Rain Barrel Buying Guide: Types, Sizing & Installation

The EPA estimates lawn watering consumes 40% of summer residential water. A rain barrel saves ~1,300 gallons/season—real money in water-stressed areas.

Key Questions Before Buying

• Does appearance matter? (Visible vs. hidden)
• How "green" do you want to be? (Recycled materials, DIY)
• DIY or ready-made?
• How many barrels? (Calculate roof runoff × rainfall)
• HOA or municipal restrictions?

At $0.01/gallon, 1,300 gallons = $13/year savings. The EPA's roof runoff calculator gives precise estimates. Bonus: emergency water supply during outages (add a simple purifier).

Three Main Types

1. Plastic/Synthetic Barrels

Lightweight, durable, UV-resistant. Many styles (flat-back for walls, decorative urn shapes). Easy to install, widely available. Look for BPA-free, food-grade plastic.

2. Wooden Barrels

Aesthetic, natural look. Often repurposed whiskey/wine barrels. Heavier, may need liner to prevent leaks. Shorter lifespan than plastic.

3. Conversion Kits

Turn any food-grade container (trash can, IBC tote, drum) into a rain barrel. Most affordable, maximum customization. Requires basic tools (drill, spigot, overflow fitting, screen).

Essential Accessories

• Elevation: Cinder blocks, wooden stand, or decorative riser—gravity feed needs height.
• Pump system: For hoses, sprinklers, or elevation challenges.
• Diverter kit: Routes downspout water in; excess bypasses when full.
• Linking kit: Connect multiple barrels for capacity.

Visit the EPA's WaterSense site for installation diagrams and local rebate info. A well-chosen system pays for itself in water savings and resilience.