Rain Barrels
If you want to capture water naturally from your roof top for use at a later, drier date, use a rain barrel!
By capturing this water you will reduce runoff volume, promote infiltration, and slow and filter runoff from your roof. As long as the water is transported well away from foundations, concerns of structural damage and basement flooding can be alleviated.
By capturing this water you will reduce runoff volume, promote infiltration, and slow and filter runoff from your roof. As long as the water is transported well away from foundations, concerns of structural damage and basement flooding can be alleviated.
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If you are interested in purchasing a rain barrel, download the order form and mail it back to us!
The styles of barrels vary slightly by color, so be sure to specify which color barrel you would like. If you have questions or need help ordering your barrel, call us at (231) 347-1181. |
Images from Upcycle Products Inc.
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To install your rain barrel:
- Decide the location of your rain barrel. Often they are placed near downspouts, but you can place the barrel under any surface that has a concentrated flow of water coming off of it. Locate the barrel so it is convenient to water your flower beds and gardens.
- The barrel must be placed on a flat, level surface, and should be raised off the ground to increase gravity flow and allow you to place a bucket under its spigot. Concrete blocks, pavers, or a sturdy wooden structure all provide a good base. Be aware, a full barrel can weigh 400 pounds or more!
- The barrel’s overflow hose should be directed into a rain garden or other planted area, or optional second barrel at least 10 feet from a building’s foundation.
- If you want to capture water from a downspout, you will need to modify the downspout so that it directs the flow of water into the screen-covered opening of your rain barrel. There are several styles of diverters you may purchase or you can cut the downspout at a height above the barrel and use an elbow to direct it.
- Keep in mind that rain barrels fill up fast! For every inch of rain that falls on one square foot of your roof, you can collect just over a half gallon of rainwater (0.6 gallons). For example, a 10’ x 10’ shed (100 square feet) will yield 60 gallons of rainwater during a one inch rain event. If you were to harness the water off a 2,000 square foot home, you would have 1,200 gallons from one inch of rain.
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