Rainwater Harvesting 101: Getting Started with Water Barrels

Rainwater Harvesting 101: Getting Started with Water Barrels

Investing in a rain barrel is a great way to save money and live sustainably for the environment. If you need help installing and using your rain barrel, look through this guide, and stop by Shop-O-Rama for more information today!

What Can Rainwater Be Used For?

People collect rainwater for many outdoor uses. It’s a free water source to water gardens and lawns when there hasn’t been enough rainfall, or it can also be used to water indoor plants. It’s also great for outdoor cleaning projects, such as scrubbing patios, sheds, outdoor furniture, and garbage bins. Rain barrels also provide a convenient water supply for putting out backyard bonfires or topping up fish ponds. Water barrels are especially great to have in sections of your yard that your hose can’t reach. Consider how much water you will use before purchasing your rain barrel, as that will impact the size of the container that’s right for you.

Setting Up Your Rain Barrel

Where to Put A Rain Barrel

First, decide where you want to put your water barrel. It needs to be in front of a downspout to collect the water from the gutter on your house. You will also need to ensure that the ground where your barrel will stand is flat and level so it does not tip over. You can do this by securing flat paving stones or bricks into the ground under your barrel. Because the spigot is at the bottom of the barrel, you can also choose to elevate your barrel on a large, flat stone. This will allow you to place a container under the spout. You can also build a stand for your barrel if you choose. Because a full barrel is heavy, your stand must be able to support it.

How to Install a Rain Barrel

You need to install a diverter to your downspout when installing your barrel. A diverter acts as a pipe attached to a hole cut into your downspout to redirect water into the side of your barrel. Diverter kits can be purchased with a rain barrel and will come with detailed instructions, but be mindful that you will need to cut into your downspout to install a diverter. Because of this, make sure to choose a downspout that you don’t mind damaging.

If you don’t want to install a diverter, you can also carefully cut your downspout enough for the rain barrel to sit under and have your downspout drain directly into the top of the barrel. Be sure to use a debris screen.

If you purchase your rain barrel in a kit, attach the spigot and any other pieces that need to be installed before you use your water barrel. Now that your container is in place, you can attach a hose to your spigot if desired, for easy lawn and garden watering.

How to Keep Rainwater Clean

Because your rain barrel will collect standing water, it’s important to keep it clean to prevent algae growth that can contaminate the water and reduce the lifespan of the rain barrel. If it is not covered with a lid, attach a fine mesh layer or a debris screen over the top of the barrel to keep out leaves or animals. Regularly remove debris from the screen to prevent sediment at the bottom of the container.

Use the rain barrel’s tap and avoid dipping containers or watering cans into your barrel, as you can accidentally pollute the water with any dirt or other substances on the container. It’s also important to empty your barrel regularly to ensure fresh water for each use.

Rain barrels are a convenient water source, easy to install, and a great way to reduce your water bill and environmental footprint! For more information and hints on using your rain barrel, talk to the team at Shop-O-Rama today.