Installing a rain barrel is an excellent way to conserve water, prevent erosion, and provide nourishment for your gardens and lawns. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about properly setting up and maintaining a rain barrel system to maximize efficiency and longevity.
Benefits of Rain Barrels
Using rain barrels provides a wide array of benefits:
- Water Conservation – Collecting rain reduces municipal water usage for activities like watering lawns and gardens. A 1,300-square-foot roof can produce over 600 gallons of water from just 1 inch of rain.
- Prevent Erosion – Rain barrels reduce stormwater runoff which causes erosion and water pollution.
- Nourish Plants – Plants thrive when watered with rainwater because it does not contain chlorine and other chemicals found in city water.
Choosing a Rain Barrel
Many types of barrels will get the job done, but consider these factors when selecting your system:
- Material – Most barrels are made of food-grade plastic or wood. Recycled barrels may have contained nontoxic substances.
- Size – Capacity ranges from 50-200+ gallons. Calculate your potential water yield per inch of rain to determine capacity needed.
- Design – Look for large openings, durable construction, overflow outlets, stable bases, and aesthetically pleasing looks.
- Price – Basic plastic barrels start around $100. More advanced wooden barrels with pumps can cost over $300.
Always choose an elevated rain barrel to utilize gravity for water flow.
Best Rain Barrel Materials
Plastic
- Durable, lightweight, and affordable
- It can be UV-resistant plastic (longer lifespan)
- Available in many colors; opacity reduces algae growth
Wood
- Attractive natural look
- Heavier, more stable, resists impact
- Needs additional sealing/maintenance
- Prone to rotting over time
Metal
- Very durable but expensive
- Can heat stored water; not ideal for plants
- Susceptible to rust without preventative maintenance
Calculating Rain Barrel Size
One inch of rain on a 1,300-square-foot roof produces over 600 gallons, more than a single barrel can handle.
Follow these steps to calculate optimal rain barrel capacity:
- Measure your roof’s catchment area in square feet using satellite imagery or estimation.
- Multiply catchment area by 0.6 gallons (the yield per square foot per 1 inch of rain).
- Add together the capacities of all barrels and accessories in your planned system.
- Compare the maximum collection capacity to your potential water yield. Multiple barrels may be needed to avoid frequent overflow.
- Factor in periods of low rainfall if relying solely on rainwater for irrigation. More capacity alleviates shortages.
For example, a 2,000-square-foot roof can produce 1,200 gallons per inch of rain. To avoid losing water, you may install two 200-gallon barrels and several other accessories to contain excess flow.
Read More: Embracing The Wild Side: The Benefits Of Keeping Weeds In Your Lawn
Rain Barrel Parts
A complete rain barrel system consists of several components:
- Barrel – Stores collected rainwater. It must have a wide opening for access and cleaning.
- Inlet – Connects to gutter downspouts to channel in rain flow. Use elbows and seals for a tight connection.
- Overflow outlet – Drains off excess water when barrel reaches capacity. Often connects to a hose.
- Spigot faucet – Dispenses stored water via garden hose or bucket. Install a backflow preventer.
- Debris screen – Filter leaves and grit before entering barrel. Self-cleaning filters are the most convenient.
- Base or stand – Supports the barrel off the ground for proper gravity drainage. Use solid concrete blocks or wood pallets.
- Rainwater accessories – Diverters, additional barrels, underground cisterns, and pumps expand capacity.
Where to Install Rain Barrels
Choosing the ideal installation site ensures your rain barrel performs efficiently while fitting nicely into your landscape. Consider these factors when picking a location:
Drainage capacity
- Downspouts that handle roof areas ≥ 1,300 sq ft yield the most water
- Avoid small sections over porches or garages
- Link multiple downspouts to 1 or more centralized barrels
Gravitational advantage
- Elevate barrels on stands ≥ 24 inches off the ground
- Allows space underneath for buckets
- Creates needed pressure for garden hose use
Proximity to gardens
- Minimize hose length for convenient transport
- Underground pipes can channel water long distances
Visually appealing positions
- Unobstructed downspouts have best rainflow
- Avoid pathways and living spaces (risk of leaks)
- Disguise with attractive plants, rocks, wood frames
Sun and shade
- Avoid full-sun locations vulnerable to algae growth
- Consider shade-loving plants if surrounded by vegetation
Soil and surface stabilization
- Reinforce soft soils underneath with pavers or concrete
- Level barrel on angled surfaces so it does not tip
- Anchor securely if concerned about high winds
Barrels can collect water from nearly any downspout, but consider installing them under frequently used areas like vegetable gardens, ornamental beds, or fruit trees that require reliable moisture.
How to Install a Rain Barrel Step-by-Step
Follow this simple installation process to properly set up your rain barrel system:
What You Need
- Rain barrel
- Hose for overflow outlet
- Sealing washers, gaskets, screws
- Stand/blocks for elevating barrel
- Garden hose for water extraction
- Debris filtering system
- Tools: drill, knife, screwdriver, scissors
Step 1. Cut downspout with hacksaw to fit diverter or insert sealing washer inside downspout.
