Where to get barrels for rain barrels

Are you connected or disconnected? Take a look at your downspouts. Do they connect straight into the ground picture 1 , or do they end in an elbow piece picture 2? If your downspouts are connected picture 1 , you will have to disconnect them before proceeding with your rain barrel installation.

Contact your municipality for more information about downspout disconnection. York: 1. Place your rain barrel next to the downspout, taking into account the height of the base you have chosen. Mark off the length of existing downspout that will need to be removed.

Cut at the marked point and connect your rain barrel to the downspout using the connector piece that came with your rain barrel kit. Your rain barrel should come with an overflow system. Make sure that the overflow is directed to a suitable location downhill from your home, such as garden or grassy area.

The simplest way is to fill a watering can and water your gardens and hanging baskets. Another option is to attach a soaker hose, which can be used to slowly water a nearby garden. A typical rain barrel can fill up after just one rain storm, so use the water you collect on a regular basis to make the most of your rain barrel. Skip to content.

Picture 1. Rain barrels capture water from a roof and hold it for later use such as on lawns, gardens or indoor plants. Collecting roof runoff in rain barrels reduces the amount of water that flows from your property. It's a great way to conserve water and it's free water for use in your landscape. Many cities and towns distribute rain barrels to residents through annual sales.

Other sources include online retailers, local home and garden supply stores. Cisterns are also used to "harvest" rain water. With a greater storage capacity they may be located above or below ground.

Rainwater Harvesting, U. EPA Green Infrastructure. Note: Remember that as rain water flows over a roof surface it can pick up pollutants such as bacteria from birds and other animals, and chemicals from roof materials - factors to consider when thinking about using rain barrel water on edible plantings.

Some links with information and suggestions are included below:. Rain Barrels, Reduce Runoff.