"Rain barrels, though, are pretty forgiving once you find a spot you like."
True enough, rain barrels are solid once you get past the initial setup. But honestly, greywater systems don't have to be a nightmare if they're done right from the start. Most of the issues I've seen come from DIY setups or cutting corners on filters and maintenance access. A properly installed diverter valve and a decent filter can save you a ton of headaches down the line... just saying.
Yeah, rain barrels are pretty straightforward once they're set up. Tried a greywater system myself a couple years back—worked fine until the filter clogged because I underestimated maintenance. Lesson learned: don't skimp on accessibility or ease of filter cleaning... trust me on this one.
Totally feel you on the filter maintenance thing. I set up a DIY rain barrel system last spring—thought I'd save a few bucks by skipping the fancy filter setup. Worked great at first, but after a couple storms, leaves and gunk clogged it up pretty good. Ended up soaked and frustrated trying to clear it out in the pouring rain... lesson learned here too, haha. Definitely worth investing a bit more upfront for easier upkeep down the road.
Haha, been there myself—nothing quite like wrestling soggy leaves out of a barrel in the pouring rain to make you question your life choices. Good news is, once you get a decent filter in place, maintenance gets way easier...hang in there!
Haha, soggy leaves are the absolute worst...been elbow-deep in that mess more times than I'd like to admit. But you're spot on about the filter—once you nail that setup, it's a total game changer. Honestly, sustainable plumbing upgrades can feel like a hassle at first, but they're worth every soggy minute. Hang tight, you'll be bragging about your rain barrel setup in no time.
