I need a filter for my reclaim water

jamesgott

New member
Hey. I am new to this industry.
My local laws state that I must either reclaim the waste water and filter it and reuse the water, or I may relocate the waste water to a grassy area. I am on a limited budget, so right now the grassy area discharge option is best for me.

I bought a small utility pump that came with a puddle scupper and I also have some sand snakes that I can dam the water into a puddle. The issue I am facing right now is that the water coming down the driveway or whatever area I am cleaning is very oily and thick, not much like water at all. Thus, my small, low-horsepower pump is choking on this "water" and clogging the holes on the puddle scupper and it isn't working at all. I want to be compliant with the law and I want to do everything 'to the book' as I can.

I am most likely going to ditch the small pump and go with a vacuum system with a built in pump Lowe's Link and use a vacu-berm to collect this water.

But I'm still looking for some kind of filter to use just before the water meets either option. A "silt filter" would be nice, but I'm not sure how well that would work. I've thought maybe a sack of rocks would suffice as some kind of natural filter. Has anyone got any ideas or suggestions for how to do this more efficiently? Below is the silt filter I've seen online at DetailKing.com which they sell for $20. I just don't want to buy it if there is a better option for me.
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Thanks guys!

On a side-note, are vacu-berms a highly specialized thing or has anyone fashioned one together themselves?
 
A vacuberm already has a silt filter built into it. Search for Gutter Critter on here and look at the video. I think that will do what you are looking for and probably eliminate the need for having to buy a vacuum at this point

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The only time you really have to reclaim is when you use chemicals...

And even then, sometimes you may be able to dump it in the sanitary sewer if your local jurisdiction allows for it.

Don't quote me though, I cannot give you legal advice.
 
Every city is different. Some allow different things than others. You must comply with your local regulations. We can help you with recovery and diversion, though.

As for the vacuum you are looking at, it will last about two hours before it burns up. It is not a 100% duty cycle piece of equipment. If you are going to do vacuum recovery, you are going to have to spend some cash.
 
The only time you really have to reclaim is when you use chemicals...

And even then, sometimes you may be able to dump it in the sanitary sewer if your local jurisdiction allows for it.

Don't quote me though, I cannot give you legal advice.

Most jurisdictions consider 'heated water' to be the same as chemicals. Therefore it must be diverted or reclaimed. Here in Oregon that's the law everywhere.
 
The laws here are pretty specific. I don't have a problem diverting at all, but there are tall curbs here that I need to route the water over somehow, so that is the dilemma I am facing right now. I care about the environment as much as the next guy, but its like they want to make you jump through hoops to make a buck
 
As for the vacuum you are looking at, it will last about two hours before it burns up.

Yes I will likely have to be a consumer and buy their in-house warranty on it. I don't have the resources right now to buy a nice $2k+ system. I'd like to, but I just can't right now.
 
Hey scott, I saw that you were using baffles in the vacuum.. is that something you did as a custom piece? or did you buy it like that?
 
IF you are looking at the video I am thinking of, I bought it like that. It came from Steel Eagle, and I DO NOT recommend their product. It was not a very heavy gauge metal and rusted completely through in a couple of years. I would recommend www.pressurewasher.net if you are looking for a vacuum recovery tank. Much heavier gauge, and the paint holds up much better. It is just a better product.
 
IF you are looking at the video I am thinking of, I bought it like that. It came from Steel Eagle, and I DO NOT recommend their product. It was not a very heavy gauge metal and rusted completely through in a couple of years. I would recommend www.pressurewasher.net if you are looking for a vacuum recovery tank. Much heavier gauge, and the paint holds up much better. It is just a better product.

Earlier this year I bought a Steel Eagle 12" surface cleaner to use to clean concrete steps. It was junk right out of the box. Plus, poor customer service. I DO NOT recommend their product.
 
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