Answers to
Preguntas más frecuentes
Welcome to our FAQ section! Here, you’ll find answers to all your questions about Hydraloop. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to contact our team for more information.
Our FAQs cover 9 chapters:
Chapter 1. Water details
Greywater is the lightly contaminated wastewater from bath, shower, and optionally from hand basins, and washing machines. Greywater should not be confused with blackwater. Blackwater is the wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks, floor drains, and dishwashers.
Hydraloop devices collect and treat greywater. Some Hydraloop models can also treat condensation water from air conditioning units, tumble dryers, and heat pumps.
Hydraloop reusable water is greywater that has been treated in a Hydraloop device. It is suitable for toilet flushing, washing machines, garden irrigation, topping up swimming pools and cleaning purposes.
Yes. Hydraloop reusable water is clean, clear, and disinfected. The treatment technology has been tested and certified under the NSF-350 protocol and meets the most stringent international standards. Hydraloop reusable water should not be used for drinking, cooking, or personal hygiene. That means: do not use Hydraloop water in your kitchen, shower, bath, hand basin, bidet or hand shower. The reusable water from Hydraloop devices is suitable for toilet flushing, washing machines, garden irrigation, topping up swimming pools and cleaning purposes.
No. A Hydraloop device does not produce potable water. The reusable water from Hydraloop devices is suitable for toilet flushing, washing machines, garden irrigation, topping up swimming pools and cleaning purposes.
The reusable water from a Hydraloop device is suitable for toilet flushing, washing machines, garden irrigation, topping up swimming pools and cleaning purposes.
No, Hydraloop devices do not produce water that is safe to drink. Hydraloop produces reusable water for non-potable use. The reusable water is suitable for toilet flushing, washing machines, garden irrigation, topping up swimming pools and cleaning purposes.
Hydraloop H600 device can treat greywater from hand basins (not from kitchen sinks). Hydraloop Concealed and Hydraloop H300 device cannot treat greywater from hand basins (nor from kitchen sinks).
No, it cannot. The tank size of Hydraloop devices is designed for daily input of shower/bath water. Rainwater can fall in large volumes and the storage capacity of Hydraloop tanks are not designed for these volumes.
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As a backup source for the Hydraloop device instead of tap water. In this case, the rainwater must be pre-treated with filtration and disinfection, since rainwater can come into contact with many different surfaces.
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To transfer surplus reuse water into the rainwater tank.
Yes. At Hydraloop, we believe that rainwater should contribute to the hydrologic cycle. Rainwater should flow into the ground, not into the sewer. Using Hydraloop reusable water both inside and outside, and rainwater only outside, you are reusing water in the most sustainable way. When you own a Hydraloop device, you can choose a rainwater tank for irrigation only, because you are using the treated Hydraloop water for toilet flushing and the washing machine. If you recycle more greywater than you use inside the building, the Hydraloop device can pump the surplus to a rainwater tank. This way, you add Hydraloop reusable water for garden irrigation.
No. The treated water from greywater recycling devices should not be used for personal hygiene purposes. That means: do not use Hydraloop reusable water in your shower, bath, hand basin, bidet or hand shower. The reusable water from Hydraloop devices is suitable for toilet flushing, washing machines, garden irrigation, topping up swimming pools and cleaning purposes.
No, the treated water from a Hydraloop device is non-potable water. You should not use it for preparing food or drinks, or for doing dishes. The reusable water from Hydraloop devices is suitable for toilet flushing, washing machines, garden irrigation, topping up swimming pools and cleaning purposes.
No, you cannot. Hydraloop devices are not designed nor suitable to recycle kitchen greywater. Even after passing a grease trap or grease interceptor, kitchen greywater is too dirty for greywater treatment in a Hydraloop device.
Yes, Hydraloop reusable water is completely safe for growing crops.
Yes. Hydraloop devices can treat greywater with any hardness. If your tap water contains a lot of calcium, we recommend descaling your Hydraloop device every six months with 500 cl (1 pound) of citric acid.
Yes. Hydraloop devices can treat greywater with any hardness. If your tap water contains a lot of calcium, we recommend descaling your Hydraloop device every six months with 500 cl (1 pound) of citric acid.
