AU2008200881B1

AU2008200881B1 - A Water Saving Toilet and Sink Arrangement

Info

Publication number: AU2008200881B1
Application number: AU2008200881A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Eric Edward Dwyer
Original assignee: DWYER DEVELOPMENTS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-26
Filing date: 2008-02-26
Publication date: 2009-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 2028-02-26
Also published as: AU2009202245A1

Description

A Water Saving Toilet and Sink Arrangement. Field of the Invention. This invention is directed to an installation which allows water to be recycled from a sink into a toilet cistern, and particularly relates to a special type of installation design. 5 Background Art. Much attention is being focused on ways to reduce water consumption for variety of domestic and commercial uses. The present invention is directed to a way in which water use can be reduced by connecting the sink outlet to a toilet cistern in a particular manner. 10 Toilet flushing can be a major use of water, but it is necessary to flush for hygiene purposes. It is known to have a "dual flush" type toilet which can flush a reduced volume of water, or a full flush of water. A typical toilet can flush between about 6 and 12L, and normally about 10 L on a full flush and between about 3 and 6L, and normally about 5 L on a half flush. 15 In the vast majority of cases, the toilet cistern is connected to mains water, although some attempts are being made to connect the toilet cistern to tank water. One of the difficulties with tank water is that the water is not pressurised and unless the tank is substantially higher than the cistern, some form of pump is required. For hygiene reasons, it is necessary to wash your hands after going to 20 the toilet. The sink is plumbed to mains water, with the waste going to the sewer or septic. Unfortunately, and especially with children, there is sometimes a reluctance to wash hands after using the toilet. Sometimes, children will forget to do so. The waste water from the sink (often called the greywater) is usually clean enough to be used for greywater applications. This water cannot be drunk, but 25 can be used for a variety of other uses and it is considered that one acceptable use would be to recycle this greywater back into the toilet cistern for flushing. It has been known for many years to collect greywater from a sink (and sometimes also a shower, laundry etc) into a greywater holding tank and then to plumb the greywater holding tank to the toilet cistern. However, this can be quite 30 expensive, placement of the greywater tank can be quite difficult, and in most cases some form of pump is required to pump the greywater from the greywater tank into the toilet cistern. Put differently, a gravity feed is generally not possible. Also, storage of greywater for a prolonged period of time is not considered particularly 2 advantageous. It seems that there would be an improved uptake (especially by children) of washing hands after using the toilet, if there was something to remind the child to do so. One way that could work is to have water automatically running into 5 the sink as soon as the toilet is flushed as this will be easily seen and heard by the person using the toilet. Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to have some form of arrangement whereby a faucet in the sink would automatically turn on when the toilet is flushed to remind the person to wash their hands. 10 There would be an advantage if this can be done in such a manner that the faucet would not run for an unnecessary long period of time but would run sufficiently long to allow person to clean their hands. It is considered that having the faucet running for too long could increase wear and tear, corrosion etc but might also encourage children to "play" with the water rather than wash their hands and move on. 15 Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to have some form of connection between the toilet cistern and a sink which can use a gravity feed return arrangement, but where the tap does not run for an unnecessary long period of time. Another factor in the design of the sink is that there may be an 20 advantage in having the sink also able to be used as an "ordinary" sink having a hot water tap and a cold water tap. There may be an advantage in having some sort of arrangement where waste water can pass to the cistern, but also to the sewer or septic if the cistern would otherwise overfill. There is known in the art, a water saving device with a hand basin or 25 sink with a faucet which attaches to the cistern of an existing toilet which, once the toilet is flushed, fresh/clean water enters the faucet which then drains into the cistern through the sink outlet, utilizing the same amount of water to fill the cistern but using water which would otherwise be wasted, by including a proportion of water which would normally be wasted, to partially fill the cistern. 30 This assembly vents all water from the sink into the cistern. There is no provision for wasting more heavily soiled grey water directly to a sewer or similar. Additionally, all water enters the system via the faucet unless the faucet is manually closed by a tap provided, which then blocks the faucet and water enters 3 the cistern until a float valve deactivates the water flow. The sink is inconveniently located atop the cistern which means that a user has to navigate around the toilet to use the sink, which can be quite difficult in the often confined space of a dedicated toilet cubicle. 5 It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Object of the Invention. It is an object of the invention to provide an arrangement that could 10 reuse sink water and recycle the sink water back into a toilet cistern and which may overcome at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide a useful or commercial choice. In one form, the invention resides in a water saving system including a combination of a toilet and a sink, the toilet having a cistern, the sink having an outlet 15 which is in fluid communication with the cistern, a faucet to pass water into the sink, the cistern containing a diverter valve assembly with an inlet port connected to an external water supply and at least two outlets, one cistern outlet and one faucet outlet, a float valve to actuate and stop a filling cycle, the float valve having a float associated with a valve body, the at least two outlets selectively communicable with 20 the inlet port by the float valve actuated valve body, flow through the at least two outlets controlled by the float valve. In a second form, the invention resides in a water saving system including a combination of a toilet and a sink, the toilet having a cistern, the sink having an outlet which is in fluid communication with the cistern, a faucet to pass 25 water into the sink, the cistern having a cistern diverter valve assembly with an inlet port connected to an external water supply and at least two outlets, one cistern outlet, one faucet outlet in communication with a faucet mounted relative to the sink, a float valve to actuate and stop a filling cycle, the float valve having a float associated with a valve body. the cistern outlet and the faucet outlet selectively communicable with the 30 inlet port by the float valve actuated valve body, flow through the cistern outlet and the faucet outlet allowed by the float valve when the cistern is filling, the sink having a sink diverter valve assembly, the assembly including a valve main body having an inlet from the sink and at least two outlets, a waste outlet and a return outlet to return 4 grey water for re-use to the cistern, a valve seat adjacent each outlet, a valve stem mounting at least a pair of valve members spaced to close one of the outlets, the valve stem biased to maintain the waste outlet open, and a sealing means associated with the valve stem and associated with a flow of liquid from the cistern diverter valve 5 assembly such that when a sufficient pressure is applied to the sealing means by the liquid pressure from the faucet outlet of the cistern diverter valve assembly when the cistern is filling, the bias is overcome and the valve stem is moved to open the return outlet. In a third form, the invention resides in a water saving system including 10 a combination of a toilet and a sink, the toilet having a cistern, the sink having an outlet which is in fluid communication with the cistern, a faucet to pass water into the sink, the cistern having a cistern diverter valve assembly with an inlet port connected to an external water supply and at least three outlets, one cistern outlet, one faucet outlet in communication with a faucet mounted relative to the sink and a pilot outlet, a 15 float valve to actuate and stop a filling cycle, the float valve having a float associated with a valve body, the cistern outlet and the faucet outlet selectively communicable with the inlet port by the float valve actuated valve body, flow through the cistern outlet and the faucet outlet allowed by the float valve when the cistern is filling, the sink having a sink diverter valve assembly, the assembly including a valve main body 20 having an inlet from the sink and at least two outlets, a waste outlet and a return outlet to return grey water for re-use to the cistern, a valve seat adjacent each outlet, a valve stem mounting at least a pair of valve members spaced to close one of the outlets, and a sealing means associated with the valve stem and the valve stem biased to maintain the waste outlet closed but the static backpressure applied by liquid from the cistern 25 diverter valve assembly forcing the waste outlet open such that when the cistern is filling the static backpressure is removed, allowing the bias to move the valve stem to open the return outlet. In preferred forms of the invention, as soon as the toilet is flushed, the cistern will begin to fill by water passing through the inlet port and to the cistern 30 outlet, and at the same time water will flow through the faucet outlet and to the faucet for a period of time until the cistern is filled (preferably by a combination of external water passing through the first inlet port, and recycled water passing through the sink and back into the cistern), at which time the float valve will cause the valve body to 5 close and water no longer flows through the faucet or into the cistern. The amount of water flowing to the cistern and the faucet respectively will typically be adjustable. An advantage of this form of the invention is that only part of the cistern water flows through the faucet and part of the cistern water is filled directly 5 from an external water supply through the cistern outlet whilst the cistern is filling. Thus, the faucet does not run for an unnecessary long period of time but runs for long enough to allow a person to wash their hands after using the toilet. However, it is envisaged that an alternative form of shut off means may be provided to shut off water flowing through the faucet when the cistern is full. For 10 instance, a separate type of float valve or something else could be used which is operatively associated with the faucet outlet. An advantage of this arrangement is that the faucet will automatically supply water as soon as the toilet is flushed. Thus, it is not necessary to turn on a tap or remember to turn the tap off. It is also not necessary to have a complicated "timer" 15 tap which switches off itself after a predetermined time. It is considered that having water flowing automatically through the faucet and immediately after flushing the toilet will remind people (especially children) to wash their hands afterwards. The person can simply walk away and the faucet will switch itself off. By having the diverter valve arrangement, should the sink become 20 blocked and water not flow back into the cistern, the first port (which directly fills the cistern) will ultimately fill the cistern which can cause the first port and the second port to be switched off which means that the faucet will not run for ever. A more sophisticated arrangement is also envisaged where the sink may contain a return pipe back into the cistern and where the pipe is fitted with a cut 25 off valve which will switch off when the cistern water is full. Any further water flowing through the sink outlet can be diverted to the sewer or septic. Thus, in this arrangement, the sink may contain a faucet as described above but also a conventional cold water tap or hot water tap. If the conventional taps are turned on, and the toilet cistern is full, the water will be diverted to sewer or septic, but if the cistern is not 30 quite full (for instance some leaking), some of the water will flow back to the cistern to keep the cistern full. The sink may be positioned at any suitable place but it is envisaged that the sink will be relatively close to the toilet. Thus, the sink may be fitted to a wall 6 next to the toilet, or may be freestanding and the like. The toilet may comprise any conventional type of toilet and may be plumbed to the sewer or septic by any conventional means. It is not considered that any unnecessary restriction should be placed upon the construction of the toilet. 5 Similarly, the cistern may be any type of conventional cistern which may be positioned behind the toilet, in a wall cavity and the like. The cistern may be made of ceramic, plastic, or any suitable material and may be any size or shape. It is considered that the volume of water in the cistern can be conventional such that a radical redesign is not required. Indeed, in some forms of the invention, the existing 10 cistern can be used. Without intending to limit the application of the invention, the volume of water in a typical domestic cistern is normally approximately 10-12L. It is also anticipated that the system of the invention can be adapted for use of industrial cisterns of greater capacity. 15 Similarly, it is not considered that any unnecessary limitation should be placed on the term "sink". The sink may comprise any type of sink which is available in the marketplace and may have any suitable shape or size. In one form of the invention, the sink may be used exclusively to wash hands after using the toilet in which case the sink may be quite small and may 20 comprise a "mini" sink. Alternatively, the sink may be larger, and may contain conventional hot water and cold water taps as well as the faucet. The sink may be of the type that contains a single lower outlet, or may be of the type that contains the lower outlet together with an upper overflow which 25 connects ultimately to the lower outlet. The sink may be made of ceramic, plastic, metal, or any suitable material, and may be of any size or shape to suit. The sink has an outlet which is preferably in fluid communication with the cistern. If the sink is some distance away from the cistern, pipes or similar can be 30 provided to connect the sink outlet to the cistern such that any water flowing through the sink outlet can flow back into the cistern to help fill the cistern. A faucet is provided to pass water into the sink. Typically, the faucet will be positioned on the sink although it may also be positioned next to the sink.

