tank because of weight? How much do you think a grey water tank will weigh? Cheers, Peter
80 kilos if the size of the regular water tank.
certainly not insignificant if you are close to weight!
I don't think an empty grey water tank would weigh 80kg. Maybe a full tank would be 80+kg.
But if one is free camping, the water in the grey water tank is usually coming out of the fresh water tanks, so isn't that merely a transfer of weight amongst the tanks of the RV? Not really a gain in weight, except for the tank vessel.
-- Edited by watsea on Thursday 26th of August 2021 07:53:34 PM
Very insightful. Never thought of that!
-- Edited by Brodie Allen on Friday 27th of August 2021 08:43:41 AM
The grey water debate will go on for ever. What we should be discussing, is what we can do/use to make the grey water less harmful to the environment.
KJB said
11:33 AM Aug 27, 2021
Brodie Allen wrote:
watsea wrote:
Brodie Allen wrote:
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Can't add a grey water tank because of weight? How much do you think a grey water tank will weigh? Cheers, Peter
80 kilos if the size of the regular water tank.
certainly not insignificant if you are close to weight!
I don't think an empty grey water tank would weigh 80kg. Maybe a full tank would be 80+kg.
But if one is free camping, the water in the grey water tank is usually coming out of the fresh water tanks, so isn't that merely a transfer of weight amongst the tanks of the RV? Not really a gain in weight, except for the tank vessel.
-- Edited by watsea on Thursday 26th of August 2021 07:53:34 PM
Very insightful. Never thought of that!
-- Edited by Brodie Allen on Friday 27th of August 2021 08:43:41 AM
It is just Common Sense ....."just look at the "Big Picture...."...simple really....(I think people confuse themselves by "overthinking a problem that does not exist"..) KB
-- Edited by KJB on Friday 27th of August 2021 11:34:21 AM
Aus-Kiwi said
11:46 AM Aug 27, 2021
Maybe some are just annoyed they cant park close to water ?
dogbox said
02:45 PM Aug 27, 2021
i have seen numerous caravans pull out on to the road with their taps open an grey water ?? spraying out behind them on to cars/trucks behind an onto oncoming traffic. this could create a real hazard for motor cycles next time it rains as the stuff in the fluid can become very slippery . so it should be disposed of with a bit of thought
Aussie1 said
04:01 PM Aug 27, 2021
dogbox wrote:
i have seen numerous caravans pull out on to the road with their taps open an grey water ?? spraying out behind them on to cars/trucks behind an onto oncoming traffic. this could create a real hazard for motor cycles next time it rains as the stuff in the fluid can become very slippery . so it should be disposed of with a bit of thought
Yep, that is very inconsiderate. I always open the taps as we depart but make sure it is all empty by driving very slowly before I hit the road.
Peter_n_Margaret said
04:51 PM Aug 27, 2021
Aussie1 wrote:
Yep, that is very inconsiderate. I always open the taps as we depart but make sure it is all empty by driving very slowly before I hit the road.
Not just "inconsiderate", but clearly illegal.
There are also risks of driving away, even with "empty" tanks because the drain is rarely at the very bottom and more comes out as the van corners, even km down the road.
Cheers,
Peter
Aussie1 said
05:17 PM Aug 27, 2021
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Aussie1 wrote:
Yep, that is very inconsiderate. I always open the taps as we depart but make sure it is all empty by driving very slowly before I hit the road.
Not just "inconsiderate", but clearly illegal.
There are also risks of driving away, even with "empty" tanks because the drain is rarely at the very bottom and more comes out as the van corners, even km down the road.
Cheers,
Peter
Nah, I have that covered Cobber, always drive out and wriggle the caravan to ensure all is out (;
Aus-Kiwi said
11:51 AM Aug 28, 2021
Is it grey water ?? The looks a get at times emptying grey tank when it is ok to do so !! Its one switch away ! Filtering food solids etc out . We often fit a sock over to filter .
Derek Barnes said
08:47 AM Aug 31, 2021
oldbloke wrote:
Sooo, I read that article, interesting.
He was recommending the use of grey water tanks.
And never run grey water directly into water ways.
But I, like many we are unable to add additional tanks due to weight considerations.
So, reading the article I come up with a list of substances we should avoid.
Trilosan (in some toothpaste) Chlorine (in most bleaches but also in our drinking water!) Bicarb Soda Phosphorus (in detergents) Sodium (in detergents) Talcum powder Citric Acid Eucalyptus Selenium (dandruff products) Many "disinfectants"
I'm sure many more.
For those interested I checked the Aldi wool wash we use and it sates Low sodium, septic and grey water safe. No idea what criteria that meets.
