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Frequent Questions about Rainbarrels
How big are the rainbarrels?
 These rainbarrels are made of a dark green polypropylene plastic and are intended to stand up
to outdoor use with proper care. They hold 75 gallons of rainwater and include a debris screen,
hose, and overflow tube. The average person can easily lift an empty rainbarrel; they’re 36" tall
(3 feet) and about 27" diameter at the widest point.
How do I install a rainbarrel?
 The rainbarrel should be placed so that it collects as much rain as possible from your roof.
If you have guttering, you can shorten a downspout to end above the barrel, and reattach the
end elbow joint to direct the flow. If you do not have gutters, the rainbarrel needs to be
placed under a corner where two roof sections meet to create a valley. Position the rainbarrel
carefully so that it catches the trickle of water from a light rain as well as a more forceful
flow during a downpour.
Download rainbarrel installation instructions here. (PDF)
Can I connect rainbarrels?
Absolutely! Connecting rainbarrels is a great way to harvest more rainwater from one downspout or roof corner. You will need a hacksaw or similar instrument to cut the rainbarrel handles, then connect the handles using your extra overflow tube. View a diagram of connected rainbarrels. (PDF)
How do I keep my rainbarrel in good shape?
Like most things around your home, your rainbarrel needs a little regular attention to
keep working smoothly. To keep it in the best shape:
- Empty your barrel monthly
- Clean your gutters regularly to reduce debris
- Once a year, tip it over during a dry spell and rinse it out with a hose
Will the water smell?
Any standing water will begin to smell after a while, especially if it contains
organic matter (like leaves). Smelly water won’t hurt your plants, but it can be a
nuisance. To avoid it:
- Don’t let rainwater sit in your barrel longer than a month.
- Put a capful of chlorine bleach into the water. That small amount
won’t hurt plants, but vinegar might -- don’t use any type of vinegar in your rainbarrel.
How do I keep mosquitoes out?
While the screen on top prevents adult mosquitoes from getting into your rainbarrel,
larvae can be washed in from your gutters.  You can help prevent breeding by emptying
the barrel regularly, or adding "mosquito dunks" to the water. Mosquito Dunks are a
bacterial larvicide, a non-toxic bacterium that kills mosquito larvae. It’s safe for
your plants, and it can’t harm pets or people. You can find the product at most garden
supply stores.
The water in my rainbarrel has developed a green scum on top -- how do I get rid of it without harming my plants?
That green scum is probably algae. Algae grows almost in any water with sunlight and is not harmful.
To eliminate it, put one or two capfuls of bleach in the water (not in your empty tank). Although that small amount of
chlorine won't be harmful, let the water sit for a few days before you use it on plants.
When the barrel is empty, turn it over and use a scrub brush to clean it out -- it's good to clean out your barrel every year or two when dry.
My water hose won’t stay on.
If this happens, you can tighten the clamp, or replace it with a thicker clamp from a
hardware store.
I'm missing the hose that was supposed to come with the rainbarrel.
We often have spare parts for rainbarrels. Come by the next rainbarrel sale, or
call 974-2199 to arrange pickup.
The water won’t come out.
Rainbarrels can clog up, especially in the newer models where the spout is on the bottom.
Keep the area clear by rinsing out your barrel during a dry spell or adding cheesecloth
or muslin on top of the screen as an additional filter. For existing clogs, remove the
water hose and use a wooden or metal skewer or ice pick to clear out any debris.
My rainbarrel won’t hold water.
Some earlier models had a problem with the overflow spout, which has since been redesigned.
While your barrel is empty, reattach the overflow tube (the clear tube inside the rainbarrel)
and push it in tightly. To check for leaks, fill the barrel with a water hose. When the water
level stops going down, check around that level for a leak. Most small leaks can be
repaired with aquarium caulk, a clear sealant available at most hardware stores.
My water hose won’t stay up.
- Replace the existing hose with a longer, more pliable hose.
- Use a twist- tie or piece of wire to hold the hose up in a tree or to the gutter.
- If all else fails, come by the next rainbarrel sale for a new hose.
Don’t forget:
 You can also put your barrel on concrete blocks to give gravity a helping hand.
You can also attach a longer hose to extend the reach of your barrel. Purchase an
additional water hose and trim it to 10 to 15 feet. Reattach the hose ends and
clamp the cut end to your rainbarrel. Make sure to hang the nozzle higher than
the rainbarrel -- try hanging it on a tree branch or clamping to your house.
Rainbarrels can fall over -- be sure yours is level!
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