Chapter 2. How Hydraloop works
Hydraloop uses a unique combination of sustainable water treatment technologies that ensures the highest water quality.
Hydraloop’s patented technology is consumer friendly, carefree and sustainable. Our greywater treatment combines six technologies: sedimentation, flotation, dissolved air flotation, foam fractionation, an aerobic bioreactor, and disinfection of the treated water with powerful UV light, inactivating all pathogenic microorganisms.
Hydraloop treatment removes hair, dirt, soap and other pollution without the use of filters, membranes, or chemicals. This means you don’t need to clean and/or exchange filters, you don’t have to add chemical substances, and you don’t need professional help for daily operation of your device(s). This substantially lowers the operational costs and is good for the environment.
All Hydraloop devices are self-cleaning and low maintenance. Depending on model, water hardness and user behaviour, we advise a service and maintenance check-up every 6, 12 or 24 months. Your Hydraloop installer will advise you on the best schedule for your setup.
The treatment takes 5-6 hours. The bulk of greywater is collected during showering, which typically takes place in the morning and evening. With two treatment cycles daily, there is enough treated water for non-potable reuse.
The volume of reuse water depends on different factors. Which Hydraloop model is installed? How many people are in the building? How much water do they use, and how effectively do they use the water? The Hydraloop app provides live numbers on the amount of treated reusable water in the building. It also gives recommendations how to utilize the treated reusable water in the most effective way.
For example: A family of five people lives in a home with a Hydraloop H300 device. Each family member takes one shower per day and uses the toilet 4 to 5 times per day. Three people shower in the morning, two people shower in the evening. The Hydraloop device provides two water treatment cycles per day, producing enough reuse water for toilet flushing and garden irrigation. The Hydraloop app will recommend to use the washingmachine in the afternoon, when the first treatment cycle is finished and the water reuse tank is full.
The main difference between different Hydraloop models is the size of the devices and their treatment capacity.
The Hydraloop Concealed is ideal for individuals and couples. It can be integrated in bathrooms, and works best in apartments, smaller homes and tiny houses. The H300 is ideal for single family homes with 4-6 people. The H600 is suitable for single family homes with higher water usage and for small businesses like office buildings, gyms and boutique hotels. Hydraloop Cascade installations are modular, scalable and made-to-measure. They are used in multi-family homes and larger commercial real estate like hotels, student housing, sports clubs and more.
Hydraloop has models with different treatment capacities. Which model is best for you, depends on the size of the building and the amount of people using water in the space. Your Hydraloop installation partner will make a detailed calculation to advise you on the most efficient setup for your project.
The Hydraloop Concealed can hold a maximum volume of 150 liters | 40 gallons of water.
The H300 device can hold a maximum volume of 300 liters | 80 gallons of water. The upper tank (water treatment tank) holds 180 liters | 40 gallons of water. The lower tank (reuse water tank) holds 120 liters | 26 gallons of water.
The H600 device can hold a maximum volume of 600 liters | 160 gallons of water. The upper tanks (water treatment tanks) hold 360 liter | 80 gallons of water. The lower tanks (reuse water tanks) hold 240 liters | 52 gallons of water.
No. These two water sources can never cross. Each Hydraloop device has an embedded safe air-gap preventing the backflow of reusable water to the backup water connection.
In most family homes, the bulk of greywater is collected during showering. The amount of greywater collected from hand basins and condensation water is relatively smaller in comparison.
Hydraloop Concealed and H300 device collect all incoming greywater in one tank. 15 minutes after greywater has entered the device, the treatment process starts. When new greywater enters the Hydraloop device, the treatment process is interrupted and starts over.
Hydraloop H600 devices have two tanks. During the treatment process in tank 1, the device collects incoming greywater in tank 2. This does not interrupt the treatment process in tank 1.
No. The power requirements of Hydraloop models are different depending on your geographic location. However, the power consumption of your device will not change regardless of the voltage.
H300: 220 kWh per year, 25W on average during treatment.
H600: 460 kWh per year, 53W on average during treatment.
Hydraloop Concealed: 180 kWh per year, 17W on average during treatment.
A Hydraloop Cascade is modular and made to measure, so the power consumption depends on the model and number of devices.
