Rain Barrel Features to Look For

Not all rain barrels are created equal.

Here are just a few features that you want to consider when researching for your rain barrel purchase.

Small openings, Resistant to Accidental Drowning.
See the previous post for this!

Proper Water Flow, No Storm Water Overflow
Make sure that the overflow port is equal to the inlet. If you have a large volume of rain water entering the rain barrel, what happens after the rain barrel is full? You want to be able to take all the excess rain water a move it along. You don't want all that rain water overflowing out the top of the rain barrel next to the foundation of your home.

All Plastic Construction, Eliminates Leaks
Some rain barrel companies provide a metal garden hose bibb (attachment). They look great but metal and plastic expand and contract at different rates. After working the fitting back and forth (opening and closing the garden hose shut off valve) you may cause the hole for the garden hose bibb to enlarge. You will never be able to completely reseal it.

Functional Design, Maximum Water Pressure Available
Check out where the garden hose will attach to the rain barrel. If it is not at the bottom of the rain barrel you will never completely empty the rain barrel. This will allow sludge build up and standing water to remain in your barrel. This is the perfect place for mosquitoes to breed. Water pressure increases slightly if you place the garden hose drain at the bottom of the rain barrel.