7 There may be some circumstances where two or more faucets may be provided although it is envisaged that in most cases a single faucet will be sufficient. The cistern is plumbed to an external supply of water as is conventional. The external supply of water will typically be mains water although 5 there may be some circumstances where the external supply of water comprises tank water, bore water or water from another source. There may also be an advantage in providing some form of shut-off system between the sink outlet and the cistern. If this is provided, once the cistern is filled, water can no longer flow from the sink into the cistern. In this particular form 10 of the invention, the pipe work below the sink may include a first pipe (which contains the shut-off system) back to the cistern and a second pipe which flows to the septic or sewer. Thus, once the cistern is full, and the shut-off system closes the return pipe, if the sink is still used with conventional taps, the water will now flow to the septic or sewer and will not cause the cistern to overflow. 15 In a fourth form, the invention resides in a cistern diverter valve assembly including an inlet port connected to an external water supply and at least two outlets, a float valve to actuate and stop a filling cycle, the float valve having a float associated with a valve body, the at least two outlets selectively communicable with the inlet port by the float valve actuated valve body, flow through the at least two 20 outlets controlled by the float valve. The cistern diverter valve of the present invention is preferably for use an inclusion in a water saving system. The cistern diverter valve of the invention will normally find use in a toilet cistern to divert a portion of the incoming water from filling the cistern to a faucet or tap to use fresh/clean water for hand washing with the 25 remainder filling the cistern. The assembly of the preferred embodiment is associated with a stand pipe, which is normally oriented substantially vertically within the cistern of the toilet. It is anticipated however that a standpipe may be provided externally of the cistern or in orientations other than vertically. 30 The at least one inlet to the valve assembly will normally be provided through the standpipe. The standpipe is typically hollow and elongate. The inlet is preferably an elongate inlet extending through the interior of the hollow standpipe. The assembly will typically have a diverter body portion located at an upper end 8 thereof. Normally the standpipe extends through the lower wall of the cistern and connects to a water supply in an appropriate manner. The diverter body is located at the upper end of the standpipe and is 5 typically integrally formed with the standpipe. The diverter body is typically located in an upper portion of the cistern adjacent to but spaced from the top wall of the cistern. The diverter body typically houses a number of ports functioning as or leading to a number of outlets. In particular, the diverter body provides fluid 10 communication between the inlet, and preferably three outlets, namely a cistern outlet, a faucet outlet and a pilot outlet, with a valve body allowing, restricting and preventing flow through two of the three outlets (the cistern outlet and faucet outlets) in response to actuation from the float valve. It is preferred that the diverter body be provided with at least one 15 venturi associated with the pilot outlet in order to provide a variation of water pressure to a preferably associated sink diverter valve assembly for a sink in order to operate the sink diverter valve assembly in certain configurations. It is preferred that the valve body separating the inlet from the cistern outlet and the faucet outlet is located downstream of the venturi. Normally, the valve 20 body may be provided in a chamber into which the venturi leads (as determined from the flow direction). Normally, the valve seat and opening into which the valve body seals will be in communication with both of the cistern outlet and the faucet outlet. In particular, the opening is preferably a common opening leading to both outlets is such 25 that when the valve body seals the opening, flow through both outlets is prevented. Typically, a third outlet (pilot outlet) will be provided adjacent to the Venturi and upstream of the valve opening. This outlet may be plugged (sealed) alternatively always fully open depending upon the system configuration used. As the pilot outlet is upstream of the valve opening, when the pilot outlet is open, a portion 30 of the incoming water may flow through the pilot outlet. The amount of water diverted from the cistern to the faucet is preferably adjustable by provision of an adjustable valve in the inlet-cistern outlet flow path. The adjustable valve is normally threadingly engaged in the diverter body 9 to at least partially occlude the flow path. It is particularly preferred that the adjustable valve is provided in a port in the diverter body. The cistern outlet is preferably an annular outlet, located concentrically about the inlet stand pipe. The cistern outlet is preferably provided outside the inlet in 5 the stand pipe and preferably opens into the cistern at a lower portion adjacent to the base of the cistern. The diverter valve assembly of the invention also preferably includes a float to actuate the valve body in the diverter body. The float is typically mounted relative to the diverter body and suspended within the cistern. The valve body of the 10 preferred embodiment will typically move upwardly and downwardly in a substantially vertical direction between a free and a sealed condition. The sealed condition is preferably reached by moving the float and the associated valve body upwardly. The float is therefore preferably mounted on an arm provided above the 15 diverter body with the valve body mounted on a valve stem extending through the top of the diverter body between the valve body and the mounting arm of the float. The float itself is preferably mounted concentrically about the cistern outlet (stand pipe). The float is preferably slidably movable relative to the stand pipe, upwardly and downwardly depending upon the amount of water in the cistern. 20 The height of the float is typically adjustable by moving the diverter body relative to the stand pipe. The height of the float may also be adjusted by moving the float relative to the mounting arm. A preferably threaded attachment means is provided in order to set and adjust the height of the diverter body. The cistern outlet, the faucet outlet and the pilot outlet are preferably 25 spaced radially about the diverter body. It is particularly preferred that all three are located within approximately 900 of each other. In a fifth form, the invention resides in a diverter valve assembly for a sink, the assembly including a valve main body having an inlet from the sink and at least two outlets, a waste outlet and a return outlet to return grey water for re-use, a 30 valve seat adjacent each outlet, a valve stem mounting at least a pair of valve members spaced to close one of the outlets, the valve stem biased to maintain one of either the waste outlet or return outlet closed, and a sealing means associated with the valve stem and associated with a flow of liquid such that when a sufficient pressure is 10 applied to the sealing means by the liquid flow, the bias is overcome and the valve stem is moved to open the other of the outlets. The diverter valve assembly for a sink is preferably for use or inclusion in a water saving system. The sink diverter valve of the invention will normally find 5 use in association with a sink, normally a vanity basin or handwashing basin to divert a portion of the waste or lightly soiled grey water to assist with Filling a toilet cistern with the remainder sent to waste once the cistern has its designated amount. The assembly of the preferred embodiment is associated with a sink waste outlet, which is normally oriented substantially vertically below the sink. It is 10 anticipated that the sink diverter valve will be immediately adjacent the sink outlet however it may be provided remotely from the sink outlet. The sink diverter valve assembly of the present invention includes a main body which is typically substantially T-shaped. In use, the main body will normally be oriented in an inverted configuration with the upright portion of the T 15 shaped main body oriented substantially vertically and the cross portion oriented substantially horizontally. The inlet will normally be uppermost in use and the at least two outlets will normally be positioned substantially opposite the inlet, through the lower wall of the cross portion. Both respective ends of the cross portion will typically have openings. 20 The ends of the cross portion preferably adapted to attach other components to the main body such that in use, the ends of the main body will be closed. All openings in the main body including the inlet and the at least two outlets will preferably be provided with means for attachment to other components, and normally the attachment means will be the provision of threaded portions. 25 The main body also includes a pair of opposed valve seats. A valve seat will typically be provided adjacent to each of the outlets such that the outlet can be isolated from the inlet if required. The main body also preferably has at least one flange located adjacent each end opening and against which a sealing means can be mounted and retained by 30 the attachment of a suitable end cap relative to the end opening. Of course, there are other methods of achieving this functionality. The sealing means is typically a piston with a sealing diaphragm associated therewith, the piston movable within a bore of the main body under water ll pressure. The sink diverter valve assembly also includes at least two outlets. Normally, only two outlets are provided, one waste outlet and one return outlet. The position of the outlets depends upon the orientation of the main body. The 5 characteristics and function of each valve located adjacent to and controlling the waste outlet and return outlet depends on operating fluid pressure available and which component of the valve assembly is located adjacent each outlet. The waste outlet is normally connected to a sewer or septic or similar. The return outlet is normally in fluid communication with a cistern, normally a toilet 10 cistern, such that when the return outlet is open, the water can enter the cistern. Typically, one of the outlets (the waste outlet) will be larger than the other of the outlets. The sink diverter valve assembly also includes a valve stem. The valve stem is typically elongate and substantially perpendicular to the inlet. The valve stem 15 will normally mount at least a pair of valve members, one valve member provided for, and adjacent to each valve seat provided in the main body. The valve members are preferably fixed at a predetermined separation distance on the valve stem. As a result of this separation distance, and the overall configuration of the valve assembly, normally one of the outlets will be closed at all times. 20 The valve stem is biased to maintain one of either the waste outlet or return outlet closed. A biasing component will typically be provided in or adjacent to one of the end openings of the main body. The biasing component is preferably adjustable in order to set the bias and the amount of pressure required to overcome the bias. 25 Normally, the biasing component includes a spring or similar. The adjustment of the bias will normally be provided by changing the degree of compression of the spring. Typically, a threaded adjustment member is provided in order to adjust the compression of the spring, the threaded adjustment member extending externally of the valve assembly, and normally through the end relative to 30 which the biasing component is normally attached. Typically, the end opening of the main body opposite the end to which the biasing component is attached is provided with a port which is in fluid connection to a source of fluid pressure. According to alternative configurations, the port may be 12 communicable with the pilot outlet of the cistern diverter valve assembly described above. In a high mains pressure configuration, the biasing means is located adjacent the return outlet of the sink diverter valve assembly and the valve member 5 adjacent the waste outlet of the sink diverter valve assembly is biased open. When the cistern is filling, the flow through the cistern diverter valve will force the valve member adjacent the waste outlet in the sink diverter valve to close, diverting the grey water from the sink and outlet to the return outlet and thereby to the cistern. Once the cistern is full, the flows through the cistern diverter valve 10 assembly will cease, subjecting the valve of the sink diverter valve assembly to static fluid pressure, which will typically be less than required to overcome the bias of the biasing component, which thereby opens the waste outlet such that further water is not diverted to the cistern. In a low mains pressure configuration, the biasing means is located 15 adjacent the waste outlet of the sink diverter valve assembly and the valve member adjacent the waste outlet of the sink diverter valve assembly is maintained open by the static backpressure from the mains supply when the cistern is not filling and the faucet is not running, the static backpressure provided through connecting the pilot outlet in the cistern diverter valve assembly with the sealing means associated with the valve 20 stem of the sink diverter valve assembly. When the cistern is filling, the flow through the cistern diverter valve will allow the valve member adjacent the waste outlet in the sink diverter valve to close due to a decrease in pressure due to the diversion of flow away from the sealing means, this diverting the grey water from the sink and outlet to the return outlet and 25 thereby to the cistern. Once the cistern is full, the waste outlet of the sink diverter valve assembly is maintained open by the static backpressure from the mains supply such that further water is not diverted to the cistern. Depending upon whether the configuration is used in a high pressure 30 mains water supply situation or a low-pressure mains water supply situation, the biasing component can be applied at either end of the main body and adjacent the return or waste outlet. Brief Description of the Drawings.

