Here’s How to Choose the Right Rain Barrel

A rain barrel is an easy way to green up your home. A rain barrel collects rainwater from your roof, reducing water and pollution run-off, municipal sewer back-ups and tap water use. Watering your garden with rainwater can help your garden weather drought and shrink your water bill, too. Ready to dive in? Here’s what you need to know.

Rain Barrel Materials Rain Barrel Styles Rain Barrel Features

Rain Barrel Materials

Rain barrels are typically made from plastic of wood. Knowing which material is better for your needs and outdoor space, will help you narrow down your rain barrel design choices.

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Rain Barrel Styles

Rain barrels come in different shapes and sizes, for reasons of both style and utility. Once you know if you’d prefer a plastic or wooden rain barrel, you can zero in on a style choice. Here are some rain barrel styles worth considering.

Rain Barrel/Planter	This multipurpose rain barrel combines a water reservoir with a built-in planter overtop. • Adds more growing space to a small garden • Turns a rain barrel into a backyard or deck design feature • Material: plastic (finish options may include pottery, wicker, rattan or wood) TIP: Increase your yard’seco-friendliness by planting pollinator-feeding native plants in the integrated planter.
Flat Back Rain Barrels	This space-savvy rain barrel is designed to sit flush against any wall. • Streamlined design saves space and creates a tidy appearance • No need to modify downspout to meet the rain barrel • Material: plastic (finish options may include pottery, wicker, rattan or wood) TIP: With their easy-to-install profile, flat back rain barrels are the simplest DIY option.
Collapsible Rain Barrels	This portable rain barrel is a lightweight, storage-savvy option. • Collapse and stow when not in use • Easy to move from home to cottage • Material: PVC tarpaulin TIP: Collapsible rain barrels are more likely to tip, so ensure the ground it is sitting on is perfectly levelled.
Decorative Rain Barrels	These novelty rain barrels are used to reinforce the design aesthetic of your yard space. • Available in various designs and colours, including faux pottery, wicker, rattan or metal, as well as real or faux wood • Turns a rain barrel into a backyard or deck design feature • Material: plastic (finish options may include pottery, stone, rattan, etc.) or wood TIP: Decorative rain barrels cost more than standard ones, so save this splurge for high-profile locations.

Rain Barrel Features

The following features can help you improve the safety, utility and convenience of your rain barrel. Some features may be part of a rain barrel’s design, while others may require a separate purchase.

Capacity

Residential rain barrels average 40 to 80 gallons of capacity, with some options above and below. Your yard space will likely dictate your choice.

Debris Screen

A stainless-steel screen is a must to keep your rain barrel free of debris and bugs (including mosquitoes, which lay their eggs in standing water).

Child- and Pet-Proof

A secure lid is essential for protecting kids and pets from potential drowning. (For added security, consider anchoring your rain barrel to a wall with a ratchet strap or other method.)

Overflow Valve

An overflow valve diverts excess water when the rain barrel is full. Connect it to a length of plastic tubing to send excess water into your lawn or garden, away from your house foundation.

Pump

While gravity-fed hoses can be used to water directly from a rain barrel, there won’t be enough pressure for a spray nozzle. Want more water pressure? Add a rain barrel pump.

Shut off Valve and & Hose Hook Up

The shut off valve and hose hook up on your rain barrel allow you to easily attach a garden hose when needed and turn it off when not in use.

Hose

Some rain barrels are sold with a hose, although a separate purchase may be justified for those seeking a specialty product such as a soaker hose.

Linkability

Some rain barrels are designed to be linkable. If the first rain barrel gets full, the rainwater overflow will be directed to the linked barrel.

UV Resistance

Look for a rain barrel made with a UV-resistant material so it is better able to withstand direct sunlight and hold up against the elements.

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FAQs

How do rain barrels work?

Typically, a rain barrel is placed under your home’s downspout to collect water from your roof during a rainfall. The water can then be saved and used later when needed to water your plants and garden. This can be done manually with a watering can or via garden hoses as part of an irrigation system. A rain barrel also helps prevent water from pooling and potentially entering your home through the foundation.

How do you daisy chain rain barrels together?

Linking or ‘daisy-chaining’ rain barrels together is actually quite easy. Most rain barrels feature an overflow valve near the top of the barrel. Instead of just diverting the water away from your home, you can use a short length of garden hose along with couplings and clamps to send the water into a second rain barrel placed nearby. This process can be duplicated with multiple barrels in series if space allows.

Are rain barrels legal?

Yes. The collection and use of rainwater for non-drinking uses such as outdoor irrigation is legal in Canada. Other applications may be permitted in your area, but you should check with your local municipality to determine permitted usage.

Are rain barrels safe?

Yes. Modern rain barrels have childproof lids to prevent access from kids and pets. Many models also include a debris screen to keep insects out and prevent them from laying eggs in standing water. If you use your rainwater on herb & vegetable gardens you can add an ounce of bleach to your rain barrel (55-gallon capacity) once a month to inhibit the formation of algae or other contaminants. Be sure to wait 24 hours before watering to allow the chlorine to evaporate.

Garden & Landscape Sustainability