Composting toilets definitely have their quirks, but I wouldn't write them off completely. I've seen a few setups that worked surprisingly well with minimal fuss—usually the key is choosing the right model and placement. That said, I agree greywater systems are solid once they're installed right. But honestly, even low-flow toilets have come a long way in recent years. Installed a few myself that use barely over a gallon per flush and still get the job done without any drama. Plus, you skip the composting hassle altogether. Just another angle to consider if composting feels too much like babysitting...
Good points all around. I've serviced a fair number of composting toilets, and while they're definitely viable, they do require consistent attention—especially if you're dealing with higher usage or colder climates. Ventilation is critical; I've seen setups fail simply because the venting wasn't properly planned out. If you go composting, invest in a model with a robust ventilation system and make sure it's installed exactly as recommended.
On the other hand, low-flow toilets have improved dramatically over the past decade. The newer models with pressure-assisted flushes are particularly effective—they use minimal water but still clear waste efficiently. Maintenance-wise, they're straightforward: fewer moving parts than older toilets and less prone to clogging if installed correctly.
Greywater systems are great too, but keep in mind local codes can be tricky. I've had clients surprised by how restrictive some municipalities can be about greywater reuse—even for irrigation purposes.
Bottom line: each option has its strengths and weaknesses. Consider your household size, climate conditions, local regulations, and how hands-on you're willing to be with maintenance before making a decision.
Totally agree about the ventilation—I've learned that lesson the hard (and smelly) way. Ever had tenants calling you at midnight because their composting toilet suddenly smells like a barnyard? Trust me, it's not a call you wanna get. Proper venting is definitely key.
But I'm curious, anyone else find composting toilets a bit of a tough sell to renters? I've noticed people are often excited by the idea at first—eco-friendly, off-grid vibes—but when it comes to actually maintaining them... enthusiasm quickly fades. Not everyone loves the idea of regularly turning compost or emptying bins. I usually recommend them only if tenants are genuinely into sustainability and know exactly what they're getting into.
Low-flow toilets, on the other hand, have saved me from quite a few plumbing bills. Seriously, these newer pressure-assisted models are impressive. Remember the old low-flow toilets from the early 2000s that needed like three flushes just to clear paper? Those days are thankfully long gone. I've swapped out most of my older units for modern low-flows and haven't had any major clogging issues since. Plus, tenants barely notice the difference—no complaints means I'm happy.
Greywater systems though... yeah, local codes can be a headache. I once tried setting one up for laundry water reuse in a duplex and ran into so much red tape you'd think I was building a nuclear reactor or something. Ended up shelving the project entirely after weeks of back-and-forth with city officials. Definitely check your local regs before diving too deep into greywater plans.
At the end of the day, it's all about balancing practicality with eco-friendliness, right? If you're hands-on and don't mind some extra maintenance, composting could be great—but for simple reliability and tenant satisfaction, I'm leaning more towards low-flow these days. Curious if others have similar experiences or maybe some success stories with greywater setups...
Yeah, composting toilets definitely have that initial appeal, but maintenance can be tricky. I've had friends who installed one in their tiny house, and after a few months, they admitted it was more work than they'd anticipated—especially with guests who weren't used to it. Low-flow toilets seem like the sweet spot for practicality and eco-friendliness. Haven't tackled greywater yet myself, but hearing your experience makes me think twice about jumping into that project without thorough research first...
I get the hesitation about composting toilets—definitely not everyone's cup of tea, especially when guests are involved. But honestly, once you get past the initial learning curve (and awkward guest explanations...), it's not that bad. We've had ours for over a year now, and after some trial and error (and one memorable incident involving my brother-in-law), it's become second nature. Low-flow toilets are great too, but don't totally dismiss composting yet—it can be surprisingly manageable once you find your groove.
