Last summer, we had a drought for the better part of a month. There simply was no rain to be had.
Luckily, I had installed this rain barrel earlier in the spring. I was able to use the water collected to water my plants.
Granted, the rain collected was not enough to last the entirety of the drought but it helped.
This season, I plan on installing a second system to work in conjunction with the first to collect even more water.
A rain barrel is a device used to collect, store, and reuse rainwater for outdoor activities such as watering gardens and lawns.
As a greener method of water conservation and water bill reduction, rain barrels are gaining popularity.
This comprehensive guide on rain barrels will cover system selection, installation, and upkeep.
If you too are interested in learning how to lower your summer watering bill while also contributing positively to the environment, read on!
Helpful Products from Amazon for Installing A Rain Barrel
Introduction: What is a rain barrel, and why should you have one?
Using a rain barrel to collect rainwater and use it in your garden or lawn is a great idea.
My rain barrel collects 55 gallons of water that are easily accessible with the turn of the nozzle.
Another benefit to collecting your own rainwater is that it will lessen your summer watering bill.
The installation of a rain barrel is not difficult. I bought a kit that allowed the easy installation to my gutter.
The kit detours that water into the rain barrel.
Once the rain barrel is full and I no longer need to collect water, I simply use a stopper that came with the kit to keep the water flowing down the gutter.
When I installed the kit, I used a saw to cut the gutter. I then installed the kit according to their dimensions and viola! Instant rain collecting kit.
I also purchased my rain barrel rather than making my own. I like the aesthetics of this particular rain barrel and I had some gift cards so I out them to good use.
The kit I purchased included all hardware such as a spigot and overflow.
Rain barrels can easily be made from a garbage can and a lid.
You should get your rain barrel ready for freezing conditions in the winter.
To accomplish this, make sure that the spigots are open and that the barrel is empty.
Detach any hoses and plug up the gutter unit so that the rain flows down the gutter rather than into the barrel.
The freezing and thawing of any water in your barrel can damage it and cause it to leak.
You may reduce runoff and save water bills while also taking care of your plants by installing a rain barrel in your garden.
You can quickly install a rain barrel and begin collecting rainwater right away with just a few simple tools and materials!
Why Rain Water Is Better For Your Garden Than Water From The Hose
Most gardeners know that plants seem to grow overnight after a hard rain. Why exactly does this happen?
Unlike water from the hose, rainwater has a PH balance of 5.5 and 6.5, which is slightly acidic.
This allows the nutrients in the soil to be more easily absorbed by the plant.
In addition, rainwater contains fewer minerals such as chlorine and fluoride which are added to tap water sources.
Although these minerals do not usually cause harm to plants, some plants like peach lilies and azaleas, may be more sensitive to said minerals.
How To Choose The Right Rain Barrel For Your Needs
To create a successful rainwater collection system you will need to choose a system that will best meet the needs of your garden space.
I have a small yard. It’s around 3000 square feet of land in all so a 100-gallon system fits my needs perfectly.
My parents, own land in upstate NY. They need a much larger system to meet their needs.
Things to keep in mind:
Size: There are so many sizes of rain barrels to choose from. Sizes range from 50-gallon barrels to 1000-gallon and even larger tanks. How much water you want to collect, how much space you have, and how much rain your area regularly receives will all influence your choice.
Materials: Rain barrels come in a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and plastic. Plastic is typically the least expensive and easiest to maintain material. Although more expensive, metal barrels can offer greater durability. The most expensive alternative is wood barrels, but they can offer your rainwater collection system a more attractive appearance.
Style: Rain barrels can be made in a variety of styles, from simple cylinder shapes to more complex ones with decorative elements. Choose a rain barrel style that goes with your home and landscape after giving it some thought.
Added characteristics: A built-in filter or spigot are examples of optional features that some rain barrels may include. How does a rain barrel fare over the winter? It’s crucial to set up your rain barrel for the colder months when winter arrives. It is best to empty the barrel before temperatures dip too low in order to prevent the water from freezing.
As temperatures fall below freezing, water left in the barrel may cause the barrel to split or be damaged.
Keep the barrel inside if you can during the winter. If this isn’t a possibility, insulate the barrel from the cold by covering it with a tarp or an insulating material like Styrofoam.
How To Install Your Rain Barrel
A quick and affordable approach to improving your garden and preserving water is to install a rain barrel.
Installing a rain barrel in your yard is simple and just requires a few basic equipment.
Make sure the barrel is first placed in a safe and level area.
After that, use the product’s instructions to install the downspout diverter to the barrel.
Use a level to position the barrel so that it is stable and secure below the diverter.
After everything is ready, simply attach a hose from the diverter to the barrel’s spigot.
You might want to think about attaching the barrel to something nearby for further security or putting a weight on top of the barrel to hold it in place.
If necessary, you can also spend money on a rain barrel stand or platform to assist with elevation.
You must empty the barrel and store it indoors, ideally in a garage or shed before winter hits.
By doing this, it will be shielded against freezing-related cracking.
As an alternative, you may also wrap a sheet or other waterproof material around the barrel.
How To Maintain Your Rain Barrel
The secret to extending the life and maintaining the best possible condition of your rain barrel is routine maintenance. These are some maintenance procedures you may follow to keep your rain barrel functional for years.
The top of your rain barrel should first always be covered. This will aid in preventing pests and debris from entering the barrel.
Also, if you reside in a region with chilly winters, it’s crucial to unplug your rain barrel from the downspout and empty it of water before the mercury drops.
This will lessen the likelihood of the barrel cracking as a result of internal water freezing.
Second, you must regularly empty the rain barrel. You should clean the barrel out every few months, depending on how frequently it is used and what kind of dirt gets inside of it.
Simply take off the cover and rinse clean the barrel’s interior using a garden hose to accomplish this. Make sure to get rid of any dirt or water that has accumulated in the bottom.
Lastly, do frequent checks on the spigot on your rain barrel. Replace it if you detect that it is leaking or isn’t functioning properly. Moreover, be sure to inspect the hose and spigot for any obvious damage that could result in leaking.
Finally, look for any signs of damage or fractures on the bottom of your rain barrel. You should swap out your rain barrel as soon as you notice any of these problems.
You may prolong the lifespan of your rain barrel by adhering to these maintenance suggestions.
A rain barrel may be a very useful addition to your landscape if you take good care of it and keep it maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rain Barrels
Where should I place my rain barrel?
The rain barrel should be placed on a flat and stable surface close to a downspout to collect water from the gutter system. It should also be placed in an area that is easily accessible for watering plants or other outdoor activities.
Is it safe to drink rainwater collected in a rain barrel?
Rainwater collected in a rain barrel is generally safe for non-potable uses, such as watering plants and gardening. However, it’s not recommended for drinking unless it has been properly filtered and treated.
Do I need to empty my rain barrel during the winter months?
If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, it’s recommended to empty your rain barrel and store it indoors during the winter months to prevent damage to the barrel and any connected plumbing.
Final Thoughts
Installing a rain barrel was one of the best things I did for my garden.
The rainwater collected has been priceless over the summer months, especially during last year’s drought.
It has also helped lower my water bill and it feels good to know that I am doing something that will help the environment.
In addition, my flowers and vegetables were so much happier being watered by gathered rain than the hose water I had available.
I notice a better yield in many of my vegetables and fuller flowers, too. Hopefully, this has given you the push to go ahead and add a rain-collecting system to your garden this year.
Let us know in the comments below of you too will be adding a rain barrel to your garden this year.
