- Rain barrels seemed like a no-brainer when I moved in, but yeah, they’re empty way faster than I expected.
- I’ve been looking into greywater setups—seems like a lot more plumbing work, but way more consistent supply.
- One thing I’m stuck on: how do folks keep the greywater system from clogging up? I read you need special soaps and filters, but is it really that high-maintenance?
- Also, does anyone actually use both at once? Like, is it worth the hassle to set up both systems, or does one usually end up being more trouble than it’s worth?
- For me, rainwater’s great for the first half of spring, then it’s just... gone. Greywater feels a bit weird at first (laundry water on tomatoes?), but if it works, I’ll take it.
Curious if anyone’s had issues with city codes or neighbors complaining about greywater setups? That’s my other worry.
Greywater feels a bit weird at first (laundry water on tomatoes?), but if it works, I’ll take it.
- Clogs are a thing, yeah. Lint from laundry is the main culprit. You’ll want a decent filter and to clean it out more than you think you should.
- Special soaps help, but honestly, most people just use less detergent and skip the bleach.
- Both systems at once? I’ve seen setups where rain barrels top up the greywater tank, but it’s a lot of plumbing for not a ton of payoff unless you’re super into it.
- City codes can be a pain. Some places are chill, others act like you’re building a toxic waste dump. Neighbors usually don’t care unless you make it look like a mad scientist’s lair.
- I get the “weird” factor, but after a while, you stop thinking about it. Plants don’t seem to mind.
Clogs are a thing, yeah. Lint from laundry is the main culprit. You’ll want a decent filter and to clean it out more than you think you should.
Definitely learned that the hard way—my first DIY greywater setup backed up after two weeks because I underestimated how much lint comes off towels. Ended up rigging a mesh strainer from the hardware store, which helped a ton. If you’re handy, it’s not too bad to maintain, but yeah, don’t skip the filter cleaning or you’ll regret it.
I hear you on the lint—my setup nearly flooded the utility room before I realized how fast those filters clog up. I actually switched to a double-filter system: cheap mesh first, then a finer screen. It’s a bit more hassle, but way less risk of backup or leaks. Honestly, I’d rather overdo the maintenance than deal with water damage... not worth the headache or cost.
That lint issue nearly got me too—my first greywater setup was a total learning curve. I remember thinking, “How bad can a little laundry lint be?” Turns out, it’s like glue in the pipes after a month or two. I ended up pulling apart the drain line and fishing out this gross wad that looked like a small animal... not my finest hour.
I’m with you on the double-filter approach. I actually went one step further and put a cleanout valve right before the main outflow, just in case something sneaks through. It’s an extra five minutes every couple weeks, but way easier than mopping up a mini flood at midnight.
Funny thing is, I’ve had way fewer headaches with my rainwater setup. The first flush diverter catches most of the gunk, and the screens don’t clog nearly as fast. Greywater’s great for saving water, but man, it’s high maintenance compared to rainwater harvesting—at least in my experience. Maybe it’s just my old plumbing acting up...