13 An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a sectional side schematic view of a cistern diverter valve assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 5 Figure 2 is a top view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a sectional side schematic view of a sink diverter valve assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic view from the side of a water saving system according to a first preferred configuration of the present invention. 10 Figure 5 is a schematic view from the side of a water saving system according to a second preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic view from the side of a water saving system according to a third preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic view from the side of a water saving system 15 according to a fourth preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 8 is a schematic view from the side of a water saving system according to a fifth preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 9 is a schematic view from the side of a water saving system according to a sixth preferred configuration of the present invention. 20 Figure 10 is a schematic view from the side of a water saving system according to a seventh preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure I I is a schematic view from the side of a water saving system according to a eighth preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 12 is a schematic view from the side of a water saving system 25 according to a ninth preferred configuration of the present invention. Figure 13 is a schematic view from the side of a water saving system according to a tenth preferred configuration of the present invention. Best Mode. According to aspects of the present invention, a water saving system, a 30 cistern diverter valve assembly (Diverter Float Valve) and a sink diverter valve assembly (Diverter Waste Valve) are provided. The water saving system of the illustrated embodiments comprises of essentially a Diverter Float Valve, a Diverter Waste Valve, an open faucet fitting 4, a 14 pump 33 and control equipment, a separate water mains supplied tap or mixer tap 31 and interconnecting pipe work. These are installed in conjunction with a new or existing toilet suite, above cistern sink, cistern top sink, a sink fitting into or part of the cistern, remote sink or vanity sink/basin unit, wash facility or the like, possibly all 5 within the same room but not necessarily so. While the Float Valve I will always be used the other components may or may not be required as part of one of a variety of possible installation layout configurations. DIVERTER FLOAT VALVE illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 The Float Valve I is connected to the incoming mains water 2 at the 10 toilet cistern, is fitted within the cistern tank and ensures that only normal cistern working water level is regained after each toilet flush cycle. The Float Valve I performs several functions. As a typical vertical Float Valve, it controls all incoming water to the cistern from the mains water supply 2, either fresh water directly to the cistern 3 via the outer Float Valve standpipe 38 or that returning to the cistern via the 15 open faucet 4 and sink waste return pipe work 5 as either unused or grey water. The Float Valve I has an adjustable diverting Cistern Port P1 to permit a division of incoming fresh mains water when the cistern is flushed. Cistern Port P1 permits a controlled portion of the incoming mains water directly to the cistern tank via the Float Valve standpipe 38 and the remainder to the Float Valve Faucet Port P2. Faucet 20 Port P2 on the Float Valve I supplies water to the sink faucet 4 which is uncontrolled and open at all times. Faucet Port P2 simultaneously supplies water to the Waste Valve Pilot Chamber 17, which is coupled by a tee connection 7 to the sink faucet pipeline 8, when the running mains pressure is sufficiently high enough to operate both sink faucet 4 and Waste Valve 9. Both Ports Pl, P2 are controlled by the Float 25 Valve I at the same time. The Float Valve I additionally has a Venturi 10 in an inner extension tube 41 in the mains water input standpipe 6 on the mains pressure (up stream) side of the Float Valve controlling valve seat 11. The Venturi 10 is subjected to either mains static back pressure, when the Float Valve I is off, or mains running pressure when the Float Valve I is running. The Venturi 10 is connected to an 30 uncontrolled Pilot Port P3 on the float Valve I body. The Pilot Port P3 is subjected to the variation of pressure between when the Float Valve 1 is running and when it is not, and facilitates the operation of the Diverter Waste Valve 9 in lower mains water pressure situations. The primary method of height adjustment for the Float Valve is 15 by a clamp and threaded arrangement 12. DIVERTER WASTE VALVE illustrated in Figure 3 Where required the Waste Valve 9 is attached to the sink waste outlet 13 and, depending on the installation layout, will effect one or more of the operations 5 of switching a pump, diverting lightly soiled grey water to the cistern return for reuse in the toilet flush cycle or diverting more heavily soiled grey water directly to the sewer when the sink has been used for other toilet ablutions. The Waste Valve 9 is a double ended, three way, adjustable, pilot operated poppet valve. It is designed to have an Adjuster End Cap 14 incorporating an external spring adjuster control 15 at 10 one end and a Pilot End Cap 16 enclosing a pilot chamber 17 at the other. It is compatible with standard plumbing threads and fittings for this plumbing related application, however, it is claimed that with minimal modification to its method of attachment it could be utilized in other applications. Additionally, the internal poppet valves 18, piston 42 and associated diaphragm system 19 are designed to be separated 15 internally 20. The poppet valve assembly 21, diaphragms 19, piston 42 and spring adjuster system 22, as well as each individual end cap 14, 16, can be reversed end for end in the main valve body 9. This reverses the position of the pilot chamber 17 relative to both the cistern waste outlet 23 and the sewer waste outlet 24. The effect of this is to allow the maintenance of the Normally Open or Normally Closed 20 configuration of the valve poppet assembly 21, relative to the cistern waste 23 and sewer waste outlets 24, under changed pilot chamber position and pressure conditions. The Waste Valve pilot pressure can be obtained by one or other of two methods depending on mains supply water pressure available. Where adequate pressure is available to provide sufficient energy to operate the Waste Valve 9 and 25 simultaneously provide sufficient flow to the sink faucet 4 from the same single supply 8 provided from the float valve Faucet Port P2, the Pilot Chamber Port 25 on the Waste Valve pilot chamber 17 is connected to a tee 7 on the faucet supply pipe 8. This pressure and flow in the faucet supply pipe 8 can be regulated to some extent by adjustment of the Cistern Port P1 at the Float Valve I and/or the use of a flow 30 restricting device 26 between the tee 7 and the faucet 4 to create an increase in back pressure to the pilot chamber 17 if this is required for improved operation. The Pilot Port P3 at the Float Valve I is blanked off in this arrangement and the poppet valve assembly 21, internal parts and end caps 14, 16 of the Waste Valve 9 are assembled so 16 that the pilot chamber 17 of the Waste Valve 9 is fitted adjacent to the sewer waste outlet port 24 of the Waste Valve 9. The cistern waste outlet 23 for grey water return to the cistern at the Waste Valve 9, in normal static conditions, is normally closed under Waste Valve adjustable spring pressure in this arrangement when the sink 5 faucet is not running or cistern refilling. Simultaneously the Waste Valve sewer waste outlet 24 to the sewer 27 is opened. In this static position the sink 30, and a separate tap 31 supplied directly from the water mains 2, if fitted, can be used for normal ablutions which may produce grey water too