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Saving water the Aqua-technique way: A low-cost and efficient solution

It is well known that a large quantity of water is wasted, from hot water outlets, whilst waiting for the hot water to arrive. In a large number of cases, as much as 4-10 litres of precious water is simply just run off down the drain, whilst waiting for the hot water to arrive. Using the Aqua-technique water saver system this water is re-circulated, saved and re-used.

The system operates through a totally unique world patented, thermally operated valve that has been specifically designed for this purpose. It is attached to the hot supply pipe, directly beneath each basin.

There is no need to change or alter the existing taps. Installation of the water saver is quick and easy. Each person in the UK and Australia uses an average of 150 litres of water per day, and this level is rising rapidly, and is simply just not sustainable. A saving of just 10 litres per person a day would save up to 900 million litres per day, .enough to supply a further 1 million dwellings.

Contents

Water - a precious resource

Most countries suffer from a serious lack of rainfall and that has to be of concern to us all. Global water consumption has risen near ten-fold since the turn of the century and supplies are under strain. So much so, in fact, UNESCO has predicted that by the year 2020 water shortages will be a very serious worldwide problem, and even 'advanced' and traditionally 'wet' western countries will not have sufficient supplies for the expanding population.

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A valve for every application

Underpinning the Aqua-technique system is the small and patented 'Sinclair' kinetic thermal valve, which is fitted under the hot outlet. A quick-fit-pipe is then run to the nearest water closet, or returned to heater boiler, or even to an outside storage tank if required. Alternatively, a completely new and dedicated 'accessory' can be used that will send the saved water automatically back into the hot supply pipe, this is designed especially to compliment the Sinclair valve, and does not compromise the temperature of the hot water supply. It is small enough to fit into any small space, under any sink or vanity unit, and requires no external energy supply, it uses the kinetic energy in the normal water flow.

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The Aqua-Technique Water Saver

Aqua-technique has designed a complete, efficient, and inexpensive, yet simple system to save the millions of litres, daily of the wasted cold water that is run off from hot outlets the system can be fitted very quickly and easily to any plumbing system in any situation, ranging from small one room apartments, up to large 700+ room, hotels etc.

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How does the water-saver work?

Cold water that normally runs down the drain once the hot water outlet is opened, can either be diverted to the hot or cold supply, via the fully dedicated thermal valve that has been designed purely to perform this function. To compliment this valve is a unique and patented 'accessory' that will send the saved water back into the hot pipe without compromising the temperature. One of the main features is that there's no need to change or disturb existing taps or showerheads. The valve operates automatically by the inherent kinetic energy that is present in the water supply.

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TECHNICAL DIAGRAM EXPLAING HOW THE WATER-SAVER WORKS

All this information is contained in a downloadable Word document: aqua-technique-whitepaper

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Saving water and so saving money

Though actual savings are difficult to determine precisely, during tests an average saving of 40 litres per tap was normal. This equates to around 44,000 litres per annum for a three tap house. It is not possible here to equate how long it might take for the savings in water bills to cover the cost of installation because every system is unique (i.e. the length of run from heater to tap) and water charges vary from state to state. As a rough guide, the cost of most systems should be recoverable well within a couple of years, though with the inevitable rising cost of water, this period will almost certainly soon be reduced.

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Fitting the water saver.

Any good DIY person or plumber can fit this system, and in the vast majority of cases there is no disruption to the household. Given the ease of installation, the cost of fitting the system will generally be quite low.

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Benefits of using the water saver

The benefits of having this system installed are firstly, an enormous saving in metered water bills, and secondly helping to defer the inevitable future loss of water supplies. Thirdly there is no external energy supply needed, the system is self-operating, and simply uses the natural energy that is in the water flow. Where tank storage is required a small stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic maintenance free pressure tank is used.

The system is designed to be virtually maintenance free, and uses standard, easy change tap washers, or virtually everlasting ceramics, which should have a similar life expectancy to those in the household taps.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In cases where a return pipe is required will this cause damage to interior decor?

Each installation is unique but where a return pipe is required (and in many cases it is not) it will be unobtrusive. The pipe can easily be routed into a corner or under worktops. Plastic pipe used for the installation is of high quality, similar to that used in Hospitals throughout Europe. Piping is taint free, none corrosive and long-life. It can be fitted behind a matching plastic extrusion that will blend in with most décor'.

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What is the expected lifespan of the Sinclair kinetic valve and supporting system?

The valve is constructed of marine grade stainless steel, Brass Cast or high grade plastic and is virtually maintenance free even in severe salt conditions, so the lifespan is expected to be indefinite. The only part that may eventually need to be replaced is the valve washer, which is a normal, easy to obtain standard tap washer, which will have the same lifespan as any normal tap. The supporting system is maintenance free, and will last as long as any normal plumbing.

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If the washer needs replacing how difficult is it to replace this washer?

The valve housing has been designed to unscrew and so the operating mechanism can easily slide out for cleaning or servicing. The unit has been designed for longevity, so requires minimal attention.

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How much can I save on my water bills?

For obvious reasons, the amount you will save depends on how often taps and showerheads are opened, combined with the distance hot water has to travel before reaching an outlet. On average, most taps will 'run off' between 4-10 litres of cold water before the hot arrives. If we assume that the tap is opened 5 times per day then that adds up to a rough average of 40 litres for each faucet (tap) in the house, a total of around 14000 litres per faucet, per year. X say 3 outlets = 42000 litres PA. By adding the cost per litre in your area, it will soon become apparent just how soon the system will pay for itself.

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