![]() ![]() You may also want to consider the style of your barrel, as some are more utilitarian while others have a more decorative finish. Both are important components of the overall function of a good rain barrel so you can use it all the time. In addition, make sure your rain barrel has a good screen to keep out insects and debris. ![]() In fact, getting two smaller rain barrels might be better for some people.Ĭheck the quality of the spigot and see how easy it is to turn on and off. Keep in mind that rain barrels can get very heavy when they’re filled with water, so bigger isn’t always better. However, you can get barrels that are both bigger and smaller. You want a wide opening for collecting water, so this is a good size. Some wooden barrels are hold water better when they are wet, so that may not be the best choice for you if it's likely that your barrel will be completely empty and dried out frequently.Ī lot of rain barrels are going to be in the same size range-around 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. This can be a big problem with rain barrels-you don’t want them to leak-so don’t be afraid to ask, especially if buying local. If you do find a wine barrel made from wood, be sure it has been sealed well. Many will be plastic because it’s a good option for holding water, but we like barrels that are also made from recycled materials. What to Look for in a Rainwater Collection BarrelĪlways look at what the rain barrel is made from. Otherwise the RIOBOW Collapsible Rain Barrel one of the best values around. In either case, you aren’t getting what you want from the rain barrel.If you want to collect water and grow flowers all in one place we like the Impressions Eco Rain Saver from Good Ideas. So you will end up with the problem I had, or a system that diverts water back to the gutter BEFORE the rain barrel fills. The weather and compaction of the soil will move your barrel up or down. Unfortunately, if you place the barrel on the ground or on bricks that are on the ground, the position of the barrel will shift over time. There is a way to position an open top barrel so that it fills, but doesn’t overflow. The water will automatically run through the downspout diverter and back through the gutter. If you are going to use a diverter, get a rain barrel without an opening at the top.Ī closed rain barrel will avoid any problems with water spilling over the side of the barrel. Keep in mind, however, that there won’t be any overflowing if your rain barrel is closed instead of open at the top. If you are looking for a wood option, our Best Splurge pick, the Whiskey Rain Barrel With Flex-Fit Water Diverter is made of recycled whiskey barrels. ![]() Related: Everything You Should Know About Vegetable Garden Watering. A rain barrel made from wood is a more sustainable option, and many users appreciate the traditional aesthetic. Downspout diverters also make it very easy to close up the system in the winter and restore the original gutter system. Then the diverter automatically routes the water back into the original gutter system.Īs a result, the excess is channeled away from your foundation where it can’t do any damage. When the rain barrel is full, water backs up from the rain barrel into the downspout diverter. Rain barrel downspout divertersĭownspout diverters are really awesome products when they are installed correctly. It’s just a really easy solution that someone who isn’t too handy can complete - for not much money - in about an hour. Please don’t think that this project was a major feat of engineering. Some rain barrel overflow solutions are complex. This in no way affects my recommendations. That means if you click and buy from my partners, I will make a tiny amount of money at no cost to you. This article may contain affiliate links. Let’s take a sec to get the legal words out of the way. You could probably do it for less if you wanted to shop around or if you already had some of the items. What’s worse, I was afraid that the water would seep into my basement, since the rain barrel is right next to my foundation. Here’s why and how I fixed it: When my rain barrel was full, the water would spill over the side and erode the dirt where my flowers were planted. People frequently have this problem when they don’t use a closed rain barrel with their rain barrel downspout diverter. If you have an open top rain barrel and it overflows instead of automatically redirecting the excess water through your downspout diverter and out your gutter system, this article is for you. T his rain barrel overflow solution is for people with open top rain barrels.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |