A water distribution pipe comprises an elbow formation along its length, an aperture-defining formation defining an aperture in a radially distal wall of the elbow formation along a radius of the curvature of the elbow, and an openable closure that is mounted or mountable to the aperture-defining formation and that closes the aperture.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transferring heat energy from a waste-liquid, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises at least one heat exchange element (107) for transferring heat energy from waste liquid in a first container (101) to a first target fluid, at least one heat pump element (111) for transferring heat energy from waste-liquid transferred from the first container to the further container (102), at least one selectively operable exit-valve element (115) for selectively providing at least one fluid communication path for allowing waste-liquid to exit from the further container, and at least one controller element for selectively operating the heat pump element to transfer heat energy from waste-liquid in the further container to a further target fluid and/or for selectively operating the at least one selectively operable exit-valve element.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transferring heat energy from a waste-liquid, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises at least one heat exchange element (107) for transferring heat energy from waste liquid in a first container (101) to a first target fluid, at least one heat pump element (111) for transferring heat energy from waste-liquid transferred from the first container to the further container (102), at least one selectively operable exit-valve element (115) for selectively providing at least one fluid communication path for allowing waste-liquid to exit from the further container, and at least one controller element for selectively operating the heat pump element to transfer heat energy from waste-liquid in the further container to a further target fluid and/or for selectively operating the at least one selectively operable exit-valve element.

A faucet is provided that electronically controls the flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed. The faucet illustratively includes a faucet body and a faucet handle. In some embodiments, the faucet may include a faucet body and be voice controlled. The faucet illustratively includes an inertial motion unit sensor mounted in the faucet handle to sense spatial orientation of the faucet handle. The faucet illustratively includes an electronic flow control system to adjust flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed. The faucet illustratively includes a controller configured to receive signals from the inertial motion unit sensor and control the electronic flow control system to adjust flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed based upon the position of the faucet handle.

In one aspect, a water conservation apparatus is provided that includes a diverter having an inlet for being connected to a water supply, a primary outlet, and a secondary outlet. The apparatus includes an elongate water storage tank and a supply conduit configured to connect the secondary outlet of the diverter to the water storage tank. The elongate water storage tank has a height and a width perpendicular to the height that is less than the height so that the water from the secondary outlet of the diverter forms a column within the tank. The apparatus further includes a tap having an outlet and a valve, the valve having a closed position that inhibits water flow from the water tank to the outlet and an open position that permits water to be driven out of the outlet by the column of water in the tank.

A passive water-and-energy saving washing unit is provided having a first shower sub-assembly and a second shower sub-assembly. The first shower sub-assembly comprises a first water reservoir, for holding a predetermined volume of water for washing at least part of a body, a water heater, for heating water for the first water reservoir, and a shower head, in fluid communication with the first water reservoir for receiving water from the reservoir and providing water spray on the body part. The second shower sub-assembly comprises a second, grey water reservoir, for collecting the sprayed water from the first shower head and running off the body part, a shower head, in fluid communication with the second water reservoir for receiving the water from the reservoir and providing water spray on the body part, and a water pump, for pumping the water from the second water reservoir to the second shower head. A corresponding kit and a method for washing at least part of body with a washing unit are also provided.

The ultraviolet sterilizer according to the present invention has: a flow channel pipe which has a treatment flow channel therein; a light source which emits ultraviolet rays; a condensing lens which condenses, toward the treatment flow channel, a portion of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source; and a reflector which reflects, toward the treatment flow channel, another portion of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source.

The present inventive concept relates to a method for adjusting a water temperature in a water recirculating device. The method comprises determining a first parameter associated with a first water path; determining a second parameter associated with a second water path; determining a setting of a mixing valve arrangement based on the first and second parameter; and adjusting a water temperature of water output by a water outlet based on the setting of the mixing valve arrangement. The invention also relates to a water recirculating device configured to adjust a water temperature of water output by a water outlet based on the setting of the mixing valve arrangement.

The present invention describes a hybrid device allowing for purification and either recycling of water or discarding of water, wherein said hybrid device comprises a recirculation loop which facilitates recirculation of water within said hybrid device, and also comprises: a filter system comprising at least one filter; at least one water quality sensor, a modified drain, which is adapted to collect the water used and to facilitate the stream of water used towards the recycling loop and filter system, so that water can be purified and recirculated, or towards drainage; a water treatment unit arranged for hygenisation of water; a functionality sensor for the water treatment unit; wherein the hybrid device is arranged so that: it can operate in a recirculation mode providing purification and recirculation of water, until the water passing through said hybrid device is at a maximum level of contaminants; when any of said sensors is indicating the need to do so, and in particular when said at least one water quality sensor indicates that the water is contaminated above said maximum level of contaminants, the same water is redirected from recirculation to drainage and is discarded from the hybrid device.

The present invention describes a hybrid device allowing for purification and either recycling of water or discarding of water, wherein said hybrid device comprises a recirculation loop which facilitates recirculation of water within said hybrid device, and also comprises: a filter system comprising at least one filter; at least one water quality sensor, a modified drain, which is adapted to collect the water used and to facilitate the stream of water used towards the recycling loop and filter system, so that water can be purified and recirculated, or towards drainage; a water treatment unit arranged for hygenisation of water; a functionality sensor for the water treatment unit; wherein the hybrid device is arranged so that: it can operate in a recirculation mode providing purification and recirculation of water, until the water passing through said hybrid device is at a maximum level of contaminants; when any of said sensors is indicating the need to do so, and in particular when said at least one water quality sensor indicates that the water is contaminated above said maximum level of contaminants, the same water is redirected from recirculation to drainage and is discarded from the hybrid device.