What Does
Gray Water Mean?
Gray water refers to a fluid substance that is a type of wastewater that has been partially treated. It is sourced from household water use in kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms. Gray water can be a significant source of corrosion in home piping systems.
Corrosionpedia Explains Gray Water
Because gray water is not purely waste and is partially treated it is easy to recycle or reuse in home appliances such as laundry machines and toilets.
Without adequate treatment, these units may become prone to wet corrosion, which is the degradation and/or rust formation on a metallic surface due to the generation of a reactive electrochemical cell. Prolonged exposure can damage metal structures and equipment, including stainless steel. As a result, home piping systems are increasingly made of plastics such as PVC.
There are some benefits to using gray water, including:
- Reducing the amount of fresh water required in the home, resulting in environmental and financial savings
- Reducing the amount of energy needed to treat wastewater