How to Install and Use a Rainbarrel

Rainbarrels are containers for collecting rainwater from rooftops. They allow you to save your stormwater runoff so that you can use it for things like irrigating landscaping plants. Using rainbarrels helps reduce amount of potable water needed for watering plants. It also adds capacity to city stormsewer systems by capturing part of the first flush of a rain event.

In this video, MWMO Training and Community Learning Specialist Abby Moore walks us through the basics of how to install and use a rainbarrel on a residential property.

[creamcheese]

I always wondered what people are supposed to do when they need to reinstall the downspout for the winter. Didn't realize it would be that simple. Thanks for explaining it.

[KeeleySheridan]

I came to see the installation of the hose as well and a few ideas how to get the ground level for the patio pavers. Seems like that was all done ahead of time and she just put back the pavers where they were previously fitted because how often is the ground even exactly where you need it to be.

[jcgoldstrom]

You should have shown the installation of the hose and overflow

[darrinlindsey]

I realize that this video waa made 3y ago. The way you stacked the paver blocks, right on the uneven ground, will eventually fail you. The last few years have been very dry, down here over the Minnesota/Iowa border. So, our ground hasnt been saturated with rain water for some time. The proper way to do this, would digging about a 6" deep hole, where the pavers will set. In the bottom of that hole, put "Locking" sand at about 3" depth. Then, top that off with some crushed rock (gravel, pea gravel, etc.) Make sure its packed in tight. (Tamp it). If you leave it like you have it, eventually the ground will get saturated with heavy rain. That would cause those pavers to start moving around in the mud. With this, i would also line the four sides of the hole with something to keep it from collapsing into the hole (Pond Liner Material, ground rated 2x6, cut metal pieces, etc). This would be an extra safety measure, to keep the heavy, saturated soil from collapsing in on the lighter, more porous, rock and sand. But, if the sand and crushed rock is packed in well enough, that could hold it stable. Why this works is, the crushed gravel and LOCKING sand, allow water to flow though it. So, no water will stay in that hole. The soil at the bottom of the hole is packed tight enough that it won't cause any movement. If i wasn't clear about something, please hit me back with questions. Thank you for the info on rain barrels.

[digagrave]

My roommate had one and I had no idea what it was for! 😄 thanks for explaining it!

[misterlarryb]

Thanks for a good, clear video! That's a nice rain barrel - I like the screened-in top, and the overflow hose. Just learned something, I think - BMP? Best Management Practice? Thanks!

[kennethpuryear]

I was thinking about leaving it on as mentioned before open the valve. I say this because the rain in winter can be a lot. It will travel back to the foundation and or freeze where the barrel was

[ddgamble]

Great video, thanks.
1. If you have an old rubber boot, you can cut the toe out, and use that as your diverter.
2. What are those beautiful plants at the base of the rainbarrel?

[johnfrederick]

Great video and thank you for taking the time!😁
Question.... if we have to pack up the rain barrel from say, November through March to defer damage during freeze conditions, what can we substitute in it's place for the cold months?
We plan on pre- filtering the water with a Lifestraw Community-grade filter first, then running it through an Alexapure unit to use it for drinking water.

[MichaelAngelNow]

Hi. Do you have a video on how to connect two or more rainbarrels. I have the same barrels in the video.

[rosswitte]

Can you just leave it out during the winter but leave the valve open?

[catirimba]

Please, how did u install both hoses and other attachments?
Thank u so much for your time!

[karab.]

Great video what do you do when you first buy them and they have that strong plastic smell to them? How do you get rid of it? As we are doing it for off grid lifestyle.

[kociarz]

Excellent source for ponding water for mosquitoes

[bend.]

Yeah, the stack of pavers doesn't look secure enough to hold 600 lbs. I would use cinder blocks.

[EliseAngelofHealing]

What size hacksaw did you use? I never used a hacksaw. I am trying to get my new rainbarrel I received today up and running.

[leelunk]

YOU DON'T LINK WHERE PEOPLE CAN PURCHASE IT? PLEASE LINK IT

[buckmurray]

I am looking to collect rainwater for extra drinking water during extreme conditions. Is this a good option? I imagine putting the collected water would be good after putting it through a good filter?

[LynnSeverson]

Where can I purchase that flat overflow hose you have? I can’t seem to find it. Thank you!

[joey]

question have you ever tried installing rain barrel under valley on a roof I am sure you will get some spillage but 100 gallons is worth a try as opposed to not positioning a rain barrel at all? i understand the gutter installation but i have issues on the valley both sides of my house