In standby mode and during greywater treatment, Hydraloop devices produce a sound of approximately 44 dB, comparable with the sound of a silent dishwasher. During treatment, you can also hear the sound of the dissolved air flotation (air bubbles) in the device and briefly the sound of the water pump in action.
When too much greywater enters the device, it will automatically discharge the additional water to the wastewater outlet.
Yes, Hydraloop reusable water is completely safe for growing crops.
Yes. Hydraloop devices can treat greywater with any hardness. If your tap water contains a lot of calcium, we recommend descaling your Hydraloop device every six months with 500 cl (1 pound) of citric acid.
Yes. Hydraloop devices can treat greywater with any hardness. If your tap water contains a lot of calcium, we recommend descaling your Hydraloop device every six months with 500 cl (1 pound) of citric acid.
Chapter 3. Preparation
What kind of buildings can Hydraloop devices be installed in (new build, retrofit)Many stand alone devices are installed in new builds, but Hydraloop devices can also be installed in retrofit projects.
Any building suitable for the installation of a Hydraloop device needs a double piping network for the collection of lightly contaminated greywater and the distribution of Hydraloop treated reuse water.
In new builds, the setup of a double piping network is easy and cost effective. In an existing bulding, the costs for setting up a double piping network will vary depending on the structure of the building. Your contractor can design the plumbing layout according to the guidelines in the Hydraloop Recycle Ready Guide.
No. A Hydraloop device cannot be installed outside. It needs to be protected against the weather and direct sunlight. The ambient air temperature should be in the range of between 14-35 degrees Celsius or 57-95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hydraloop devices can be installed in basements, laundry rooms, heated garages or technical rooms. Every Hydraloop device must be installed indoors and the ambient air temperature should be in the range of between 14-35 degrees Celsius or 57-95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Depending on the location, a lift pump can be required. For example, if the Hydraloop device is installed on a higher floor than your washing machine, you will need to have a lift pump to lift the greywater up to the device.
Before installation of a Hydraloop device, you need to follow the guidelines in the Recycle Ready Guide provided by Hydraloop. In this guide, you will find plumbing diagrams, a connection overview, and all installation requirements to prepare the new build or retrofit. After preparation, both the Hydraloop owner and the plumber/contractor responsible for the preparation sign the Recycle Ready Checklist and submit it to the Hydraloop installation partner.
Hydraloop and its installation partners cannot proceed with the installation and commissioning of a Hydraloop device if the preparation guidelines in the Recycle Ready Guide were not followed correctly or if the Recycle Ready Checklist has not been co-signed and submitted.
A Hydraloop H300 device has a dry weight of 82,5 kg | 181.91 pounds. Filled with water, it has a maximum weight of 383 kg | 844.52 pounds. Before installation, make sure the floor can carry a minimum of 800 kilograms per m2.
A Hydraloop H600 device has a dry weight of 128 kg | 282.24 pounds. Filled with water, it has a maximum weight of 739.5 kg | 1630.60 pounds. Before installation, make sure the floor can carry a minimum of 1,000 kilograms per m2.
A Hydraloop device has three sorts of connections: input connections, power/network connections, and output connections. For more information and technical drawings, please check the Recycle Ready Guide for your model.
A stand alone Hydraloop H300 or H600 device can feed up to four (4) toilets at a maximum distance of 20 meters wide and 12 meters high. Cascade systems can be equipped with an external booster pump to extend the range and number of toilets.
Yes. The wall power outlet must have earth safety protection and should preferably be positioned above or next to the device.
Chapter 4. Installation
After the preparation of the building according to the instructions in the Recycle Ready Guide and submission of the Recycle Ready Checklist, your Hydraloop installer will install and commission the device. Hydraloop devices have three sorts of connections: input connections, power/network connections, and output connections.
Input connections: greywater lines from different sources to the inlet, and a backup water line (tap or rainwater) to the device.
Power and network connections: the device requires a standard power outlet and a permanent WiFi or Ethernet connection.
Output connections: seperate reuse water outlets to toilets, washing machine, and/or the garden or pool top-up, and a connection to the sewer.
Yes. A Hydraloop device can be retrofitted to existing homes and apartments.
