Rainwater toilets and greywater showers: City tries new water-saving tricks

I’ve wondered the same thing about maintenance. Like, it sounds awesome in theory, but I keep picturing some filter getting clogged right before you have to leave for work. That said, I totally agree with this:

why are we using perfectly clean drinking water just to flush?

- The idea of not wasting drinking water on toilets makes so much sense, but yeah, the maintenance part is what gets me too.
- I can barely keep my dishwasher filter from smelling funky, so a whole rainwater system? Hmm.
- Maybe it’s just one more thing to add to the “adulting” list… right after changing the HVAC filter (which I always forget).
- Still, with how dry it’s getting, I’m tempted. Just wish there was a way to know if it’ll actually save money long-term or just create new headaches.

I hear you on the maintenance. I’ve got a couple rentals with older plumbing, and even just keeping regular toilets running smooth is a chore. Rainwater systems sound great in theory, but I’d worry about clogs, weird smells, or something freezing up in winter. That said, water bills are creeping up every year, so maybe it’s worth the hassle if you’re handy or don’t mind calling a plumber now and then. Just don’t expect it to be “set it and forget it” - it’s more like adding another thing to the never-ending home to-do list.

Honestly, I’d have some concerns about tenants trying to flush the wrong stuff or not reporting issues until there’s already a mess. Rainwater tanks and pumps are one more thing that can break. Still, if water rates keep rising, it might pencil out.

Rainwater tanks and pumps are one more thing that can break. Still, if water rates keep rising, it might pencil out.

Yeah, I hear you on the maintenance headaches. Anything with moving parts is just another thing to worry about (and pay for) down the line. But honestly, with how fast water bills are creeping up, even a few breakdowns might be cheaper in the long run. I’m not totally sold on trusting tenants to treat the system right either, but if you stay on top of inspections and maybe put up some clear signs, it could work out. Sometimes you’ve gotta pick your battles... and your utility bills.

I just put in a small rainwater setup for my garden, and even that’s more fiddly than I expected. The pump needed a new seal after six months - nothing major, but it made me realize how much can go wrong. Still, my last water bill was a shock, so I get the appeal. Not sure I’d trust renters to keep an eye on things either... one missed leak and you’re back to square one.

Honestly, you’re not wrong - rainwater systems can be a handful. Pumps, seals, filters… there’s always something that needs a checkup. I’ve seen setups where a tiny leak under the deck went unnoticed for weeks and ended up causing rot. My rule is to do a quick visual inspection every couple of weeks, just to catch issues before they snowball. Maybe overkill, but it’s saved me headaches down the line. Renters can be hit or miss with this stuff - some are great, others just don’t notice until there’s a puddle. Still, once you get the hang of maintenance, the savings are real.

I hear you on the maintenance - those filters always seem to clog up at the worst possible time. I’ve had my share of “surprise” leaks too, usually right after I think everything’s running smoothly. Honestly, I’m not as diligent with inspections as you are, but I try to keep a checklist taped inside the pump cabinet. It’s saved me from a couple disasters. The cost savings do add up, though, especially when the water bill rolls in. Still, I wish these systems came with a little less tinkering and a little more peace of mind...

Honestly, I get what you mean about the constant tinkering. Here’s what’s helped me cut down on surprises: I do a quick visual check every Sunday - just a walk around to spot drips or weird noises. Then, once a month, I flush the filters with a hose before they get too gunky. It’s not foolproof, but it’s kept things running smoother and my stress level lower. Still wish these systems were more “set it and forget it,” though...

That routine you’ve got is honestly the best way to stay ahead of headaches with these setups. I’ve seen way too many folks ignore the “little stuff” and then get blindsided by a pump failure or a filter clog at the worst possible time - usually right before guests show up, or in the middle of a heatwave. The regular walk-around is underrated, for sure.

One thing I’d add: don’t just listen for weird noises, but give the pipes a gentle shake now and then. Sometimes you’ll catch a loose fitting before it becomes a full-on leak. And if you’re using any kind of automated valve, those can get sticky over time - worth cycling them manually every couple months, just to keep ‘em from seizing up.