-- Edited by oldbloke on Thursday 26th of August 2021 05:41:34 PM
Some of the above dangerous substances seem a bit odd. Eucalyptus for example. How many waterways in Australia aren't surrounded by eucalyptus trees shedding their leaves into the water. Many of the creeks even smell of eucalyptus. Sodium is another strange one. Its in normal table salt. I can see why we wouldn't want to turn our waterways into brine but it surely isn't a dangerous substance in moderate quantities.
Kewijo said
11:57 AM Aug 31, 2021
Why don't yo all get on in life and mind you own b business , if you wanna trip about and whinge about others, then stay the f home, all waste ends up in the wash at some time in the future anyway, dead animals, all there waste, cheers
bomurra said
01:04 PM Aug 31, 2021
Derek Barnes wrote:
oldbloke wrote:
Sooo, I read that article, interesting.
He was recommending the use of grey water tanks.
And never run grey water directly into water ways.
But I, like many we are unable to add additional tanks due to weight considerations.
So, reading the article I come up with a list of substances we should avoid.
Trilosan (in some toothpaste) Chlorine (in most bleaches but also in our drinking water!) Bicarb Soda Phosphorus (in detergents) Sodium (in detergents) Talcum powder Citric Acid Eucalyptus Selenium (dandruff products) Many "disinfectants"
I'm sure many more.
For those interested I checked the Aldi wool wash we use and it sates Low sodium, septic and grey water safe. No idea what criteria that meets.
-- Edited by oldbloke on Thursday 26th of August 2021 05:41:34 PM
Some of the above dangerous substances seem a bit odd. Eucalyptus for example. How many waterways in Australia aren't surrounded by eucalyptus trees shedding their leaves into the water. Many of the creeks even smell of eucalyptus. Sodium is another strange one. Its in normal table salt. I can see why we wouldn't want to turn our waterways into brine but it surely isn't a dangerous substance in moderate quantities.
Hi Derek,
Did you read the white paper or look at his website to familiarise yourself on the possible ramifications of "sodification of soils".
A small amount of sodium in isolation is usually able to be tolerated by the environment, the problem arises with the continued discharge to ground of hundreds of caravans, day after day into a concentrated area.
People usually use the same washing up detergent, laundry powder/liquid, shower wash, shampoos etc., that they do at home. The difference being, it is usually in a more concentrated form as we use less water, to conserve.
So, if you want to be part of the problem continue as you wish and we will all bear the brunt of councils closing these facilities in the future as problems arise.
Or, you can be part of the solution and adopt the responsible approach, look at Robert Patersons suggestions and act accordingly, that way, hopefully we can all look forward to having these facilities open in the future.
We all have a choice in this.
I am not a tree hugger, just a guy with a science background that loves caravanning and enjoys freedom camping and can see the logic in his argument.
Hope this helps
Bob.
msg said
01:11 PM Aug 31, 2021
Leave nothing but footprints. If you can't do that then you shouldn't be camping in areas without the required facilities.
Mike Harding said
01:57 PM Aug 31, 2021
I was very surprised recently to be informed that there is a soap which is suitable for washing oneself in rivers! I have no knowledge of the product or the veracity of my friend's claim.
Eucalyptus is everywhere up bush so this one has me stumped.
Chlorine is in bleach, e.g. white King, domestos, and in all drinking AU water. It does evaporate ifairly quickly, say 48 hours.
Talc is magnesium silicate an occurs naturally. Not sure why it's an issue in minutes quantities.
Phosphorus is in detergents and many are now considered "low phosphorus "
I think its just all about camping well away from water, minimise these substances going down the sink. Only dump grey water where it's permitted.
Heaps of this stuff goes down the local sewer and finds its way into the sea daily. Sewers mainly just remove the solids, so needs to be kept in context. Most of what you read is just repeated off the www and not fully understood, or just opinion. It is normal for the earth and waterways to breakdown and recycle many pollutants. Dead roos, sh1t from all sorts. If dumped a fair way from water the microphone, bugs, etc break down .any substances and the soil its self acts as a basic filter. It's mainly about how much and where.
A good example Ali's asbestos, if you breath enough over years it kills you but perfectly safe to bury. Perhaps not a good analogy but you get the idea.
