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How to Build a Counterflow Rinse

Rinsing your homemade fabrics projects in a counterflow rinse is like rinsing them in a gently flowing stream. A counterflow rinse is a series of cascading rinsing tanks. Also called cascade rinses, they conserve water and reduce pollution. Industrial uses of counterflow rinse system systems include textile manufacture and electroplating. You may want to make your own counterflow rinse, if you make or dye your own fabrics as a hobby or small business. You can build your own counterflow rinse system in under two hours.

Things You'll Need

Freestanding dual plastic utility sink with stoppers and drains included
Power drill
5/8-inch-wide spade drill bit
6 PVC bulkhead fittings, 1/2-inch-interior-diameter
4 PVC elbow fittings, 1/2-inch-interior-diameter
5-foot-long PVC pipe, 1/2-inch-exterior-diameter
Hacksaw with PVC-cutting blade
Plumbing adhesive
Washable felt marker
2 pipe-to-hose connectors, 1/2 inch

Instructions

Counterflow tanks
- 1
  Cut eight pieces from the PVC-pipe with the hacksaw. You need two 9-1/2-inch lengths, four 6-inch lengths and two 2-inch lengths.
- 2
  Spread plumbing adhesive on both ends of the 9-1/2-inch long pipes. Push an elbow bracket onto each pipe end so that you have two Z-shapes. Spread plumbing adhesive onto one end of each 2-inch length and the two 6-inch lengths. Let the adhesive set according to instructions on the tube.
- 3
  Attach the spade drill bit to your power drill. Make two "X" marks with the washable marker on the center wall of one sink basin two inches from the top and and two inches from the center. Center an "X" on that basin's outer wall two inches from the bottom. Make two "X" marks on the other basin's center wall one inch from the bottom and two inches from the center. Center an "X" on that basin's outer walls three inches from the top. Drill through all marks.
- 4
  Unscrew the bulkhead fittings, insert them into the sink basin drill holes and screw them back together.
- 5
  Spread plumbing adhesive on the insides of the bulkhead fittings. Insert the 6-inch PVC lengths into the bottom drill holes and the 2-inch lengths into the top drill holes of the center sink walls. Insert the remaining 6-inch length into the bulkhead fittings of the outer sink walls.
- 6
  Spread plumbing adhesive on the insides of the pipe-to-hose connectors' pipe ends. Push them onto the free ends of the exterior 6-inch lengths. Let the adhesive dry.
- 7
  Stopper the sinks. Connect the lower pipe-to-hose connector to your water source.

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