Rain Barrels: A Simple Garden Investment With a Lasting Impact

Collecting rainwater has been practiced for centuries, but modern rain barrels make the process more efficient and beneficial for homeowners. A rain barrel is a simple yet effective way to harvest and store rainwater for later use, ultimately reducing reliance on municipal water supplies and lowering utility costs. With growing concerns about water conservation and sustainability, rain barrels offer an environmentally friendly solution that benefits both homeowners and their landscapes.

This guide will explore why rain barrels are an excellent investment, how they work, the best types to choose from, and ways to maximize their use. Additionally, we will discuss critical safety considerations — such as keeping barrels covered to prevent harm to animals and pollinators — and strategies for managing overflow water effectively. Whether you are new to rainwater collection or looking to enhance your existing setup, this guide will provide the knowledge needed to get the most out of your rain barrel system.

Why Use a Rain Barrel?

Rain barrels have benefits far beyond simply collecting and storing water, and one of those benefits is environmental. A number of issues are caused by stormwater runoff from roofs and paved surfaces that often overwhelms municipal drainage systems, leading to flooding, erosion, and the pollution of nearby rivers and lakes. Rain barrels help mitigate these issues by capturing and utilizing rainwater before it reaches storm drains, reducing the burden on drainage infrastructure and the risk of environmental contamination.

From a sustainability standpoint, harvesting rainwater is an effective way to conserve municipal water supplies. Many regions experience seasonal droughts or water restrictions, and having access to collected rainwater allows homeowners to maintain their gardens and outdoor spaces without overtaxing limited water resources. Additionally, stored rainwater is free from chlorine and other chemical treatments used in municipal water systems, making it healthier for plants and better for maintaining soil quality.

Using a rain barrel can also lead to substantial financial savings. Watering outdoor plants, washing cars, tools, or even patios with rainwater rather than tap water can reduce utility bills over time. And, using rainwater for non-drinking purposes helps lessen the demand on public water systems.

Types of Rain Barrels — Which One Is Best?

So, you've decided to give rain barrels a try. Congratulations! 

The first step is to choose the right rain barrel for your use. There are multiple options, and the "right" rain barrel depends on several factors, including material, capacity, and intended purpose. Plastic barrels are among the most popular choices for homeowners due to their lightweight, affordable, and rust-resistant properties. However, plastic can degrade over time, especially when exposed to prolonged sunlight and heat. This means you will someday need to replace a plastic barrel, and keep alert for any damage over time. Metal barrels, while more durable than plastic, may be prone to rust if not properly treated or lined with protective coating (and stainless steel barrels can often be cost prohibitive). Typically, metal barrels are designed with the commercial or industrial customer in mind. 

The size of the barrel also plays a role in efficiency. Small barrels, usually around 50 gallons, are best for homeowners with minimal watering needs, while medium-sized barrels of 75 to 100 gallons provide enough storage for most backyard gardens. Large barrels exceeding 100 gallons or multi-barrel systems offer extended water availability if you want to maximize your collection capacity.

Although commercially available barrels come pre-equipped with spigots and overflow systems, DIY options provide a budget-friendly alternative. Repurposing food-grade containers or industrial drums can be an effective way to create a custom rain barrel, provided they are properly cleaned and fitted with necessary components like filters and spigots.

Setup and Installation

Ok, you've decided on the type of barrel you need. You can just stick it outside and wait for good rainfall, right? Wrong. Now that you've chosen your barrel, it's time to get to work!  

Although installing a rain barrel is a straightforward process requiring minimal tools and effort, you do have to engage in some strategic thinking and ensure you have all the necessary items before beginning. Placement and proper setup are essential to maximizing efficiency. 

Placement and Preparation

The most effective location for a rain barrel is beneath a downspout, where it can capture runoff directly from the roof. To optimize usage, the barrel should be placed on a stable, elevated surface, such as a concrete block or a sturdy stand, which should be 12 to 18 inches off the ground to improve water pressure for hose attachments. You will also need to ensure a level base for the barrel. If you're building a wooden platform, you can consider the slope that typically exists under a drain spout or any uneven ground and adjust your build accordingly. 

However, if you plan to use concrete blocks or bricks to create the platform, you will likely need some filler to create even ground. One method (that I have used with great success) is to dig out the ground under the drain spout to reduce the slope as much as possible, then set bricks into the perimeter to create a level frame that is larger than the platform you plan to use (at least six extra inches all around is ideal). Then, use pea gravel to fill the frame to the top of the brick line. You can place your concrete blocks on top of the gravel framework. Having pea gravel under your rain barrel is a good idea, regardless of the platform you use, because the last thing you want is a giant mud puddle around your barrel if it overflows (we'll cover overflow prevention in the next section). 

