Rain Barrels

Advantages of Using Rain Barrels

There are a wide variety of uses for stored water, and many are very easy and money saving. In peak water usage times, like summer, using rain barrels can help save over a thousand gallons of water. In just one rain event of an inch, you can expect to fill up a 55-gallon rain barrel, which will provide you a lot of water for multiple uses. Here’s what your rainwater collection can do:

• Water your lawn, flowerbeds, and vegetable gardens with your collected rainwater. Rainwater is non-chlorinated, soft, and pH neutral, making it idea for this purpose. Keep in mind to wash vegetables very thoroughly if watered with stored water.
• Reduce polluted storm runoff. When rain runs off of roofs and through yards, it collects pollutants like sediment, oil, grease, bacteria, and excess nutrients that contaminates local waterways.
• Using stored water can drastically reduce outdoor water usage in peak months, especially during drought or times of restricted water use. 

How To Use Rain Barrels

While it’s fairly easy to set up and start using your new water storage system, you will have to keep a few things in mind. Here are some tips for proper use and storage:

• Since there will be bacteria in the rain barrel, stored water is not suitable for people or animals to consume.
• Sprinklers may not work very well since rain barrels work through gravity and there won’t be enough water pressure. Soaker hoses, sprayers, and watering cans are a better choice when using rain barrels as a source of water.
• Make sure you secure your rain barrel under your downspout very securely; a full 55-gallon barrel can weigh over 400 pounds.
• Since your average rain barrel may fill up really quickly and you might not be able to use the water before the next rainfall, you can stack two barrels and connect them to gain extra volume.
• When cleaning your roof or home with any chemical detergents, make sure to disconnect and move your barrels so no tainted water collects inside.
• Inspect and remove debris regularly and maintain a clean barrel for best water quality.
• During winter months, either disconnect or remove the barrels to avoid ice damage.
• Mosquitoes can be a problem, so look for safe mosquito products to use in your barrels, like mosquito dunks.

Choosing A Rain Barrel

We have a wide variety of options so you can choose the perfect rain barrel and water storage solution for you. We have anything from classic recycled plastic barrels to huge 300-gallon options. There are attractive options, too, like decorative barrels with detailed finishes. We even carry self-watering options to keep your garden looking fresh all season.