A rain barrel is a containment system connected to your downspout that collects rain water from a roof to store water for later use. Stored rainwater can be used around the outside of the home for watering gardens, lawns, and even car washing.

Graphic Credit: City of Palo Alto, CA

Benefits

Rain barrels have many benefits, the first of which is that they hold water and reduce stormwater runoff. But did you know that you can then use the stored water to water your plants and clean off patios and outdoor tools? It can even help save on your water bill! Rain barrels can also be used in conjunction with other stormwater management practices, like rain gardens and conservation landscaping.

DID YOU KNOW? During an average summer rain shower (1 inch of rain) your roof may drain over 600 gallons of water across the shingles, into the gutters and down through the downspouts.

Rain Barrels Pair Well With Other Stormwater Practices

  • Connect to Another Rain Barrel. Connecting multiple rain barrels together, also known as a daisy chain, is a great way to increase storage capacity.
  • Connect to a Rain Garden. Rain gardens can also be connected to rain barrels via the overflow. The overflow is typically trenched and buried to prevent tripping hazards. Rain barrels and rain garden projects can be connected at any time, they do not need to be installed at the same time.
  • Connect to Permeable Pavers. And last but not least, permeable paver projects. Connecting rain barrels with a paver projects help to control stormwater. Water is directed into the barrel, once the barrel is full or the diverter set to bypass the water will be directed through the overflow to the paver’s storage or base layer.

Maintenance

Properly maintaining your rain barrel is key to the functionality and longevity of the barrel.

  • Weekly and after each rain event, it is important to drain the barrel, clean the filter, and check the inlet and overflow connections.
  • Before the first freeze of the season, the barrel should be properly winterized. To do this, turn the diverter to bypass and drain the barrel leaving the spigot open to prevent water from collecting inside the barrel causing it to freeze, swell and crack the barrel.
  • After the last frost of the season, before setting the barrel to collect:
    • Clean the gutters to reduce the amount of leaves and sediment that can accumulate in the filter
    • Check the base is level
    • Clean out or pressure wash the inside of the barrel if needed.
    • After prepping the barrel and site, set the diverter to collect and close the spigot to begin collecting water.

 

A group of people stand in a semi-circle around a person pointing out a properly installed rain barrel next to a brick building.

Additional Resources

Download the Rain Barrels One-Pager