soiled to be discharged via the toilet cistern 3. In this event the now opened Waste Valve sewer waste outlet 24 discharges 10 the more heavily soiled grey water directly to the sewer 27. When the toilet 37 is flushed, both the Float Valve 1 and connected sink faucet 4 running and cistern refilling, the increased pilot pressure from Float Valve Faucet Port P2 closes the Waste Valve sewer waste outlet 24 and opens the cistern waste outlet 23. This allows the faucet water to be returned to the cistern as grey water via an interconnecting 15 waste return pipe 5 during the toilet flush cycle. In an arrangement where lower mains water pressure exists and may not be sufficient to operate both Waste Valve 9 and sink faucet 4 simultaneously, the sink faucet alone is supplied by pipe work 28 connected directly to the faucet Port P2 at the Float Valve I. An additional pipe 29 connects the Float Valve Venturi 10 via 20 the Pilot Port P3 at the Float Valve I directly to the Pilot Chamber Port 25 at the Waste Valve 9. Additionally the poppet valve assembly 21 , internal parts and end caps 14, 16 of the Waste Valve 9 are reversed and the pilot chamber 17 is moved to the other end of the Waste Valve 9 adjacent to the cistern waste water return outlet 23. The cistern waste outlet 23 for grey water return to the cistern 3 at the Waste Valve 9, 25 in normal static conditions, is Normally Closed under water mains back pressure in this arrangement. This is provided by increased pilot pressure via the Float Valve Venturi 10 system when the toilet cistern has refilled, the Float Valve I has closed and the faucet 4 is not operating. Simultaneously the Waste Valve outlet 24 to the sewer 27 is opened. In this static position the sink 30, and a separate tap 31 supplied directly 30 from the mains 2, if fitted, can be used for normal ablutions which may produce grey water too soiled to be discharged via the toilet cistern 3. In this event, the now opened Waste Valve 9 discharges the more heavily soiled grey water directly to the sewer 27. When the toilet 37 is flushed and both the Float Valve I and connected sink faucet 4 17 running, a drop in Float Valve Venturi 10 pressure, and subsequent drop in Waste Valve pilot 17 pressure allows the Waste Valve adjustable spring 32 to close the Waste Valve sewer outlet 24. The Waste Valve cistern waste water return outlet 23 now opens to allow running faucet water 4 to be returned to the cistern as grey water 5 via an interconnecting waste return pipe 5 during the toilet flush cycle. Appropriate spring pressure in the Waste Valve 9 is achieved by the fitment of a spring 32 of suitable range to match the particular system configuration and/or by manual adjustment of the spring adjuster control 15, at the time of installation. 10 A pressure or electric microswitch 34 can be added to the Waste Valve 9 to control a pump 33 where the particular system layout requires it. The switch would be actuated by either Pilot Chamber 17 pressure at the Switch Port 35 or by linear movement of the Poppet Valve assembly 21. The contact switching characteristics of such a switch, i.e. normally open or normally closed, would be 15 dictated by mains water pressure available, and in turn the position of the pilot chamber 17, to achieve the required operating sequence of the Poppet Valve assembly 21. FAUCET 4 The prime purpose of the sink Faucet 4 is to direct a stream of water 20 into the sink 30 for hand washing during the toilet flush cycle. The sink Faucet may be of any external shape with a suitable means of attachment to the interconnecting pipework from the Float Valve Faucet Port P2 and a means of stable attachment to the sink surround 36. It is continuously open and has no controlling handle or means of closing off. As an extension of the water pressure system from Float Valve Faucet 25 Port P2 the internal diameter of the faucet waterway is sufficiently small enough to maintain an adequate mix of flow and back pressure as required in certain system layout configurations. Back pressure may be adjusted by the inclusion of a flow restricting device 26. PUMP 33 30 The prime purpose of the pump 33 is to raise discharge from the Waste Valve cistern waste water return outlet 23 during the toilet flush/faucet flow cycle to cistern 3 height when cistern top level is above sink outlet level. The pump is a "mini" pump with suitable connections for attachment to the pipework from the Waste Valve 18 cistern waste water return outlet 23. It may be DC or AC of suitable voltage supplied from battery or mains power. It will operate in most layouts at a relatively low head and its flow rate is matched approximately to faucet flow rate to provide unimpeded discharge from the sink. Activation of the pump is achieved by a switch arrangement 5 at the Waste Valve 9. SEPARATE ADDITIONAL WATER MAIN SUPPLIED TAP 31 The prime purpose of the separate additional water main 2 supplied tap 31 is to permit the sink to be used for normal ablutions such as shaving, cleaning teeth, washing, etc. in certain layout configurations. These additional activities may 10 create waste grey water too soiled to be discharged via the toilet cistern. This system is designed to discharge this more heavily soiled waste grey water directly to the sewer 27 via the Waste Valve sewer outlet 24 when this is coupled to a sewer connection. A single suitable standard controllable tap can be used if only hot or 15 cold water is supplied. If both hot and cold water are supplied two additional taps may be used if sink design permits the use of both as well as the sink Faucet 4. Conversely a mixer type of water valve/tap may be used to provide both hot and cold water to the sink were space is limited by sink design which provides for only one additional tap to the sink Faucet 4. 20 INTERCONNECTING PIPE WORK Separate individual pipes 5, 8, 28, 29 of appropriate internal diameter to maintain an adequate mix of backpressure and flow, as required in the pressure side of the system, or to maintain adequate flow, in the waste discharge side of the system, may be used. Other types of pipe work, which may for example have multi core 25 waterways within a single outer pipe circumference, may also be used where these meet the internal diameter requirements noted. Typical configured layouts are illustrated in Figures 4 to 13 but this is not necessarily an exclusive list of the scope or application to which components may be put. In general, Figures 4 to 8 illustrate configurations preferred in higher mains 30 water pressure situations and Figures 9 to 1 illustrate configurations preferred in lower mains water pressure situations. Higher Mains Pressure Layouts Lavout Al (No diagram) 19 In the simplest configuration of the system, where hand wash facilities are not required, the Float Valve I may be used alone as a typical standard cistern float valve after the Faucet Port P2 and the Pilot Port P3 are both blanked off and the adjustable diverting Cistern Port P1 is opened fully. The Waste Valve 9, 5 interconnecting pipework and other components, are not required in this arrangement. Layout Bl& BIa (Figures 4 and 5 respectively) In another system configuration where sufficient fall exists between sink 30 and cistern 3, the sink 30 is used only for hand washing, and sewer connection is not available, fresh water is supplied directly to the sink faucet 4 by pipework from 10 the Float Valve Faucet Port P2 when the cistern 3 is flushed and grey water is returned from sink 30 to cistern 3 under gravity via waste return pipe 5. The Waste Valve 9 is not required and an additional mains supplied tap 31 would not necessarily be fitted. This configuration, the simplest hand washing layout, could apply to a sink 30 above the cistern 3 (Figure 5), a sink 30 fitted into or part of the cistern 3 or a remote sink 15 30 where interconnecting pipework is added (Figure 4). The adjustable Cistern Port P1 in the Float Valve I and/or a flow restricting device 26 provides the method of regulating flow and pressure in the faucet supply pipe line as required and, if opened at all, even slightly, will provide a supply of water