Computer-controlled water recapture mechanism

Abstract

A system for redirecting clean water that would otherwise go down the drain is disclosed. The system can save both water as well as energy.

1 . A system for conserving water within a building, comprising:
 a plurality of storage tanks connected to a plumbing infrastructure of the building;   a plurality of remote-activated valves connected to a plumbing infrastructure of the building;   a plurality of temperature sensors connected to a plurality of showerheads within the building; and   a centralized controlling mechanism for operating and controlling the storage tanks, remote-activated valves, and temperature sensors according to user-designated predetermined levels.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 equalizing pumps located near the storage tanks, for reacting to changes in water pressure in the building, and equalizing that water pressure   
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a heating mechanism, located near to one of the plurality of showerheads.   
   
   
       4 . A method of controlling a plumbing system within a building comprising:
 monitoring the water temperature of a bathroom shower mechanism;   registering that the water temperature is not satisfactory according to a predetermined threshold;   preventing the water from reaching the shower mechanism;   re-routing the water to a holding tank;   continuing to monitor the water temperature;   registering that the water temperature is satisfactory; and   enabling the water to reach the shower mechanism.   
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 using the water in the holding tank to fill a flush-tank of a commode.   
   
   
       6 . A method of controlling a plumbing system within a building comprising:
 monitoring the temperature of a water pipe leading to a washing machine;   registering that the water temperature is not satisfactory according to a predetermined threshold;   preventing the water from reaching the washing machine;   re-routing the water to a holding tank;   continuing to monitor the water temperature;   registering that the water temperature is satisfactory; and   enabling the water to reach the washing machine.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 using the water in the holding tank to fill a flush-tank of a commode.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 using the water in the holding tank to supply cold or room-temperature water for a coldwater cycle of a washing machine.   
   
   
       9 . A water-conserving system for a building, comprising:
 a shower assembly located within every of a plurality of showerheads;   a needle valve located within each shower assembly; and   a special key for operating each of said needle valves;   wherein the special key is located in a secure location that is not near the shower assembly, and is not accessible to a user of the shower assembly.