You beat me to the answer, yes the only extra weight is the empty tank and remaining remnants after you visit to the filling/disposal station.
my personal opinion is if you use it then take care of it, but in defense of others I think maybe it should be the caravan builder that should supply the grey water tank and supply a pump/plumbed drain to empty it, and the gov be it local state or federal make it law to empty in required areas, I have the same issue with household rubbish and have said to Vic and NSW departments that how can they expect people to take rubbish away if there is nowhere to dump it, I always take my rubbish with me and put it in the next public bin I come across, ofc If heading home then it comes with me. but what do I do when I don't have a home to take it too? Maybe someone could fill me in on this? for them to blame use for the reason to lock us out of an area because of their own incompetence in providing legislation or somewhere to dump is not our fault but we seem to get the blame.
sorry I have a few issues about being locked out of what is meant to be mine to use and it's getting harder and harder to dig so many hole for that extra waste lol
Careful Ted! Too much logic involved here.There is no way a grey water tank would EVER add 80 kgs to the weight of a van,as always the contents of that tank have come from the contents of another water tank.May affect towball weight etc,but won't increase total weight of van.Spare me.Cheers
If you have one full water tank and one empty grey water tank as you use the water in the full tank it goes into the empty tank. You will not increase the amount of water you are carrying. So it will not become a compliance issue.
Great to see a common sense answer to a simlpe solution!
Tank and fixtures probably less than 10kgs
When full empty at an appropriate spot, simples!
plant based Enviroclean .
Doh we all know the water moves from 1 tank to the other. Pls give me some credit.
However the tank and additional fittings weigh something, say 15 kg. And if my earlier post was read you would realise I said I was trying to reduce weight not add weight.
And as there is no legal requirement to add one I will not.
Very insightful. Never thought of that!
-- Edited by Brodie Allen on Friday 27th of August 2021 08:43:41 AM
It is just Common Sense ....."just look at the "Big Picture...."...simple really....(I think people confuse themselves by "overthinking a problem that does not exist"..) KB
-- Edited by KJB on Friday 27th of August 2021 11:34:21 AM
Yep, that is very inconsiderate. I always open the taps as we depart but make sure it is all empty by driving very slowly before I hit the road.
Not just "inconsiderate", but clearly illegal.
There are also risks of driving away, even with "empty" tanks because the drain is rarely at the very bottom and more comes out as the van corners, even km down the road.
Cheers,
Peter
Nah, I have that covered Cobber, always drive out and wriggle the caravan to ensure all is out (;
Some of the above dangerous substances seem a bit odd. Eucalyptus for example. How many waterways in Australia aren't surrounded by eucalyptus trees shedding their leaves into the water. Many of the creeks even smell of eucalyptus. Sodium is another strange one. Its in normal table salt. I can see why we wouldn't want to turn our waterways into brine but it surely isn't a dangerous substance in moderate quantities.
Why don't yo all get on in life and mind you own b business , if you wanna trip about and whinge about others, then stay the f home, all waste ends up in the wash at some time in the future anyway, dead animals, all there waste, cheers
Hi Derek,
Did you read the white paper or look at his website to familiarise yourself on the possible ramifications of "sodification of soils".
A small amount of sodium in isolation is usually able to be tolerated by the environment, the problem arises with the continued discharge to ground of hundreds of caravans, day after day into a concentrated area.
People usually use the same washing up detergent, laundry powder/liquid, shower wash, shampoos etc., that they do at home. The difference being, it is usually in a more concentrated form as we use less water, to conserve.
So, if you want to be part of the problem continue as you wish and we will all bear the brunt of councils closing these facilities in the future as problems arise.
Or, you can be part of the solution and adopt the responsible approach, look at Robert Patersons suggestions and act accordingly, that way, hopefully we can all look forward to having these facilities open in the future.
We all have a choice in this.
I am not a tree hugger, just a guy with a science background that loves caravanning and enjoys freedom camping and can see the logic in his argument.
Hope this helps
Bob.
I was very surprised recently to be informed that there is a soap which is suitable for washing oneself in rivers! I have no knowledge of the product or the veracity of my friend's claim.
Salt is sodium chloride
Eucalyptus is everywhere up bush so this one has me stumped.
Chlorine is in bleach, e.g. white King, domestos, and in all drinking AU water. It does evaporate ifairly quickly, say 48 hours.
Talc is magnesium silicate an occurs naturally. Not sure why it's an issue in minutes quantities.
Phosphorus is in detergents and many are now considered "low phosphorus "
I think its just all about camping well away from water, minimise these substances going down the sink. Only dump grey water where it's permitted.
Heaps of this stuff goes down the local sewer and finds its way into the sea daily. Sewers mainly just remove the solids, so needs to be kept in context. Most of what you read is just repeated off the www and not fully understood, or just opinion. It is normal for the earth and waterways to breakdown and recycle many pollutants. Dead roos, sh1t from all sorts. If dumped a fair way from water the microphone, bugs, etc break down .any substances and the soil its self acts as a basic filter. It's mainly about how much and where.
A good example Ali's asbestos, if you breath enough over years it kills you but perfectly safe to bury. Perhaps not a good analogy but you get the idea.