directly to the cistern 3 which will result in eventual shut off of the Float Valve I at the cistern 3 in the event of a 20 blockage at any remote sink 30. The float Valve Pilot Port P3 is blanked off in this arrangement. Layout B2 (Figure 6) In a further system configuration, where sufficient fall exists between sink 30 and cistern 3 and a sewer connection 27 is available, as well as the faucet 4, a 25 separate mains supplied tap 31 can be fitted to the sink 30 which then may be used for other ablutions as well as hand wash, such as shaving, cleaning teeth etc. and allows more versatile use of bathroom facilities. In this configuration the Waste Valve 9 is added and the sewer waste outlet 24 connected to the sewer pipework 27. The Waste Valve 9 is assembled with 30 the pilot chamber 17 fitted adjacent to the Water Valve sewer waste outlet 24. The Float Valve Faucet Port P2 supplies fresh water to both the Faucet 4 and Waste Valve pilot chamber 17 from the same supply pipe when the Float Valve I is running. The Waste Valve 9 opens the sink 30 to cistern waste outlet 23 when the Waste Valve 20 pilot chamber 17 is pressurized, the faucet 4 is running and the cistern 3 is refilling. Grey water is returned from the sink 30 to the cistern 3 by gravity and contributes to cistern refilling. When cistern 3 refill is complete, the Float Valve I causes the faucet 4 to stop running and the reduced pilot pressure allows the Waste Valve 9 to close the 5 sink 30 to cistern waste outlet 23 and open the sewer waste outlet 24 under spring pressure. At any time the cistern 3 is not refilling, the sink 30 can be used for normal ablutions and the more polluted grey water is diverted directly to the sewer 27. The Float Valve Pilot Port P3 is blanked off in this arrangement. Layout B3 (Figure 7) 10 In this configuration, where insufficient fall exists between sink 30 and cistern 3 and a sewer connection 27 is not available, the mains supplied tap 31 would not necessarily be fitted. In this configuration, the Waste Valve 9 would be added and fitted with a blanking cap on the sewer waste outlet 24 to seal off the sewer connection. The Waste Valve 9 is assembled with the pilot port 17 fitted adjacent to 15 the Waste Valve sewer waste outlet 24. The Float Valve Faucet Port P2 supplies fresh water to both the Faucet 4 and Waste Valve pilot chamber 17 from the same supply pipe when the Float Valve I is running. The Waste Valve 9 opens the sink 30 to cistern waste outlet 23 when the Waste Valve pilot chamber 17 is pressurized, the faucet 4 is running and the cistern 3 is refilling. Because grey water can not return 20 from the sink 30 to the cistern 3 by gravity, a pump 33 with check valve is fitted to the sink waste return pipe 5 to raise hand wash grey water from sink outlet to cistern top level and thereby contribute to cistern 3 refilling. The Waste Valve 9 incorporates the ability to actuate a pressure switch or other micro switch 34, either by the Pilot Chamber pressure from the Switch Port 35 or linear movement of the poppet valve 25 assembly 21, to control the pump 33 at the appropriate time in the operating cycle. When cistern 3 refill is complete, the Float Valve I causes the faucet 4 to stop running and the reduced pilot pressure allows the Waste Valve 9 to close the sink 30 to cistern waste outlet 23 and open (internal effect only) the blanked off sewer waste outlet 24 under spring pressure. In this configuration, the sewer waste outlet 24 is redundant 30 and the Waste Valve 9 is primarily acting as a controlling device for the pump 33. The Float Valve Pilot Port P3 is blanked off in this arrangement. Layout B4 (Figzure 8) In this configuration where insufficient fall exists between sink 30 and 21 cistern 3 and a sewer connection 27 is available, as well as a faucet 4, a separate mains supplied tap 3 1 can be fitted to the sink 30 which then may be used for other ablutions as well as hand wash, such as shaving, cleaning teeth or the like and allows more versatile use of bathroom facilities. 5 In this configuration, the Waste Valve 9 would be added and the sewer waste outlet 24 connected to the sewer pipework 27. The Waste Valve 9 is assembled with the pilot port 17 adjacent to the Waste Valve sewer waste outlet 24. The Float Valve Faucet Port P2 supplies fresh water to both the Faucet 4 and Waste Valve pilot chamber 17 from the same supply pipe when the Float Valve I is running. The Waste 10 Valve 9 opens the sink to cistern waste outlet 23 when, the Waste Valve pilot chamber 17 is pressurized, the faucet 4 is running and the cistern 3 is refilling. Because grey water can not return from the sink 30 to the cistern 2 by gravity, a pump 33 with check valve is fitted to the sink waste return pipe 5 to raise hand wash grey water from sink outlet to cistern top level and thereby contribute to cistern refilling. 15 The Waste Valve 9 incorporates the ability to actuate a pressure switch or other microswitch 34, either by Pilot Chamber pressure from the Switch Port 35 or linear movement of the poppet valve assembly 21, to control the pump 33 at the appropriate time in the operating cycle. When cistern 3 refill is complete the Float Valve I causes the faucet 4 to stop running and the reduced pilot pressure allows the 20 Waste Valve 9 to close the sink to cistern waste outlet 23 and open the sewer waste outlet 24 under spring pressure. At any time the cistern 3 is not refilling the sink 30 can be used for normal ablutions and the more polluted grey water is diverted directly to the sewer 27. The Float Valve Pilot Port P3 is blanked off in this arrangement. Lower Mains Pressure Layouts 25 Layout Cl (Figure 9) In a further system configuration, where sufficient fall exists between sink 30 and cistern 3 and a sewer connection 27 is available, as well as the faucet 4, a separate mains supplied tap 31 can be fitted to the sink 30 which then may be used for other ablutions as well as hand wash, such as shaving, cleaning teeth etc. and allows 30 more versatile use of bathroom facilities. In this configuration, the Waste Valve 9 is added and the sewer waste outlet 24 connected to the sewer pipework. The Waste Valve 9 is assembled with the pilot port 17 fitted adjacent to the Waste Valve cistern waste outlet 23. In this 22 arrangement where mains water pressure may not be sufficient to operate both Waste Valve 9 and sink faucet 4 simultaneously, the sink faucet 4 alone is supplied with fresh water by pipe work connected directly to the Float Valve Faucet Port P2. An additional pipe connects the Venturi 10 via the Pilot Port P3 at the Float Valve 1 5 directly to the Pilot Chamber Port 25 at the Waste Valve 9. Due to static mains water back pressure from the Float Valve Pilot Port P3 when the Faucet 4 is not running and cistern 3 not filling, the Waste Valve pilot chamber 17 is pressurized and the Waste Valve 9 opens the sewer waste outlet 24. At any time the cistern 3 is not refilling the sink 30 can be used for normal ablutions and the more soiled grey water which may be 10 produced is diverted directly to the sewer 27. When the toilet 37 is flushed the Float Valve faucet Port P2 supplies fresh water to the Faucet 4. The reduced pressure at the Float Valve Pilot Port P3 when mains water is flowing, and subsequently reduced Waste Valve pilot pressure, allows the Waste Valve 9 to close the sewer waste outlet 24 and open the cistern waste outlet 23 under spring pressure. Grey water is returned 15 from the sink 30 to the cistern 3 by gravity via the cistern waste outlet 23 and contributes to cistern refilling. Layout C2 (Figure 10) In this configuration where insufficient fall exists between sink 30 and cistern 3 and a sewer connection is not available, the mains supplied tap 31 would not 20 be fitted. In this configuration the Waste Valve 9 would be added and fitted with a blanking cap on the sewer waste outlet 24 to seal off the sewer connection. The Waste Valve 9 is assembled with the pilot port 17 fitted adjacent to the Waste Valve cistern waste outlet 23. In this arrangement, where mains water pressure may not be sufficient to operate both Waste Valve 9 and