Using Your Rain Collection System

Installing your collection system:

Once the decision has been made as to where to install the barrels or tanks the ground is leveled and blocks are placed. This gives the collection vessel a stable foundation, elevates it a bit for added pressure and provides enough room under the faucet for buckets or watering cans.

The downspout is then removed above the barrel and converted to allow the water to drain into the barrel. The 1.5" overflow outlet is then installed to help direct excess water away from your home's foundation. The overflow water can be directed into an underground drain, onto a splashblock, or into other containers.

Using your stored water:

Soaker hoses work very well with your rain barrel if you remove the pressure reducing washer at the female end of the hose. Another way to water several individual plantings is to take an old garden hose, put a cap on the male end and use a drill to create holes right where you want the water to come out.

With an inexpensive pump it is possible to water by hand with a hose and watering wand or to wash the car. With the help of a sprinkler pump you can water larger areas through your sprinkler. With an automatic sump pump it is possible to send water to your pool at the same time it is being collected.

Barrel maintenance:

Your collection barrels will require a small amount of maintenance. Despite the fine screen filtering the incoming water, some fine sediment will collect in the bottom. The faucet is high enough on the barrel to allow for a good bit of accumulation before it clogs the outlet. Once a year or so when you have a chance to empty your barrel of water, you will want to turn it on its side and hose it out to remove the sediment.

The barrels will be not be harmed by a typical Athens, Georgia freeze. If the temperatures are going to fall below 20 degrees two or more nights in a row, I suggest you lower the water level in the barrel about 12" to allow room for the expansion of the ice. If temperatures are expected to fall below 10 degrees, it would be best to drain your barrel. I also suggest you drain the barrel if daytime highs are going to be below freezing for two or more days. If you would like to be reminded in the case of an upcoming freeze please request to be put on an email list.