However, at times, we are presented with situations where we are not able to connect to the mainstream sanitary sewer and water service lines. When analyzing the situation, we need to make sure we are comparing apples to apples rather than apples to oranges. Or in other words, we need to compare alternative methods to water intake and sanitary disposal to alternative methods of water intake and sanitary disposal, and not to the current municipal water intake and sanitary sewer system. The current municipal water intake and sanitary sewer system will undoubtedly yield favourable to alternative methods..
When we are unable to connect to the mainstream sanitary sewer and water service lines, we somehow still need to bring water in, and allow water out. It will not simply appear or vanish as it does in our homes.
Disclaimer: a definition of black water (or sewage) and gray water may differ depending on jurisdiction and source. Button House defines black water (sewage) and gray water as explained here on this page.
Gray Water and Black Water
Gray Water
Black Water
Black Water
Gray Water is lightly used household water from clothes washing machines, showers, bathroom tubs, and bathroom and wet bar sinks
Black Water
Black Water
Black Water
Black Water is sewage and contaminants such as grease, chemicals, and human waste. It is unsafe. It must be stored in its own tank and disposed of very carefully.
Button House Water Intake Methods (bringing water in)
Currently, a Button House when ordered with plumbing will have two methods for water intake. These methods can be used together or by themselves. Depending on where you place your Button House either on your property or geographically, you may find one method is better suited for your Button House. Both methods have pros and cons, however both are independently reliable from a general standpoint.
- hose connection - A Button House has a standard garden house connection at the back of the Button House. This connection can be used whenever a hose is available. Pros: dependable and consistent water source, easy to connect. Cons: can freeze in cold climates
- pump and tank - A Button House is equipped with a pump that will pump water from a water container through the water lines and delivered to the faucets. A 5 Gallon Culligan water container is best for this system as it is easy to carry in to the Button House and placed in the lower cabinets. Depending on how much water you feel you would need, you would carry in the needed volumes of water. Pros: will not freeze, best water pressure, Cons: limited water volumes dependent on how much you bring
Button House Water Drainage Method (taking water out)
Since there is no need for grease, chemicals to be disposed of down a Button House wet bar, vanity sink, and/or shower drains, the Button House will only produce gray water. (Waste from a toilet is explained shortly). A Button House does not produce sewage (Black Water).
The gray water simply ejects out the back of the Button House and filtrates through the ground. A Button House does not have a gray water holding tank.
The process of a Button House delivering clean water and discharging gray water is similar to other outdoor water delivery and discharge scenarios.
For example, if you dump your morning coffee on your lawn it will filter into the ground, as will the coffee when it is emptied in a Button House sink as it will discharge out the back of the Button House. If you wash your hands after gardening with your garden hose, the dirty water will run into the ground, as it will if you wash your hands in a Button House sink. When you wash your dishes while camping, the wash and rinse water is dumped on the ground, as it would if you were to wash your dishes in a Button House. Further, your kids play pool would be filled with clean water likely from a garden hose. After play time, the dirty play water would be dumped in your backyard. Similar to a Button House, the wash water from a shower is dumped under the same principles.
There are two common similarities between the examples above and a Button House. Those similarities are 1) no harsh chemicals, greases, or sewage is dumped on the ground 2) there is no direct connection to a water service line (municipal service line).
Some jurisdictions will have rules surrounding gray water, however most rules apply when the gray water produced is produced from a water source connected directly to a water service line (municipal water intake service). A Button House however has a water source that is not connected directly to a water service line (municipal water intake service) and produces only trace amounts of gray water.
Bathroom with Toilet
A Button House is designed to compliment your backyard. This means that your Button House is likely going to be near an already existing residence that has fully functional toilets. For this reason, not all customers will desire a bathroom within their Button House. Therefore some customers will order a Button House without a bathroom. However, there will be some customers who still wish to have a bathroom within their Button House. As much as a Button House is designed to compliment your backyard, they can also be used to compliment other aspects of your life.
A Button House can be ordered with a powder room (vanity with a toilet), or a custom ordered Button House can be more elaborate with additional plumbing fixtures such as a shower, etc. When a toilet is desired by the customer either in a powder room or in a custom Button House, It is appropriate to use a composting toilet or incinerator toilet. If one is unfamiliar with these toilet options, it is suggested to do some research prior to making your selection. A composting or incinerator toilet is appropriate because a Button House does not connect to a municipal sewer or private septic system. Please see FAQ - Can a Button House connect to a Sanitary Sewer System? below to learn how it may be possible in some jurisdictions to connect a Button House to a municipal system.
The customer will supply their toilet of choice depending on personal needs and conveniences. Most composting and incinerator toilets require an electric connection. Therefore, the Button House will be wired to supply the proper electric circuit depending on the type of toilet specified upon order.