sink faucet 4 simultaneously, the sink faucet 4 25 alone is supplied with fresh water by pipe work connected directly to the Float Valve Faucet Port P2. An additional pipe 29 connects the Venturi 10 via the pilot Port P3 at the Float Valve I directly to the Pilot Chamber Port 25 at the Waste Valve 9. Due to static mains water back pressure from the Float Valve Pilot Port P3 when the Faucet 4 is not running and cistern 3 not refilling, the Waste Valve pilot chamber 17 is 30 pressurized and the Waste Valve 9 opens (internal effect only) the sewer waste outlet 24 which is blanked off. When the toilet 37 is flushed the Float Valve Faucet Port P2 supplies fresh water to the Faucet 4. The reduced venturi 10 pressure at the Float Valve Pilot Port P3 when mains water is flowing and subsequently reduced Waste 23 Valve pilot pressure, allows the Waste Valve 9 to close the sewer waste outlet 24 and open the cistern waste outlet 23 under spring pressure. Because the grey water can not return from the sink 30 to the cistern 3 by gravity, a pump 33 with check valve is fitted to the sink waste return pipe 5to raise hand wash grey water from sink outlet to 5 cistern top level and thereby contribute to cistern refilling. The Waste Valve 9 incorporates the ability to actuate a pressure switch or other micro switch 34, either by Pilot Chamber pressure from the Switch Port 35 or linear movement of the poppet valve assembly 21, to control the pump 33 at the appropriate time in the operating cycle. 10 Layout C3 (Figure 11) In this configuration where insufficient fall exists between sink 30 and cistern 3 and a sewer connection 27 is available, as well as a faucet 4, a separate mains supplied tap 3 1 can be fitted to the sink 30 which then may be used for other ablutions as well as hand wash, such as shaving, cleaning teeth etc. and allows more versatile 15 use of bathroom facilities. In this configuration, the Waste Valve 9 is added and the sewer waste outlet 24 connected to the sewer pipework 27. The Waste Valve 9 is assembled with the Pilot Port 25 fitted adjacent to the Waste Valve cistern waste outlet 23. In this arrangement where mains water pressure may not be sufficient to operate both Waste 20 Valve 9 and sink faucet 4 simultaneously, the sink faucet 4 alone is supplied with fresh water by pipe work connected directly to the Float Valve Faucet Port P2. An additional pipe connects the Venturi 10 via the Pilot Port P3 at the Float Valve 1 directly to the Pilot Chamber Port 17 at the Waste Valve 9. Due to static mains water back pressure from the Float Valve Pilot Port P3 when the Faucet 4 is not running and 25 cistern 3 not filling the Waste Valve pilot chamber 17 is pressurized and the Waste Valve 9 opens the sewer waste outlet 24. At any time the cistern 3 is not refilling the sink 30 can be used for normal ablutions and the more soiled grey water which may be produced is diverted directly to the sewer. When the toilet 37 is flushed the Float Valve Faucet Port P2 supplies fresh water to the Faucet 4. The reduced venturi 30 pressure at the Float Valve Pilot Port P3 when mains water is flowing and subsequently reduced Waste Valve pilot pressure, allows the Waste Valve 9 to close the sewer waste outlet 24 and open the cistern waste outlet 23 under spring pressure. Because the grey water can not return from the sink 30 to the cistern 3 by gravity a 24 pump 33 with check valve is fitted to the sink waste return pipe 5to raise hand wash grey water from sink outlet to cistern top level and thereby contribute to cistern refilling. The Waste Valve 9 incorporates the ability to actuate a pressure switch or other micro switch 34, either by Pilot Chamber pressure from the switch Port 35 or 5 linear movement of the poppet valve assembly 21, to control the pump 33 at the appropriate time in the operating cycle. Layout Dl (Figure 12) In any layout configuration where insufficient fall exists between sink 30 and cistern 3, a pump 33 with check valve is fitted to raise hand wash grey water 10 from sink outlet 13 to cistern top-level thereby contributing to cistern refilling. In any low sink level configuration, where a sewer connection 27 is not available, the pump 33 may alternatively be actuated by a flow sensing, optical/electronic, or similar switching device 39 situated at any position in the sink faucet pipeline 8 between the float valve I and faucet 4 or adjacent to the inlet or outlet of these components. This 15 switching device would operate when water is flowing from the float valve faucet port P2 to the faucet 4 and may be AC or DC operated by suitable voltage supplied from battery or mains power. One example of this configuration is illustrated in Figure 12 which includes some of the features of Figure 7 but includes the removal of the waste valve 9, the switching control of the pump, and the hydraulic connection from the sink 20 faucet pipeline 8, at T-connector 7, to the waste valve pilot chamber port 25. This is replaced with a flow sensing, optical/electronic, or similar switching device 39 for pump control. Additionally, the sink to cistern water return pipe 5 is connected directly to the sink waste outlet 13. Layout D2 (Figure 13) 25 In any layout configuration where the waste valve 9 is required, and fitted, it may alternatively be actuated by an electromagnetic solenoid or other similar electronic device 40 providing a mechanical pilot power source. The solenoid, or other device, in turn may be actuated by a flow sensing, optical/electronic, or similar switching device 39 situated at any suitable position in the sink faucet pipeline 8 30 between the float valve 1 and faucet 4 or adjacent to the inlet or outlet of these components. This switching device would operate when water is flowing from the float valve faucet port P2 to the faucet 4. The solenoid and switching devices may be AC or DC operated by suitable voltage provided from battery or mains power. One 25 example of this configuration is illustrated in Figure 13 which includes many of the features of the layout illustrated in Figure 6 but includes the removal of the hydraulic connection from the sink faucet pipeline 8, at T-connector 7, to the waste valve pilot chamber port 25 and its replacement with an electrically operated solenoid 40 and a 5 flow sensing controlling device 39 to provide an alternative control pilot power arrangement. There are many benefits to the present invention including the following: > Water is saved through reuse. 10 > Water use is limited to that which would normally be used to fill the cistern while providing hand washing. > Good hygiene benefits are obtained through convenience and availability of hand washing facilities immediately adjacent to the toilet. > Hygiene benefits are provided as there is no need to handle a controlling tap on 15 the free flow faucet. > Public infrastructure costs are reduced through lower demand on public water supplies. > Excess water charges are reduced. > There will be encouragement of washing hands after using the toilet. 20 > The assembly is comparatively simple to retrofit to existing toilet facilities. > The assembly can be readily built into new constructions. > Provides wash facilities in areas of limited space. Throughout the specification and the claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or 25 "comprising", will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms. 30 It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A water saving system including a combination of a toilet and a sink, the toilet having a cistern, the sink having an outlet which is in fluid communication with the cistern, a faucet to pass water into the sink, the cistern containing a diverter 5 valve assembly with an inlet port connected to an external water supply and at least two outlets, one cistern outlet and one faucet outlet, a float valve to actuate and stop a filling cycle, the float valve having a float associated with a valve body, the at least two outlets selectively communicable with the inlet port by the float valve actuated valve body, flow through the at least two outlets controlled by 10 the float valve.