Any building suitable for the installation of a Hydraloop device needs a double piping network to collect lightly contaminated greywater and to distribute Hydraloop treated reusable water. The costs for setting up this double piping network will vary depending on the structure of the building. Your contractor can design the plumbing layout according to the guidelines in the Hydraloop Recycle Ready Guide.
Yes. A Hydraloop device can be installed in any new building if the plumbing is installed correctly.
Any building suitable for the installation of a Hydraloop device needs a double piping network to collect lightly contaminated greywater and to distribute Hydraloop treated reusable water. The costs for setting up this double piping network will vary depending on the structure of the building. If done by design, this is easy and costs are neglectable. Your contractor can design the plumbing layout according to the guidelines in the Hydraloop Recycle Ready Guide.
No. A seasoned installer will manage the installation of a Hydraloop device with ease. The correct preparation of the building is the most important requirement for a succesful installation. Your contractor can design the plumbing layout according to the guidelines in the Hydraloop Recycle Ready Guide.
If the building is prepared according to the guidelines in the Hydraloop Recycle Ready Guide , the installation and commissioning of a Hydraloop device will take less than 2 hours.
No. Hydraloop devices are high-tech products and can only be installed by an accredited installer/plumber. If a device is not installed by an authorized Hydraloop installer, the warranty will not be applicable.
Chapter 5. Online connection
The Hydraloop app is available in the Apple App Store and the Android Play Store.
The Hydraloop app provides information about your current and past water savings, tank levels, and device status information. It also has shortcuts to FAQs, manuals, and much more.
All operational Hydraloop devices are connected to a central server for remote monitoring, remote service and online software updates.
In principle, yes. Every operational Hydraloop device is connected to a central server. If your internet connection is not 100% stable, this is not a problem. Every Hydraloop device can function without an online server connection for a limited amount of time (up to seven days). You should, however, never turn the internet connection off.
The central server monitors the status of each operational Hydraloop device (operational, holiday mode, etc.), as well as tank levels, valve positions, pump settings, and displaced water volumes over time.
The Hydraloop central server runs at the premises of a qualified hosting provider with secured data protection and back up services.
Yes, you can. But before you change the WiFi network, please shut down the old WiFi signal. Then follow the steps in the Hydraloop app.
No. A Hydraloop device can only work with a permanent internet connection, to monitor the treatment process and to guarantee the water quality of the reusable water.
Chapter 6. Usage
Yes. All Hydraloop devices have a start-up time of 21 days, this is required by the NSF-350 standard. During this period, the Hydraloop device will supply backup water. After the startup period, the device automatically switches to reuse water.
Yes. You can control your Hydraloop device with the app on your smartphone. In the app, choose Settings, and Priorities to change your priorities for greywater reuse at any time. For example, in summer you may decide to reuse water in the garden, in winter for laundry.
When a Hydraloop device has utillized all reusable water in the tank, the device will automatically switch to backup water. Backup water is usually tap water. As soon as new reusable water is available, the Hydraloop device will automatically switch back to reusable water to supply your non-potable sources.
When no greywater flows into the device for 72 hours, it will automatically switch to ‘holiday mode’. Once you start using water again and greywater is produced, the device will automatically restart water treatment.
When you go away for more than 3 weeks, the Hydraloop device will automatically empty all the reusable water from the tanks. Once you start using water again and greywater is produced, the device will automatically restart water treatment. Do not turn off the Hydraloop device during your absence. The power consumption will be very low.
This depends on your situation.
1. Your washing machine delivers greywater into the Hydraloop device and you use Hydraloop reuse water for laundry.
In this case, you can only use laundry detergents containing bleach in the washing machine if you use the Bypass option in your Hydraloop app.
How to activate a temporary bypass:
In the Hydraloop app, go to Settings and select button four. (Cleaning shower/bath)
In the popup screen, select confirm.
In the Settings menu, button four now switches to green, indicating that the bypass is working.
After cleaning, rinse well with plenty of tap water.
To stop the bypass, select the green button. The color switches back to white and the bypass is stopped.
If you do nothing, the bypass automatically switches off after six hours.
