Rain Barrels

​Reuse runoff

A rain barrel collects rain water from your roof and holds it for use in your garden or lawn. Collection of the roof runoff reduces the amount of stormwater flowing on your property. Properly installed and maintained, a rain barrel is a great way to conserve water and maintain outdoor plants. It is important to ensure that a rain barrel does not overflow and damage your foundation.  

Your 208 litre/55 gallon rain barrel is made of recycled plastic. It should come with a removable lid, brass tap, overflow tube and hose clamp. The lid should have a steel screen to keep debris out.

If you need more capacity, you can connect barrels together using the overflow tube, a short section of rubber tubing or a garden hose.

Setting up your barrel

• Choose a location below a downspout on a firm, level surface.

  Don't drink the water

  Collected rain water is not potable water. Never drink or ingest standing water that has been collected in a rain barrel. This water may become stagnant or contaminated, and is not fit for human or animal consumption.

• Position the downspout to fit into the screen opening. Cut the downspout if needed.
• Install the brass tap into the hole near the bottom front of the rain barrel. Hand tighten.
• Choose which side overflow spout you will use and install the overflow connection/hose. The spouts are blocked by a plastic disc; remove one disc by inserting a screwdriver or chisel from the outside and gently tapping with a hammer around the edges of the disc until it pops out. Attach the overflow hose using the hose clamp.
• Attach the lid to the barrel using the 4 screws provided.
• Secure and stabilize the barrel to avoid tipping hazards.

Maintaining your barrel

• Clean the screen monthly to remove debris and leaves.
• Add a small amount of olive oil or dish soap to the water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your barrel.
• Keep the lid on your barrel at all times to keep children and wildlife out.

Storing your barrel

In preparation for winter, drain your barrel and store it upside down in a shed or garage. If the barrel is left outside during the winter and exposed to the elements, the plastic may crack.