A rain barrel and a garden hose walk into a bar… The bartender says, “Hey, no refills!”
Collecting rainwater is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to manage water needs. If you’re in the market for the best rain barrels, there are several key factors to consider before making a purchase. Here are the top five considerations to ensure your pick serves your needs.
Top Considerations Before Selecting a Rain Barrel
Capacity
Water needs and usage patterns. If searching for the best rainwater barrels for gardening, some good questions to ask include, “How big is my garden?” “How frequent do I need to water my plants?” If used for purposes other than irrigation, consider factors like the size of your household will determine the frequency of water usage hence barrel capacity. Another determining factor is the size of the roof. We want to hit a sweet spot to avoid frequent refills or overflows.
Other considerations when looking at capacity include rainfall patterns. If your area receives prolonged rainfalls or falls in a cool and wet climatic condition, you may consider going for larger capacity barrels. The average American home can function comfortably with 50 gallon to 150 gallon barrels.
Here’s a simpler way to look at it. 0.25-inches of rain hitting a 600-square-foot roof will result in 90 gallons of water.
Material
Rain barrels are typically made of polythylene, metal, polyethylene resin, PVC or wood. High-density plastic is more popular among homeowners due to its affordability, lightweight appeal, and its resistance to rust and rot. It’s also easy to transport and clean, lowering maintenance costs.
That said, if you’ll be placing your rainwater collection barrel outside, consider the degrading effects of sunlight to plastics. Clay and stone barrels could solve this as they prevent sunlight and has insulating properties that maintain temperatures inside. This additionally prevents growth of algae. That said, clay and stone barrels contain smaller water quantities.
Homeowner’s who opt for an aesthetic appeal can go for wooden barrels. These blend well with surroundings with a rustic appeal. However, maintenance cost could be higher with wooden barrels.
Design and features
Rain barrels come in various designs, including traditional barrel-shaped barrels and more modern, sleek designs. Choose a design that complements your home’s aesthetic. Extra features to watch out for include screen filters to keep debris at bay, overflow spouts, and child safety locks if you have kids. For a larger integrated design, consider buying rain barrels with linking systems that connect multiple barrels.
Installation
Consider how easy installing and maintaining the rain barrel is. For easy usage, look for features like
• Secure Lids: Keeps the water clean.
• Overflow Valves: Helps manage excess water.
• Hose Connections: Facilitate easy water usage.
Federal and State regulations
Local regulations may bar rainwater collection due to factors such as natural infiltration during harvesting, water rights, and the reduction of downstream water. Some regulations limit the usage of rain collection systems due to plumbing, health, or water usage codes. While other states may encourage rainwater collection, we recommend checking with your local regulations before installing.
Best Places to Buy Rain Barrels
In addition to the considerations above, factor in the practicality, functionality, and sustainability before purchasing rain barrels. Each of these rainwater collection systems feature efficient, modern, and high-quality materials with reliable water distribution and budget constraints factored. Here are some of the best places to buy your rain barrel.
When it comes to purchasing rain barrels for your rainwater collection system, there are several options available. Here are some of the best places to buy rain barrels:
Plastic-Mart
Plastic-Mart is the nation’s largest supplier of above-ground and underground plastic tank sizes. We offer a wide range of rain barrels in various sizes and styles to suit your needs. Whether you need a small rain barrel for residential use or a large one for commercial applications, Plastic-Mart has you covered.
Home Improvement Stores
Many home improvement stores, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, carry rain barrels in their garden centers. These stores often offer a variety of options at different price points, making it easy to find a rain barrel that fits your budget.
Online Retailers
Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart also offer a wide selection of rain barrels for sale. Shopping online allows you to compare prices and read reviews from other customers to help you make an informed decision.
Our Best Picks for Top Rated Rainwater Collection Barrels
45 Gallon Plastic Carry Barrel Tank
Pack of Five: This Chemtainer carry barrel features 1 handle on each of the five barrels and has a wide opening for quick, easy collection and dumping. The sides are ribbed for extra strength and tapered to enhance savings during shipping.
600 Gallon Plastic Rainwater Harvesting Tank in Green
Complete Rainwater Harvesting systems feature an ergonomic design, using commercial grade polythelene with UV8 inhibitors that prevent algae and mold formation. These design features additionally ensure the longevity of your tanks as they don’t easily fade or deteriorate.
150 Gallon Plastic Rain Barrel Tank
Here’s the ideal rust-free and durable rain collection barrel with a concave top for effective collection. It also has a mosquito-proff leaf and debris strainer.
420 Gallon Plastic Vertical Rainwater Harvesting Tank in Mocha
High-quality, durable, and affordable for commercial use. The tank has a vertical design and compact size ideal for both commercial and residential applications.
1150 Gallon Plastic Vertical Rainwater Harvesting Tank
Heavy-duty rainwater harvesting system with a 4” stainless steel screened overflow assembly. It has 2-1” bulkheads and 2 plugs but no spigot.
54 Gallon Plastic Vertical Rain Barrel Tank in Moss Green
Here’s our top pick for beauty and quality in a box. This rain-saver is rotationally molded with an original sand cast from a real oak barrel. Setting up and transportation is also easy.
Maintenance Tips
1. Inspect inlet screens frequently and clear debris that may have collected.
2. Leave the screen inserted always to prevent insects from creating a breeding ground.
3. High-pollen count regions should clean barrels after pollen season. Use a soft brush for best results.
4. Otherwise, clean your rainwater container once or twice a year to clear algae formation and remove organic matter.
5. Feel free to disconnect the barrel during winter and store in a cool and cry area until spring.
Let Plastic Mart Resolve Your Rainwater Collection Needs
Experience the Plastic Mart difference, where expertise and exceptional quality converge. With over four decades of service under the Rotoplas brand, we’ve earned the trust of Americans nationwide. At Plastic Mart, we don’t just deliver products – we provide expert guidance to help you choose the right storage containers tailored to your needs, all while adhering to local codes and regulations. Trust us to deliver the best in water solutions, anyday, anywhere.
Choose your ideal container for storing rainwater here by filtering through the options.
