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...
