Increase water pressure out of your rain barrel by installing an electric pump or raising the barrel higher off the ground with a rain barrel stand.
Follow our instructions for cleaning and maintaining your rain barrel regularly.
Use a soaker hose for low pressure applications to constantly water nearby plants.
Plant in the top of your rain barrel if it has a planter top. We suggest laying down a layer of small gravel or rocks to help with drainage, followed by sand or coco fiber (a peat moss replacement) and then a growing medium of some kind such as top soil or potting mix.
Make sure screens are in place in both your gutters/downspout and on your barrel to avoid debris build-up, and remove debris periodically.
Disconnect your rain barrel from the collection system before winter.
Don’t:
Do NOT drink collected rainwater. It is not for human or animal consumption.
Don’t leave water in your rain barrel for extended periods.
Don’t spray water directly on vegetables or leaves in case of contaminants from the roof. In case of contact, make sure to wash vegetables thoroughly.
Don’t allow overflow from the barrel to be directed toward your foundation. This could cause erosion and potential damage.
Don’t let the foundation for the barrel become unlevel or unstable as a full barrel is heavy and can tip over easily.
Don’t allow rainwater to freeze in your rain barrel. Water expands when frozen and can cause damage to your barrel.
