Green Spot

Rain Barrels

Conserve Water & Save Money



Homeowners, renters, and property owners can conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff by installing a rain barrel. Rain barrels collect and store water that runs off your roof and would normally be directed to the street. You can use the collected rain water to water your lawn, gardens, or even wash your car. It's a great way to save money and reduce your water usage. It is not recommended to drink or bathe in it because rainwater is not considered potable aka drinkable water. Your plants and flowers will love it though!

Preparation

  • Consider Your Landlord, HOA & Zoning Regulations First: Do you live in an HOA, city limits, or historic district? Check with your local city, HOA, and/or historic district to ensure you can install a rain barrel - especially if it will be on the front or side view of the property. Some areas have rules or regulations about where you can put a rain barrel. If you rent, check with your property owner or manager or lease before installing a rain barrel. 
  • Location, Location, Location: Consider the location of your rain barrel on your property. You will need to hook it up to a downspout. Where is a downspout, and is it convenient to your garden? Does that downspout capture rain off most of your roof or only a small portion of your roof? Remember, you want to capture the most in order to save the most water. Also, you will want to elevate it off the ground in order to get decent water pressure. The higher elevated, the faster it will flow. Elevate it on some cinder blocks or a sturdy stand. 

Installation


Maintenance 

  • Rain Barrel Replacement Parts: Sometimes, the parts wear down over time, and you might need a replacement. Luckily, it can be pretty easy to find replacement pieces. Try searching for the missing part that you need from RainBarrelParts.com, The Rain Barrel Depot, and Rain Brothers. You can sometimes find them on Amazon too. 
  • How to Winterize a Rain Barrel: You need to "winterize" your rain barrel. This will help prevent wear and tear and prevent it from freezing and cracking in the winter. The EarthMinded Diverter Kit comes with a winterization cap, so it is very easy! You just disconnect the diverter from the downspout and insert the winter cap into the downspout. We recommend storing your rain barrel under roof cover in a garage, shed, or carport if possible for the winter. This will prevent rainwater, snow, and ice from entering and freezing and busting your rain barrel. If it is not possible to store under roof cover, turn the barrel upside down and put a brick on top of it to weigh it down. Depending on the weather each year, you will want to disconnect your rain barrel around November 1 and hook it up around April 1 - pending whether. Empty and disconnect it before a hard freeze.