2. A water saving system including a combination of a toilet and a sink, the toilet having a cistern, the sink having an outlet which is in fluid communication with the cistern, a faucet to pass water into the sink, the cistern having a cistern diverter valve assembly with an inlet port connected to an external water supply 15 and at least three outlets, one cistern outlet, one faucet outlet in communication with a faucet mounted relative to the sink and a pilot outlet, a float valve to actuate and stop a filling cycle, the float valve having a float associated with a valve body, the cistern outlet and the faucet outlet selectively communicable with the inlet port by the float valve actuated valve body, flow through the cistern 20 outlet and the faucet outlet allowed by the float valve when the cistern is filling, the sink having a sink diverter valve assembly, the assembly including a valve main body having an inlet from the sink and at least two outlets, a waste outlet and a return outlet to return grey water for re-use to the cistern, a valve seat adjacent each outlet, a valve stem mounting at least a pair of valve members 25 spaced to close one of the outlets, the valve stem biased to maintain the waste outlet open, and a sealing means associated with the valve stem and associated with a flow of liquid from the cistern diverter valve assembly when the cistern is filling such that when a sufficient pressure is applied to the sealing means by the liquid pressure from the pilot outlet of the cistern diverter valve assembly when 30 the cistern is filling, the bias is overcome and the valve stem is moved to open the return outlet.