Step 2. Connect diverter elbow piece from gutter to rain barrel inlet using provided fasteners. Include washers inside to prevent leaks.
Step 3. Set barrel securely on stand 24+ inches above ground level. Level surface if needed. Place collecting bucket or plants below spigot.
Step 4. Attach garden hose to barrel’s spigot outlet, angled slightly downward. Optional backflow preventer provides added protection.
Step 5. Cut overflow outlet pipe to desired length. Position extension toward garden bed for passive subsurface irrigation.
Step 6. Attach debris screen to gutter above barrel inlet. Self-cleaning screens keep system maintenance easy.
The rain barrel is now ready to collect water! Keep in mind that typical installations require:
- 1 barrel per 700–1,300 ft2 of catchment area
- 2-3 ft elevation for optimal water pressure
- Overflow drainage safely away from foundations
Rain Barrel Maintenance
With occasional maintenance checks, your rain barrel can provide years of reliable service. Follow these guidelines to keep it working effectively:
Regularly
- Inspect for leaks, clogs, and other issues
- Check screening for debris; remove leaves and sediment
- Keep overflow outlet clear of obstructions
- Use rainwater between storms to prevent prolonged standing
Monthly
- Clean the roof, gutters, and blades of debris screens
- Inspect splash blocks or overflow drainage
- Check barrel foundation and supports are intact
Every three months
- Drain, clean, and disinfect the interior
- Use bleach solution or white vinegar rinse
- Flush spigot piping with purge valves
Annually
- Drain barrel completely before winter
- Disconnect piping in cold climates
- Make any necessary repairs after inspection
As needed
- Patch leaks immediately with waterproof sealants
- Trim vegetation away from barrel and roof
- Realign barrel if tipped or on unstable surface
Remember, debris in gutters and overflow drains are the most common factors reducing system effectiveness. Stay diligent in keeping them clear!
Troubleshooting Common Rain Barrel Problems
Even properly installed rain barrel systems can develop issues. Try these troubleshooting tips if you notice any of the following problems:
Algae growth
- Use opaque barrel materials blocking sunlight
- Install full shade canopy if sunlight exposure
- Open lid to eliminate moisture
Slow/insufficient fill
- Clean debris screens and gutters
- Check for leaks allowing water loss
- Increase catchment area
Barrel not filling
- Confirm downspout diverter is directed into inlet
- Remove any clogs restricting inlet
- Use additional downspouts if one is obstructed
Water overflowing
- Check for outlet obstructions – Install more barrels to contain extra capacity
- Use rainwater between storms
Short water pressure/flow
- Increase barrel elevation above 4 feet
- Replace small garden hose with larger diameter
Water leaks from barrel
- Apply waterproof sealant on inside cracks
- Check piping connectors; reinforce with sealant if loose
- Replace damaged spigot causing leaks
Alternative Rainwater Collection Systems
Standard rain barrels have limitations in capacity and pressurization. Various supplemental accessories help capture all available rainwater:
- Additional barrels – Link multiple barrels in sequence to handle extra volume.
- Diverter valves – Automatically switch between barrels or drainage.
- Rainwater cisterns – Large underground reservoirs increase capacity.
- Rainwater tanks – Larger above-ground cylindrical tanks up to 5,000 gallons.
- Pumps – Useful for transporting water uphill from barrels.
- Pressure tanks – Provide added force for standard household water pressure.
More extensive installations with dedicated irrigation rely on thousands of gallons of storage capacity. Connecting gutters, tanks, pumps, and piping into one seamless system provides optimal rainwater utilization tailored to the needs of your property.
Legal Considerations for Rain Barrels
Before installing rain barrels, be aware of the legalities regarding water rights and permissible harvesting:
- Water rights – Surface rainwater on private property may belong to public entities in some states. Research what legal harvesting rights exist locally.
- Permits and HOAs – Many urban areas restrict rainwater collection or require permits. Rules also depend on storage volumes. Verify what ordinances or covenants might apply to your property.
- Tax incentives – State or utility companies provide rebates as incentives in certain drought-prone regions to promote private rainwater systems.
- Plumbing codes – Using stored rainwater for irrigation requires backflow valves to prevent contamination of potable water supplies.
- Water quality – While rainwater alone should not be ingested, common barrel installation guidelines ensure sanitary collection for landscape usage.
Carefully research the applicable statutes in your area before setting up rain barrels or more expansive harvesting setups to avoid potential legal issues down the line.
Conclusion
Rain barrels are just one element of a comprehensive water management plan, but they make a significant impact on conservation when properly utilized. Following the outlined installation and maintenance best practices helps ensure your system reliably captures rainwater for irrigation usage for years to come. Small adjustments to accommodate climate, roof size, and water demands provide all the benefits possible with minimal effort or cost over time.