Rain Storage

You see them virtually everywhere - those adorable barrels outside homes that have a distinct country appearance and make homes look even more appealing. Rain barrels can add a lovely appearance to your home’s exterior, but they are definitely more than just a pretty sight. Rain barrels are used to collect and store rainwater that runs down from rooftops through rain gutters. Many people use them to harvest rainwater in order to save on the cost of water. Rainwater that is collected in rain barrels can be used to water gardens, lawns, and for other water needs.

Commercial sized rain barrels can present a very high cost. Many residential homes however, use a much smaller rain barrel to collect and store rainwater because they have smaller needs. The smaller barrels are typically recycled from food storage, whiskey or wine barrels, and other transport barrels and can be found for a much lower cost in many cases. Many homeowners make their own rain barrels from inexpensive drums that were originally used to carry pickles, juices, or other food products. These drums are very inexpensive and typically begin at about ten dollars from many suppliers. When purchasing a rain barrel, be sure that you are selecting a heavy grade of plastic that will block out light. Clear barrels can lead to the growth of algae, which can clog pipes and cause other potentially hazardous incidents.

One of the potential risks of collecting and storing rainwater through rain barrels is the collection of mosquitoes and other insects. If you are considering the installation of a rain barrel, you should ensure that proper filtering systems are used in order to keep out potentially dangerous insects and to prevent the breeding grounds for larvae. Using water barrels for drinking water can present health risks if maintenance and precautions are not exercised properly.

If you purchase a new rain barrel, you will likely receive instructions for the installation and use of the barrel. Typically, the rain barrel is placed under the downspout from the rain barrel, about six to eight inches below the downspout. You may need to cut your downspout in order to achieve this distance. Once you have placed the barrel in the correct position, you simply add an elbow, which will connect the downspout to the barrel using two to three screws. Installation is not difficult and the results of collecting and storing rain water can help you to see a much lower water bill, particularly if you are planning to use this water for irrigation purposes. Millions of homeowners have found that using rain barrels provides them with an efficient and economical way to collect, store, and reuse rain water.