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

Those water alarms are a solid move - caught a slow leak under my own sink the same way. With rainwater systems, I keep wondering how folks handle winterizing them. Does freezing ever mess with the pipes or storage tanks? Seems like a headache if you’re not on top of it.

With rainwater systems, I keep wondering how folks handle winterizing them. Does freezing ever mess with the pipes or storage tanks? Seems like a headache if you’re not on top of it.

Yeah, freezing can definitely be a pain. I tried setting up a basic rain barrel setup a couple winters ago, and totally forgot to drain it before the first freeze. The barrel cracked right down the side - lesson learned. Now I always disconnect and empty everything before it gets cold, but I’ve seen some folks insulate their tanks or even bury them below frost line. Not sure I trust myself to pull that off, but it seems to work for some. Pipes are trickier... heat tape maybe, but that feels like overkill for my setup.

Freezing is definitely a big concern with rainwater systems, especially if you’ve got any exposed piping or above-ground tanks. I’ve seen more than a few cracked barrels and split PVC over the years - draining and disconnecting before winter is pretty much a must unless you’re running something more permanent. Insulating helps, but it’s only so effective, especially in really cold climates. Burying tanks below the frost line works but that’s a whole project on its own, not exactly DIY-friendly for everyone. Heat tape can work for pipes if you’re determined to keep things running year-round, but yeah, it does add complexity and some extra risk if it fails. Have you ever tried using flexible tubing instead of rigid pipe? Sometimes it’ll expand a bit with freezing rather than just shattering... not perfect, but might buy you a little leeway.

Have you ever tried using flexible tubing instead of rigid pipe? Sometimes it’ll expand a bit with freezing rather than just shattering...

Had a job last winter where someone used that PEX stuff for their rainwater lines. It actually held up better than the old PVC, but the fittings still leaked after a hard freeze. Ever tried wrapping valves with those foam covers? Sometimes it helps, but if you get a real cold snap, nothing’s foolproof. Just curious - has anyone found a heat tape that doesn’t fail after a couple seasons? I’ve replaced more than a few...

Heat tape’s always been hit or miss for me too. Even the “heavy duty” stuff seems to crap out after a couple winters. I’ve had better luck just draining everything down if a deep freeze is coming, but that’s not always practical. Those foam covers help a bit, but yeah, nothing’s bulletproof once it gets really cold. PEX is decent, but those plastic fittings can be a weak spot - seen a few split right at the threads.