Rain Barrel Systems

An easy way to conserve water and money is by using a rain barrel. During summer months, a rain barrel can save up to 1,300 gallons of water. That's a lot of free water! When choosing a rain barrel it's good to keep in mind that UV rays have a harder time penetrating dark colors like dark greens, browns, greys, and blues. These colors are best for large rain barrels because they won't easily support the growth of algae.

Level Surface: Safety first! A flat, level surface for placement of your water barrel is key. A full rain water barrel can weigh in excess of 300 lbs. - you don't want the rain water barrel to tip.

Downspout: Once you position your rain barrel, you will need to remove a section of your gutter downspout to redirect water into your barrel.

Overflow Water: Make sure the overflow valve or pipe in your water barrel is positioned or pointed away from your home's foundation.

Winter Storage: Empty or drain your rain barrel, remove spigot, run-off hose, and drain plug before storing for the winter. When possible store your barrel in a protected/indoor area but if the rain barrel must remain outside turn it upside down and secure it to prevent animal intrusion or water accumulation which can freeze, expand, and potentially crack the barrel wall.

Read more in our Rain Barrel Installation article!

1. Elevating your water barrel on cinder blocks or a stand makes water retrieval easier and improves water flow. If you do elevate, make sure everything is level, stable, and secure. A full rain water barrel may weigh more than 300 lbs.

2. An environmentally friendly choice, rain barrels store and use rainwater to water garden plants. They save money, too, considering that we use 40% of our water caring for plants and yards in the summer.

3. Decorative rain barrels also prevent polluted water from entering streams and other natural water resources. The first few inches of rain runoff are the most polluted - rain barrels can capture this water.

4. Plastic barrels can range in size from 40 to more than 200 gallons. You'll find a variety of sizes here from which to choose.

5. Typically, for every inch of rain received, about 600 gallons of water can drain from every 1,000-square-foot roof area.

6. Keep runoff from washing into yards and nearby drain systems or streams by placing rain water barrels under downspouts.

7. In areas that receive heavy rain, homeowners may choose to link several large-capacity gutter barrels together to maintain and prevent overflow.

8. In areas that receive little precipitation, or during drier months, homeowners may find a small-capacity rain barrel can best suits their needs.

9. You'll find a wide variety of wooden rain barrel designs - traditional barrel and decorative shapes, or with functional elements, such as a flat back to allow it to be placed close to a house or shed.

10. One inch of rain on a roof yields over 600 gallons of water! That's the beauty of freeze proof rain barrel usage.

Find more helpful information in our Rain Barrel Tips section!