Rain Barrels
Reduce flooding and save water for later use
Rain barrels capture rainwater from your roof and save it for later use. Rain barrels can help prevent basement backups, street flooding and sewer overflows by keeping rainwater out of the sewer system.
You can use rain barrel water to:
- Wash your car
- Water your lawn or garden
- Clean work boots, tools and bikes
Rain barrel water is naturally free of chlorine, lime, and calcium and some gardeners swear their plants prefer it!
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About our rain barrels
Our rain barrels weigh 20 pounds when empty and can hold up to 55 gallons. When full of water, the barrel weighs about 500 pounds. The overflow opening lets you connect a hose to direct overflow away from your foundation or to connect several rain barrels. Our rain barrels:
- Are approximately 23 inches wide and 38 inches tall.
- Are made from durable high-density polyethylene.
- Come in four colors (black, blue, terra cotta and gray) and may have different shapes depending on the vendor.
- Include instructions, a leaf and mosquito filter screen, a flexible downspout connector, a spigot/tap, and an overflow hose.
Upcycled and green
Our rain barrels are upcycled food-grade barrels initially used to transport and store food, but there is no sign of that anymore. The rain barrels are thoroughly cleaned with high-pressure water in an industrial wash system. No cleaners or detergents are used that could change their food grade status. Any contents that may be left over, including the wash water, are all food grade, biodegradable and considered a nutrient for the soil.
Designed to overflow
Your rain barrel is meant to overflow when it is full. Water will spill from the opening on the top through the overflow opening or overflow valve.
Connect a hose to the overflow opening or valve to direct the water away from your house. You can connect a second rain barrel to the first using the included connecting hose and double the water captured before it overflows.
Check on your rain barrel when it is raining to make sure the overflow is not causing flooding or flowing into your neighbor’s property. If your rain barrel is installed correctly on a surface that can absorb water, then overflow water should soak into the ground.
If you see puddles of water on your property, consider installing a rain garden, a type of landscaping designed to absorb water.
How to install your rain barrel
Required tools: Hacksaw, tape measure, goggles, gloves, pen or pencil
Recommended materials: 7'–10' garden hose, concrete blocks or pressure-treated wood
Place the Barrel
Rain barrels must be located near a downspout and on level, pervious (water-absorbing; not paved) ground. Your rain barrel will overflow during heavy rain. Be sure you can direct overflow to pervious ground and away from your (and your neighbor’s) home.
Placing your rain barrel on a stable platform will help increase water pressure and make it easier to use a watering can or bucket. Concrete blocks or pressure-treated wood work well for platforms. A full rain barrel weighs approximately 500 pounds, so ensure the platform is sturdy!
If you have a favorite watering can, adjust your platform to make sure it will fit comfortably under the spigot.
Measure and Cut
Once your rain barrel is in place, position the flexible elbow (included with your rain barrel) on the barrel and next to the downspout to determine where to cut. The elbow should be aimed at the screened opening on the top of the rain barrel, and the downspout must be inserted about 2" into the elbow. For most installations, it works well to cut the downspout about 8" above the top of the barrel.
Remember that the downspout must be inserted a couple of inches into the connecting elbow. Mark the downspout with a pen or pencil where you will be cutting it.
Once you know where to cut, put on your safety goggles and gloves and cut the downspout with a hacksaw. Keep the cut portion of the downspout so that it may be reconnected when the rain barrel is winterized.
Connect
Connect the flexible elbow to the cut downspout by inserting the downspout into the elbow and positioning it so water will flow into your rain barrel. Connect a garden hose to the overflow fitting and direct it away from your house. Depending on the location of your rain barrel and your yard, this hose may need to be at least 7'–10' long.
Cap off the old downspout location on the ground to prevent it from becoming an animal’s nest or clogged with debris.
Prepare your Rain Barrel for Winter
Before the winter’s first frost hits, it’s time to ensure your rain barrel is ready to weather chilly winds and changing temperatures all season. Follow these steps to protect your investment and be ready to utilize spring rains for your garden, flowers, and lawn!
Disconnect and Clean
Empty the rain barrel completely to avoid cracks and leaks caused by freezing water as it expands. Even a small amount of ice can lead to a cracked rain barrel. Unhook hoses, the spigot, and downspouts to prevent damage. Apply olive oil to the spigot’s ball valve. To prevent melted snow from getting into the barrel during freeze-thaw cycles, reattach the section of downspout that was cut off during installation. Make sure the water flows away from your foundation and your neighbor’s property. If you don’t have this part anymore, you might want to install a downspout diverter designed for winter use. Clean the barrel to remove dirt or leaves that could block it. Ensure the lid and screen are securely closed.
Store and Protect
Think about putting the barrel in a basement, garage, or under a deck. If you choose to store it outside, either flip it upside down or on its side to stop water from getting in. If the barrel is on the ground, raise it a bit to prevent it from freezing to the surface. Make sure the barrel is firmly secured because strong winds might make an empty rain barrel roll away. If you want, you can add an extra layer of protection against the cold by wrapping your barrel with insulating material or bubble wrap.
Plan for Spring
During winter, check the barrel from time to time for any cracks, leaks, or problems. If you find any issues, fix them quickly to avoid more damage. When winter is almost over and the chance of frost is gone, reconnect the rain barrel and get it ready for the upcoming rainy season.
More information
Product Installation, Maintenance and Warranty
dual-language flyer
This flyer provides installation instructions, operating instructions, maintenance, warranty, cautions and disclaimers from the manufacturer.
Warranty
For technical and warranty information, please see the below contact information.
For round barrels,
visit rainbarrel.ca or
call toll-free 844-422-7735.
For squared-off barrels,
visit enviroworld.us or
call toll-free 877-634-9777.
Disclaimer
With proper installation, maintenance and use, your rain barrel should function properly.
The MWRD assumes no liability for the installation, maintenance or use of your rain barrel. We are not responsible for any rain barrel malfunction, property damage or injury associated with your rain barrel malfunction, or property damage or injury associated with your rain barrel, its accessories or contents.
For more information, contact the Office of Public Affairs at 312-751-6633 or public.affairs@mwrd.org.