Everything Rain Barrels
Interested In Getting A Rain Barrel?
Your go-to section on everything Rain Barrels related. Are you curious how a Rain Barrel could help out your home? Interested as to what they exactly do and their benefits? Let me tell you everything you need to know before deciding if a Rain Barrel is the right fit for you and your home. A Rain Barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams.
Rain Barrels are important for our environment by reducing water pollution and decreasing the amount of stormwater runoff reaching our streams and rivers. Rainwater is free, naturally soft, and has not been a process by the local utility for drinking, which requires energy and the addition of chemicals. You can use this water for a number of things, watering outside gardens, flowers, and vegetables, watering houseplants, washing vehicles, doing laundry, washing windows, topping off a hot tub, taking showers, and flushing toilets. The more ways you use the rainwater the more money you save.
Determine The Size of Rain Barrel:
1. How much of your roof will drain into the barrel?
The size of your Rain Barrel should reflect the square footage of your roof that feeds the downspout that fills your barrel. If you’re not sure, we can help you out!
2. How much water do you use?
Untreated water will stagnate quickly and can become unpleasant. If you can only use 15 gallons a day, then it doesn’t make sense to install a 200-gallon barrel.
3. What is the typical rainfall amount where you live?
In Iowa, we experience an average of 36 inches of rainfall a year.
4. Do you need high water pressure?
If yes, the barrel should be smaller and elevated.
Everything Rain Barrels: Maintaining It
There are a variety of rain barrels on the market today, what you want to look for is durability, does it have a screened lid to keep insects and debris out of the water, are the solid brass fixtures easy to clean and store during the offseason? Keeping these questions in mind will help get you what you need.
Rain Barrels are easy to maintain and store. Before the offseason, you have to prep and store your Rain Barrel appropriately for winter. Properly storing the barrel is quite easy and will extend the life of the barrel. You will want to drain the barrel before temperatures drop below freezing. Detach it from the gutter and remove any attachments. Rinse the barrel out and remove the lid. Rain barrels are best stored inside a shed or garage and will help extend their lifespan. If outside is the only option keep it out of direct sunlight and store it upside-down.
If you are wanting to help reduce water pollution and save some money in the process, rainwater harvesting is a great place to start.
