Rain Water Collection - Prepping for Winter

Super simple method for taking care of water collection systems when the weather turns to freezing... VERY basic overview is to attach a hose length to the main tank and aim it freely downhill away from the structure that you are collecting from. The valve can remain fully open and so when it rains or snow thaws, etc., the water is able to freely move through the tank and down and away. You don't need to redirect the downspouts or make big changes to your system... It can be easy!

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[Bgraytful]

We have just the opposite= no rain thru the summer, rain in the winter (California) and only minimal frost so I"m doing just the opposite, cleaning and preparing tanks to catch what rain we get. It took me years to adapt to this climate and rhythm of planting/growing. It is so important to learn the climate patterns where you are and then adapt and anticipate (as you are doing.)

[dylanyoutube]

Great video! Just a heads up, you may want to put some mesh on top of that open-topped 55-gallon bucket, or put in a little ladder system if you don't already have one. I had a similar set-up a few years ago and a squirrel fell in a drowned 😞

[JoyoftheGardenandHome]

It seems I'm playing roulette, thought I had more time. I'll have to work faster to empty my tote, I'm slowly collecting water in jugs for indoor winter use, not realizing the Y valve was being compromised with the short freezes we've had.

[slaplapdog]

Your reuse of discarded materials is very satisfying!

[carolynethrasher]

I like a simple no fuss system and yours seems to be pretty much foolproof and easy as long as you open the valves before freezing temps.

[MistressOnyaCox]

I use 🌡️Heated tape/cord for pipes really cheap and can be solar. I wrap trees in it too..

[UncleBooker]

Thanks man, good information. I always enjoy your repurposing techniques and structural engineering charm. 👍👍

[mrbill]

Of course I think to search your channel for winter rainwater after asking a question on another video! 😮. Thanks for breaking down your winter routine.

[patrickwilshire]

I have a similar set up here in Ithaca with IBCs and I've been puzzling out whether to divert my downspouts for the winter away from the tanks. Yours is a much more inexpensive and simple solution! Thanks for the insight!

[ronk]

How do you handle water for sheltered growing spaces and animals during the winter? City water?

[ainsleycamps]

Ragamuffin set-up😂😂 this is pretty technical language!😊

[brad]

consideration to add a 4" PVS first flush system. ive seen significant improvement in algie, settlement, and color of the water.

[holisticheritagehomestead]

Nice video! That’s great that you have that rainwater collection setup. The past two years have been drier than usual here in Missouri. I’ve been thinking about water security more and more. Be well.

[trollmcclure]

I thought there's some hack like something holding air inside so that the ice can expand inwards. Emptying them is a no brainer

[mywoolmitten]

Thank you, good information as always

[erlingpanduro]

Since I kinda need water on my site also during winter I'm gonna experiment with insulating my totes a bit (old blankets =D?) and also protecting the vulnerable valves. As long as it's only -1-5 degrees celsius I hope it will work out.

[forestdog]

Is it best to used the plastic barrels?or can i use metal without issue? I picked up several food grade metal cans last year for $15 each, which i was going to use to store rabbit feed/hay in...but no more rabbits. Lol

I do have 2 60 gallon molded resin type rain barrels i use, but would love a larger setup throughout the yard for my further away garden beds.

[bot-iplu]

How do you manage situation with heavy rain and small garden hose?
Maybe not a problem if your roof surface is not too big

[carolinegray]

Well, they keep making those parts out of plastic! Why? ! Metal worked. It's a case of not following the rule..."If it ain't broke don't fix it!"

[baz]

last winter i let the water freeze in my ibc. it froze solid but no particular happened with the tank. it thawed in the spring and that is it. i left the lid open and redirected the rainwater, no hose was attached either. do you think i take a risk with this "method" this year?