After creating level ground, you'll want to modify the downspout to direct water into the barrel. This usually requires cutting the downspout and attaching a diverter or filter system to channel water into the barrel and prevent debris from entering. 

Final Touches 

Once you've securely positioned the barrel, install a spigot or hose connector near the base to allow easy access to stored water. Since a single heavy rainfall can quickly fill a barrel to capacity, planning for overflow at this early stage is crucial. A well-designed system includes an overflow hose or a secondary barrel to manage excess water and prevent pooling around the foundation. 

Rain barrels should always be covered with a fine mesh screen or fitted lid to ensure long-term functionality and safety. This prevents leaves, insects, and small animals from contaminating the water and reduces mosquito breeding risks. Regular maintenance, such as checking for clogs, leaks, and algae buildup, will further extend the system's lifespan and ensure a reliable water supply throughout the year.

Storing Overflow Water — Double-Barrel and Long-Term Solutions

Managing overflow effectively is essential to making the most of a rain barrel system, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. A double-barrel system connecting multiple barrels with a linking hose is one of the simplest ways to increase storage capacity. This system allows excess water to flow seamlessly from one barrel to another. If you decide to employ this method, remember that each barrel you use will need its own level base. As the rise decreases, so does the water pressure coming out of the barrel. 

If you want to use gravity instead of a water pump to pull the water from the barrel, you will need to make sure each one is on a 12- to 18-inch-high platform. If you're interested in using a water pump with your rain barrel, be sure to educate yourself on the difference between submersible and above-ground pumps and the various sizes and strengths of pumps. 

For homeowners seeking larger-scale storage solutions, underground cisterns or secondary storage tanks offer additional capacity while keeping excess water out of sight. Head to this page or watch this video to learn more about underground water storage and collection. 

Another effective method is directing overflow water into a designated rain garden, where it can slowly absorb into the soil and replenish groundwater reserves. Rain gardens require their own careful planning, however. If you want to use a rain garden, you need to design and create one prior to installing your rain barrel. This article and this video will provide you with helpful information about creating a rain garden.  

With the right planning, excess rainwater can be stored and used effectively for weeks after a storm, ensuring a steady supply long after the rain has stopped.

Keep the Barrel Covered!

One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of owning and maintaining a rain barrel is ensuring that it remains securely covered. An open barrel poses a significant risk to small animals and pollinators that may accidentally fall in and drown. Even when empty, birds, squirrels, and even beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies can become trapped in the barrel if it is not properly sealed.

A well-sealed, fine mesh screen over the intake area prevents these incidents while allowing water to flow freely into the barrel (most commercially purchased barrels come with a proper screen). Use the screen in conjunction with a tight-fitting lid or a cover for the barrel opening to use during storage. Screens also serve as a crucial defense against mosquitoes, which are known to lay eggs in standing water. Mosquito larvae can quickly infest an uncovered barrel, turning what should be an eco-friendly water source into a breeding ground. Providing a secure covering protects wildlife, maintains homeowners from pests, and maintains the cleanliness and usability of their rainwater.

Beyond Watering Plants

The most common use for rain barrel water is garden irrigation. The best way to irrigate using a rain barrel is by connecting the barrel to a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. These systems enable efficient, slow-release watering that reduces waste and improves soil moisture retention. As long as you've adhered to the platform height requirement, gravity-fed irrigation systems work particularly well to distribute water evenly throughout garden beds without the need for a pump or manual effort. 

Beyond gardening, collected rainwater can be repurposed for household tasks like washing outdoor furniture, cleaning garden tools, and rinsing patios or sidewalks. Some homeowners use rain barrel water for filling birdbaths, backyard ponds, or decorative fountains.

You should never use rainwater collected in barrels for drinking or cooking unless it has undergone proper filtration and purification (you can read more about purifying water here and here). Additionally, it is advisable to avoid direct application on the edible parts of fruits and vegetables unless necessary precautions have been taken to ensure water safety.

Final Thoughts

Rain barrels are a simple, effective way to conserve water, reduce environmental impact, and potentially reduce household utility costs. Homeowners can maximize the benefits of rainwater harvesting by selecting the right type, ensuring proper installation, and implementing best practices for maintenance and overflow storage. 

Whether you want to use the water for irrigation, cleaning, or other household applications, your rain barrel will provide a sustainable solution that supports both the environment and personal resource management.

As awareness of water conservation grows, incorporating rain barrels into daily life is a practical step toward sustainability. With proper care and thoughtful integration, a well-maintained rain barrel system can provide lasting benefits for years to come.