I've installed a few greywater systems for people, and you're right, they're generally easier to maintain than rainwater tanks. The key is making sure you're using biodegradable soaps and detergents—otherwise, you could end up harming your plants or clogging the pipes over time. Also, it's good practice to install a simple filter or mesh screen at the inlet to catch lint or hair from showers and laundry water. It takes just a minute to clean once in a while and saves you headaches later on.
Rainwater tanks can be great too, but yeah... size matters. Smaller tanks do reduce algae issues somewhat, but placement is equally important. Keeping your tank shaded or even partially underground helps prevent algae growth since sunlight encourages it. I've also seen people use UV sterilizers or simple chlorine tablets occasionally to keep things clear without too much fuss.
And pineapple pizza? That's one plumbing problem I'm not touching with a ten-foot wrench...
I've been considering a greywater setup myself, but I'm still a bit hesitant about the biodegradable soap thing. Do you find that switching to these eco-friendly detergents affects how well your clothes or dishes actually get cleaned? I've tried a couple of those natural laundry soaps before, and honestly, they didn't seem to work as well—maybe I just picked the wrong brands?
Also, about rainwater tanks... does anyone know if partially burying them causes any issues with maintenance or durability long-term? Like, do you need special tanks for underground installation, or can you just sink a regular tank halfway down without problems?
And pineapple pizza debates aside (though I have strong feelings there too...), how much does adding UV sterilizers or chlorine tablets impact the water's taste or safety for garden use? Seems like it might defeat the purpose of collecting rainwater if you're adding chemicals back in...?
I've had a greywater setup for about two years now, and yeah, switching detergents was a bit of trial and error. Some eco-friendly brands just don't cut it, especially with greasy dishes or heavily stained clothes. I've found that plant-based detergents with citrus enzymes seem to work best—at least for me.
About rain tanks, I partially buried a regular tank initially, and it warped slightly after a year... ended up replacing it with one specifically designed for underground use. Lesson learned there.
As for UV sterilizers, they don't affect taste at all, unlike chlorine tablets, which definitely leave a noticeable chemical taste. For garden use, UV is probably your best bet if you're concerned about chemicals.
Totally agree on the citrus enzyme detergents, they've been a lifesaver for greasy pans. Haven't tried UV sterilizers yet, but good to know they don't mess with taste... chlorine tabs always made my water taste like a swimming pool. Might have to look into UV now.
I've been using a UV sterilizer for about six months now, and honestly, it's been a solid investment. Like you mentioned, chlorine tabs always left that weird aftertaste—definitely not ideal for drinking water. The UV setup was pretty straightforward, though it did take some careful planning to position it properly under the sink. Once installed though, zero taste issues and maintenance has been minimal... just replacing the bulb annually. If you're already liking enzyme detergents, you'll probably appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of UV sterilization too.