Please note: If you accidentally use bleach without selecting the Bypass option, the biological treatment in the Hydraloop device is affected. Then you need to restart the bioreactor with your Hydraloop app. The ‘start-up procedure’ takes 21 days.
2. Your washing machine does not deliver greywater into the Hydraloop device, but you do use Hydraloop reuse water for laundry.
You can use laundry detergents containing bleach in the washing machine, because the used laundry water flows into the sewer.
3. Your washing machine is not connected to the Hydraloop device for input or output water.
You can use laundry detergents containing bleach in the washing machine, because the used laundry water flows into the sewer.
Yes, but if you want to dye your hair in the shower, you need to use the Hydraloop app for temporary bypass. This will temporarily redirect the incoming greywater directly to the sewer.
If you do not activate the bypass, hair dye will flow into the Hydraloop device. It wil not destroy the bioreactor, but the reuse water will be colored and could impact the treatment process.
In the app, go to Settings and select button three. (Rinsing out hair dye)
In the popup screen, select confirm.
In the Settings menu, button three now switches to green, indicating that the bypass is working.
After washing out the hair dye, rinse well with plenty of tap water.
To stop the bypass, select the green button. The color switches back to white and the bypass is stopped.
If you do nothing, the bypass automatically switches off after six hours.
The following items can negatively influence the cleaning performance of a Hydraloop device:
Bleach
Strong chemical non-biological cleaners
Paints and solvents
Pesticides and herbicides
Motor oil and high amount of lubricants
High amounts of pharmaceuticals and personal care products
Heavy metals
High amounts of body fluids or excretion
Exceptionally large amounts of large particles or debris (sand/soil)
Abnormally high amounts of massage oils, shampoos or liquid selfcare products like sunbathing oils.
Hydraloop devices are designed to efficiently treat lightly contaminated greywater, like water from showers and baths. To ensure optimal performance, it’s important to avoid certainsubstances that can impact the system. Here’s a list of items commonly found in households that may affect your Hydraloop device:
Bleach: While great for cleaning, high concentrations can harm the biological activity in the system. Avoid introducing water with chlorine concentrations above 1 ppm. If needed, use the Hydraloop app to activate the bypass option.
Strong chemical non-biological cleaners: Harsh cleaning agents with strong chemicals, like oxidizers (in some bathroom cleaners and general cleaners), can disrupt the biological processes in the system.
Paints and solvents: Chemicals in paints and solvents may be harmful to the biological processes occurring in the bioreactor.
Pesticides and herbicides: These chemicals can negatively impact the microbial communities responsible for treating water in the bioreactor.
Motor oil and lubricants: These substances can clog the treatment system, affecting both the process and the quality of the reusable water.
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products: Certain substances in pharmaceuticals and personal care products may not be effectively treated in greywater systems, potentially affecting the biological treatment process.
Heavy metals: Avoid introducing substances containing heavy metals, such as mercury or lead, into the system.
Large particles or debris: Items that could damage the system or impede its operation, like excessive amounts of sand or gravel, should be kept out. If you intend to connect your Hydraloop device to showers in an outside pool area, make sure to install a sand filter that avoids larger amounts of sand to enter the device.
Body fluids or excretion: While Hydraloop can handle small amounts of body fluids, large amounts (more than 250 mL during an average shower) should not be intentionally introduced. This includes vomit and blood.
Massage oils, shampoos, and self-care products: Excessive disposal of these products through the shower drain can affect the system’s performance. As an indicator: do not empty a quarter (1/4) bottle of product in the shower drain.
Please note: if you want to use these substances in the shower, you can always activate the Bypass Mode in the Hydraloop app. That way, the substances do not enter the Hydraloop device and are disposed directly into the sewer.
In the Hydraloop app, select ‘Start-up Procedure’. This will empty the tanks and restart the bioreactor inside the Hydraloop device. During the start-up period, the device will automatically switch to backup water. You can use the shower and bath like you always do. When the biological treatment is fully operational, your Hydraloop device will automatically start recycling greywater and offer reusable water again.
The ‘Start-up Procedure’ takes 21 days.
Descaling is part of the scheduled maintenance program of your device. Your Hydraloop installer will insert citric acid in the shower drain, which enters the Hydraloop device. Then, the device runs an internal cleaning cycle, descaling all essential components.