I hear you on wishing it was more “set it and forget it,” but honestly, with all the moving parts and the way city water pressure can fluctuate, I’m not sure we’ll ever get there 100%. Still, a little routine TLC beats scrambling for emergency repairs at midnight... trust me on that one.

I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I think we can get closer to “set it and forget it” than most folks realize. With the right sensors and a decent controller, a lot of those routine checks can be automated or at least flagged before they become a problem. I’ve had a leak sensor save my basement more than once - worth every penny. Sure, nothing’s totally foolproof, but tech’s catching up faster than people give it credit for.

With the right sensors and a decent controller, a lot of those routine checks can be automated or at least flagged before they become a problem.

I get what you’re saying, but I’m still a bit wary. We put in a smart leak detector under our sink after moving in, and it did catch a slow drip I never would’ve noticed. But then the app kept pinging me for “humidity spikes” every time someone took a shower… drove me nuts until I figured out how to tweak the settings. Tech’s definitely helpful, but it’s not quite “set it and forget it” for me yet. Maybe I just need to trust it more, but I’m not there.

Honestly, I’m with you on the “tech isn’t magic” thing. I tried a smart water monitor for my rainwater tank, and it kept telling me I was about to run out… even though it was pouring outside. Turns out, it just didn’t like my metal tank. Sometimes I feel like these gadgets need as much babysitting as the stuff they’re supposed to watch. Still, I guess I’d rather get a few false alarms than miss a real leak. But yeah, “set it and forget it” is a bit of a stretch for now.

Sometimes I feel like these gadgets need as much babysitting as the stuff they’re supposed to watch.

You nailed it - tech’s great when it works, but sometimes it’s like having a needy pet. Metal tanks are notorious for messing with sensors, especially ultrasonic ones. If you stick with high-tech, a simple float gauge as backup can save headaches. Nothing wrong with good old analog, right?

- Totally agree, those sensors can be a pain - I've had more than one tenant call me about "broken" water level alarms that were just confused by condensation or the tank walls.
- Analog float gauges are old-school but they just work. Less to fiddle with, less to break.
- One thing I’ve learned: always keep a manual shutoff valve handy. When the tech acts up, you’ll be glad for it.
- Not against new gadgets, but if it needs a software update to flush, I’m out. Sometimes simpler is better... especially when you’re the one getting the midnight calls.

Can’t argue with the value of a good old manual shutoff. I’ve seen some of these “smart” systems go haywire just because of a power blip or a bit of dust. I get the push for tech, but sometimes it just adds more headaches than it solves. Analog floats might not be flashy, but at least you know what you’re dealing with.

You nailed it - manual shutoffs just work. I’ve had my share of “smart” gadgets that were supposed to make life easier, but end up acting up at the worst times. There’s something reassuring about being able to see and touch what’s controlling the water, especially when things go sideways. All this new tech is cool in theory, but yeah… sometimes it feels like we’re just adding more stuff that can break.

That said, I do appreciate some of the water-saving ideas behind these systems. Just wish they’d keep the user in mind - simple overrides, clear indicators, that sort of thing. Fancy sensors are great until you’re standing ankle-deep in a puddle because a wire came loose. Analog floats aren’t perfect, but at least you can spot when they’re stuck. Sometimes low-tech really is the way to go.

Manual shutoffs are definitely a lifesaver when things go wrong. I remember helping out on a job where a “smart” valve just decided to stop responding mid-install - ended up crawling under the house to yank the power and close it by hand anyway. I get the appeal of automation, but if you can’t override it easily, it’s just stress waiting to happen. I do like when they add a big, obvious manual lever or something. At least then you’ve got options if the tech flakes out.

Couldn’t agree more about the need for a manual override. I’ve lost count of how many times a “smart” system just froze up on me, usually at the worst possible moment. Automation’s great when it works, but if you can’t step in and take control, it’s just another thing to worry about. Big levers or even just a clear shutoff - makes life so much easier when things go sideways. I get why folks love the tech, but there’s no substitute for having a backup plan.