3. A water saving system according to either one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the faucet automatically supplies water to the sink as soon as the toilet is flushed. 27

4. A water saving system according to either one of claims I or 2 wherein the sink is provided with a return pipe back into the cistern and where the return pipe is associated with a cut-off valve which will switch off when the cistern water is full.

5 5. A water saving system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sink is located remotely from the toilet.

6. A water saving system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sink has an outlet which is in fluid communication with the cistern.

7. A water saving system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the 10 cistern is plumbed to an external supply of water.

8. A water saving system according to claim 1 wherein a shut-off system is provided between the sink outlet and the cistern and once the cistern is filled, water can no longer flow from the sink into the cistern.

9. A water saving system according to claims 8 wherein the pipe work below the 15 sink includes a first pipe which contains the shut-off system back to the cistern and a second pipe which flows to the septic or sewer.

10. A cistern diverter valve assembly including an inlet port connected to an external water supply and at least two outlets, a float valve to actuate and stop a filling cycle, the float valve having a float associated with a valve body, the at least two 20 outlets selectively communicable with the inlet port by the float valve actuated valve body, flow through the at least two outlets controlled by the float valve.

11. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to claim 10 wherein the at least one inlet to the valve assembly is provided through a hollow, elongate standpipe.

12. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to claim 11 wherein a diverter body 25 portion is located at an upper end of the standpipe.

13. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to claim 10 wherein a first standpipe portion is provided through which the at least one inlet extends and a second standpipe portion is provided concentric with the first standpipe portion and spaced therefrom to form an outlet to the cistern, with a diverter body portion 30 located at an upper end of the second standpipe portion, the second standpipe portions moveable relative to the first standpipe portion.

14. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to either claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the diverter body provides fluid communication between the inlet, and 28 preferably three outlets, namely a cistern outlet, a faucet outlet and a pilot outlet, with a valve body allowing, restricting and preventing flow through two of the three outlets (the cistern outlet and faucet outlets) in response to actuation from the float valve. 5

15. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to claim 14 wherein the diverter body is provided with at least one venturi associated with the pilot outlet in order to provide a variation of water pressure in order to actuate valve opening and closing.

16. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to either one of claims 14 or 15 10 further including a valve seat and opening into which a valve body seals, in communication with both of the cistern outlet and the faucet outlet.

17. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the pilot outlet is provided upstream of the valve opening.

18. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein 15 the amount of water diverted from the cistern outlet to the faucet outlet is adjustable by provision of an adjustable valve in the inlet-cistern outlet flow path.

19. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 18 further including a float to actuate the valve body in the diverter body.

20. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 19 wherein 20 the float is mounted on an arm with the valve body mounted on a valve stem adapted to move substantially vertically between an open and closed condition.

21. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 19 wherein the float is mounted concentrically about the stand pipe.

22. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 2lwherein 25 the height of the float is adjustable.

23. A cistern diverter valve assembly according to claim 14 wherein he cistern outlet, the faucet outlet and the pilot outlet are spaced radially about the diverter body within approximately 900 of each other.

24. A water saving system substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 30 4 to 13.

25. A cistern diverter valve assembly substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 or 2