I've actually found greywater systems to be a bit more finicky than you're suggesting. Had one installed about five years ago, and honestly, it wasn't exactly "set it and forget it." Soap scum and hair buildup were definitely issues—had to clean filters regularly or things got messy fast. Rain barrels, on the other hand, have been pretty low-maintenance for me. Maybe it's just luck or setup differences, but I'd lean toward rainwater if simplicity's your goal...
Interesting, but have you tried switching soaps or installing a hair catcher in the shower drain? We've had way less buildup since making those tweaks. Rain barrels are great until drought hits...then what?
Switching soaps definitely helps with buildup, I've noticed the same thing. But rain barrels drying up during droughts is a real issue—been there, done that. Greywater recycling seems more reliable in dry spells, but I'm curious about maintenance. Has anyone dealt with filter clogging or pump issues over time? Wondering if the upkeep outweighs the benefits in the long run...
Totally agree on the soap switch—makes a huge difference. Greywater systems do need regular checks, especially filters. I've seen pumps clog up pretty bad if hair or lint gets through. Still, once you get a routine down, it's honestly not that big a hassle...worth it IMO.
Good point on the maintenance side. Greywater systems definitely need more hands-on attention, but rainwater harvesting has its quirks too. I've seen plenty of homeowners surprised by algae growth or mosquito issues in rain tanks if they're not sealed properly or maintained regularly. Both systems have their pros and cons...personally, I lean towards greywater for everyday practicality, but it's smart to weigh your specific household needs and local climate before diving in.
