installation

Maintenance of your rain barrel is important. The contents of your barrel will provide your landscaping with an excellent source of water, but the water quality will be affected with neglect.

Therefore, we've put together some "how-to's" and "why-not-do-this" type of stuff for your interest. Following these guidelines will insure your barrel is used and abused.

4. Winterizing your rain barrel

Cleaning your barrel will insure water quality. Despite the eco-friendly benefits of your water, particulate matter from your roof can be transferred to your barrel. This includes shingle material, bird droppings and other undesirable stuff. The good news is that this stuff does not go into your plants; the fine particles sit on the bottom of your barrel, well below the spigot opening. (see pic on the right)

The built-in screen in the lid will catch over 90% of the material from your downspout, but some stuff is too fine to catch and will end up on the bottom of your barrel. Empty the contents of your barrel around your yard, reserving some rain water to clean the barrel.

Grab a bristle broom and brush the insides of the barrel until clean. Rinse...and repeat, if you want. If you wish, use a biodegradable soap to wash the inside of the barrel.

The water you have collected is ready to be used and should not be "stored for a drought" situation. Algae can build-up in standing water, therefore we recommend you use the rain water within 4-8 days after a rainfall. How can you keep collecting if your barrel is always full?

On this point....Rain water in your barrel is NOT fit for human consumption. This simply means that you should not drink water from your rain barrel for the reasons I mentioned above. You may want to exercise caution when filling the watering dish for your dog or cat. This is just a precaution however to date, I have not heard of any pets becoming ill from drinking rain water.

One person did mention pets drink from the toilet bowl, so how bad can it be.....?

3. Check your barrel for stability and function.

Use a level when installing your barrel. (an absolute must). Check for level several times over the spring, summer and fall seasons. If your barrel is elevated, you must check after it fills for the first time and the foundation settles under the weight of the full rain barrel. Repeat this procedure over the next several weeks to insure your barrel is secure on its' foundation.

Overflow spout: This should be leading away from the barrel in the direction you want the run-off to go. There should also be adequate hose attached that draws the water away from the foundation of the building, at least a couple of metres. Do not over-extend your runoff hose. There is not a lot of pressure pushing the overflow through the hose. Also, look into upgrading your overflow spout to a 1" spout.

Remember, never drain your runoff onto a hard surface leading to the sewer system.

In some areas, this has become the law. We always advocate that you comply in every way with your local laws. Our aim is to reduce the runoff into the system that is taxing the infrastructure, and reduce the environmental impact on our lakes and rivers.

If you're not sure you're doing the right thing, contact us for advice.

The first option (and my absolute favourite) is to store your barrel in an enclosed location away from the elements for the winter, such as your shed or garage. You will still need to re-direct your water flow on your downspout away from your foundation; use the Downspout-Diverter and your problems are solved.

If you're going to leave the barrel in place for the winter, empty the contents of your barrel.

Open the brass tap all the way and drain the contents.
Remove the remaining water below the spigot line inside the barrel by tipping the barrel over or scooping-out small buckets of water until the barrel is completely drained
Ensure the barrel is dry inside. Flip the barrel over and store it on its' lid or...
cover the lid of the barrel with a piece of plywood and place a rock or brick on it, or other worthy object.
Use a barrier to prevent snow and ice from entering your barrel. A large garbage bag would work or a small tarp material can be used to cover your barrel, secured with string or bungee cord.

No water should be allowed to enter your barrel until spring.

We highly recommend the use of a Downspout Diverter to control the flow of rain water to and from your rain barrel. It allows you to re-direct the flow from your barrel back to the downspout for drainage in winter. If you use this method, and completely dry your barrel, you can leave it in place with the right covering to stop ice and water from entering your barrel. Turn the barrel upside down if you want....but cover the works in plastic if you can.

Very important!

Follow some of these helpful tips when maintaining your rain barrel.

Water quality can be enhanced by adding bleach to your barrel to control algae growth. One cup should do it for a full barrel.

You can buy feeder fish at your local pet store and let them live in your barrel. Fish food may be required to keep them alive. Also, remember to remove them for cleaning the barrel....please. Geez, glad I remembered to throw that in...

In Canada, pennies minted from 1974 or earlier control algae growth...no kidding. This also works for your birdbath. Throw a couple in your barrel to control algae, and one in your bird bath. [thanx to neighbour Neil for that one}

Add your favourite plant food to the barrel, or your watering cans. Use an old broken hockey stick to stir the mixture in the barrel. Fill your watering cans with the mixture. And yes, get an old broken hockey stick...

Use your rain water to wash your car, outdoor furniture and BBQ
Use it to fill your birdbath. (change the water frequently)
Use rain water to wash your windows. Also, vinegar mixed with hot water is a great cleaning agent for windows. For a streak-free shine, use newspaper instead of cloths to dry them off.

Drips n' Trickles...

1. Clean your barrel regularly in Spring and Summer