The start-up of a Hydraloop device will only take a few minutes.
No, but we do not recommend to disconnect your device.
To disconnect a Hydraloop device, you first turn off the backup water supply, second you disconnect the power and third, you disconnect all physical connections (input and output connections). If you want to keep using all water sources in the building, we recommend connecting the the greywater input line to the sewer and connecting the backup water line directly to all reuse water outlets.
Chapter 7. Service and maintenance
No. As a Hydraloop owner you never need to replace any components. During scheduled maintenance sessions, specific components will be replaced by your Hydraloop installer. These components are the UV lamp, the air pump, transfer tube and air diffuser. The air pump and UV lamps are replaced every two years.
All Hydraloop devices are self-cleaning and low maintenance. Depending on the model, water hardness, and individual user behavior, we advise a service and maintenance check-up every 6, 12, or 24 months. Your Hydraloop installer will advise you on the best schedule for your setup.
Please contact your Hydraloop installer for maintenance assistance. If you don’t know who your Hydraloop installer is, please contact Hydraloop directly at support@hydraloop.com. We will direct you to a local Hydraloop installer in your area.
On average, a regularly scheduled maintenance session takes about 1 hour.
The expected lifetime of the UV light is 3 years. We recommend scheduling a preventive maintenance check for your device by your Hydraloop installer every two years. During this check, the UV light bulb is exchanged.
The warranty period for a Hydraloop device is specified in the Warranty Certificate for two years on specific components. The Certificate may vary according to national law.
Are you interested in a longer warrenty period? Selected Hydraloop partners offer Hydraloop Care, extending the warranty on all components to 5 years or longer. Hydraloop Care can be extended to 20 years. For more information, please contact support@hydraloop.com.
Hydraloop devices have been designed to last for at least 20 years.
Chapter 8. Certification
Yes. Third-party certification is important to ensure the water quality, electrical safety, and performance of any greywater recycling device. The level and type of certification you need depend on local plumbing codes and regulations. By installing a third party certified Hydraloop device, you can be reassured that it will deliver safe reuse water for non-potable use.
Yes. All Hydraloop devices are certified by the highest international standards for greywater quality and electrical safety.
NSF is an American organization with worldwide recognition for its third-party testing of water treatment products. The NSF-350 standard establishes material, design, construction, and performance requirements for onsite residential and commercial water reuse treatment systems. It also sets water quality requirements for the reduction of chemical and microbiological contaminants for non-potable water use.
Hydraloop devices are certified by NSF-350 and many other international certification bodies.
Chapter 9. Visual and audible status
Each Hydraloop device has a visual status light and audible warning indications. The light on the front of the system changes color based on the condition the device is in.
Your Hydraloop device will issue a warning in case of an UV lamp failure, a high water alarm, air pump alarm, water circulation alarm and water distribution pump alarm. These cases are all highly unlikely.
Yes, Your Hydraloop device will produce a discrete beeping sound to issue a warning or alarm condition. You will also receive an alert on your smartphone (in the Hydraloop app). Your Hydraloop installer will receive a warning about your device in the Hydraloop Device Manager (HDM).
This depends on the type of warning. In most cases, your Hydraloop device will continue operating.
When an orange status light appears, this indicates that the device possibly needs attention on components on short term. Since your device is monitored 24/7, your Hydraloop installer knows about this. If the status light does not change after 24 hours, please contact Hydraloop support in your Hydraloop app.
A red light on the LED panel can indicate two things. 1. The Hydraloop device detects an issue with your toilets or washing machine. 2. There is an issue with the Hydraloop device, and no water can be distributed to the toilets and washing machine.
In case of a red light, please contact Hydraloop right away, directly in your Hydraloop app.
Yes. During a warning (orange) or alarm (red), your Hydraloop device will automatically switch to backup water. There is one exception: if there is an issue with the distribution pump, the Hydraloop device cannot switch to backup water.
When an orange status light appears, this indicates that the device possibly needs attention on components on short term. Since your device is monitored 24/7, your Hydraloop installer knows about this. If the status light does not change after 24 hours, please contact Hydraloop support in your Hydraloop app. In case of a red light, please open your Hydraloop app and contact Hydraloop directly.