Top Picks for Rain Barrels: 2024's Favorites Unveiled
In the quest to conserve water and reduce utility bills, rain barrels have emerged as a popular solution. These innovative water storage systems collect rainwater from your roof and channel it for various household uses. Here's a guide to help you choose the ideal rain barrel for your home.
Material Safety
Always opt for a food-grade barrel to ensure the collected rainwater remains safe and free from harmful chemical contamination. Non-food-grade barrels may leach chemicals, which could compromise the quality of your water supply.
Capacity and Size
The capacity of a typical rain barrel is about 55 gallons. Consider your water usage needs, roof catchment size, and available space when selecting a barrel. Remember, rain barrels fill quickly during heavy rain, so choose a size that balances space and water storage.
Shape and Placement
Flat-back barrels are ideal as they can be placed close to walls or downspouts, saving space. Ensure your barrel is placed on a sturdy, level stand near the downspout to maximize flow and stability.
Overflow Management
Check whether the barrel design includes overflow outlets or provisions to connect additional barrels to avoid water wastage during heavy rain.
Durability and Appearance
Look for barrels that resist rotting, fading, and infestation. Some barrels have an aesthetic design, such as faux wood grain, to blend with outdoor settings.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Features like removable lids permit cleaning and debris removal. A system that drains completely helps prevent standing water, reducing mosquito breeding and water stagnation.
Scalability and Modularity
If you're interested in expanding your system, modular systems made of multiple interconnected barrels allow increased capacity and efficiency.
Local Regulations and Codes
Verify that the barrel system complies with local codes and permit requirements.
Popular Rain Barrel Models
- The IOCOCEE Folding Rain Barrel is a collapsible 100-gallon model made from PVC. It features a threaded spigot for hooking it up to a hose, faucet, or ABS drain valve.
- The RTS Companies Eco Rain Barrel is made from 100% recycled plastic and has a plastic spigot with a shut-off valve. It can be hooked up to additional rain barrels to collect more rainwater.
- The Good Ideas Black Plastic Rain Barrel is 65 gallons and made of FDA-approved resin. It has a fine mesh screen and two threaded brass spigots.
- The Good Ideas Rain Wizard 40 Gallon Rain Barrel is made from 100% recycled resin. It features a high-quality brass spigot and an overflow spout.
- The Koolscapes Stone-Look Rain Barrel holds 55 gallons of water and has a stone-like finish. It comes with three outflows for water and is made of corrosion-resistant recycled plastic.
- The Mirainbarrel Rain Barrel is a 58-gallon DIY option with a high-quality brass spigot and brass overflow valve. It's made from food-grade recycled plastic barrels and comes with an installation kit.
- The RTS Companies Eco Rain Barrel is a 50-gallon model with a faux-wood finish and a flat back design.
Water Collection Potential
For a 1,000-square-foot roof, every inch of rain can result in 600 gallons of rainwater. Rain barrels come in sizes ranging from 30 to over 100 gallons.
Special Considerations for Garden Use
For garden use, a spigot near the bottom of the barrel is ideal for easy watering can filling. Rain barrels should have a durable lid or secure mesh screen to prevent access by children or animals.
Efficient Water Conservation
With the right rain barrel, you can collect and reuse up to 30% of your roof's runoff, significantly reducing your water consumption and utility bills.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might find a durable and aesthetically pleasing rain barrel, like the Good Ideas Rain Wizard with a stone-like finish, beneficial for blending with their outdoor living space.
- For those planning to utilize the rainwater in their garden, selecting a model with a spigot near the bottom, such as the Mirainbarrel Rain Barrel, would facilitate easy watering can filling and water for sustainable gardening.
