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How to attach hose to recycled water tap?

nagumuthu

I bought Holman pure flow flexible water hose that comes with a fitting to connect to the recycle water tap.

(Another photo in below thread)

I threaded it anticlockwise and it is not threading in. Clockwise does not help either. Rather it is threading at an angle. I stopped, thinking it might damage the thread in the plastic fitting.

There are only 2 circle of threads in the recycle water tap.

How to fit the plastic fitting correctly. Should I tape (Teflon) before threading in. Any suggestions?

I tried with another recycle water tap on another side of the home and it is the same.

Appreciate your advice.

Thanks

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nagumuthu

EricL

Hello @nagumuthu

Standard tap adapters will not work on sullage or grey water taps. You can only use adapters that are tagged as "For recycled water" such as the https://www.bunnings.com.au/nylex-recycled-water-12mm-hose-connector-set_p0260807 or the https://www.bunnings.com.au/holman-lilac-recycled-water-brass-tap-adaptor_p3431161 . I would also recommend using https://www.bunnings.com.au/nylex-15m-flextreme-reclaimed-water-garden-hose_p0752653 so that you will not accidentally use it on anything else.

I propose returning your current set along with your docket and exchanging it for the set that is designed for recycled water.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

nagumuthu

Hi Eric

Thanks for the advice.

I’m curious to understand why purple recycle water tap thread is different from others.

I took Holman flexible hose from the packaging. Wondering Bunnings will accept that in return.

Best Wishes

M.Muthu

EricL

Hello @nagumuthu

Purple recycled water taps are intentionally color-coded to indicate that the water is not suitable for drinking. The purple or lilac colour is an internationally recognized standard used to identify recycled or reclaimed water systems. This recycled water is treated wastewater that is commonly used for purposes such as garden irrigation, flushing toilets, industrial cooling, and watering parks or golf courses. Although the water has been treated, it is usually not purified to the same standard as drinking water, so the distinct purple color helps prevent accidental consumption or confusion with potable water supplies.

The use of purple taps and pipes is also part of plumbing and safety regulations in many countries, including Australia. The colour makes it easy for plumbers, maintenance workers, and the public to quickly recognize recycled water infrastructure and avoid incorrect connections between recycled and drinking water systems. Purple was specifically chosen because it is uncommon in standard plumbing systems, making it highly visible and easy to distinguish from other utility colours. Many purple recycled water taps also include warning labels such as “Recycled Water - Do Not Drink.” Even though the water is not safe to drink, recycled water plays an important environmental role by reducing the demand on fresh drinking water supplies and supporting more sustainable water use.

You should be able to return the hose even if the packaging has been removed or damaged.

The reverse thread of the tap is a safety feature and a reminder that you should only use "recycle garden tap fittings".

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

nagumuthu

Thanks @EricL.

MitchellMc

Hi @nagumuthu,

That recycled water thread setup catches quite a few people out the first time they come across it, so you were definitely not alone there.

Did you end up exchanging the fittings and getting everything connected up properly in the end?

Would be interested to hear how the reclaimed water setup is working for you now. If you ran into any more issues with fittings or compatibility along the way, happy to help further.

Mitchell

nagumuthu

Hi @MitchellMc

I approached the Bunnings staff, who recommended the product Holman 25mm Purple Recycle Left Threaded Tap Adaptor - Bunnings Australia, and it worked well. However, I feel it would be more convenient if the hose supplier included this as part of the package, given that the supplied fitting does not connect properly to a recycled tap. Even with a slight increase in price, this would improve customer convenience, as I had to spend a few days finding a suitable solution.

That said, I’m glad the issue has now been resolved. Thank you for your exceptional support.

Thanks.

MitchellMc

Hi @nagumuthu,

If the tap is a purple/lilac recycled water tap, you should use a purple (lilac) hose that is dedicated to recycled water use, such as the https://www.bunnings.com.au/nylex-15m-flextreme-reclaimed-water-garden-hose_p0752653 . The purple colour is the Australian identifier for non-potable (non-drinking) recycled water systems and helps prevent cross-contamination with drinking water supplies.

The Nylex hose you've purchased is specifically for drinking water. That's why they wouldn't include an adaptor to allow connection to a recycled water tap. I'd recommend you return the hose and swap it for the correct purple coloured hose.

A few practical points:

Use a purple/lilac hose marked for recycled or reclaimed water where possible.
Keep that hose separate from drinking-water hoses.
Don't swap the hose between recycled-water and potable-water taps.
Don't use recycled water for drinking, cooking, filling pools, or children's water play unless specifically approved by your local water authority.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

nagumuthu

Thanks @MitchellMc.

infact I procured the item you have recommended. The fitting does not connect to the recycle water tap and I purchased left hand thread fitting separately to connect above hose to RC tap.

MitchellMc

I was not aware that the https://www.bunnings.com.au/nylex-15m-flextreme-reclaimed-water-garden-hose_p0752653 did not include connection fittings, as most hoses do, @nagumuthu. As you mentioned, that would be helpful, so I'll pass your feedback on to the supplier.

Mitchell