Are you looking for a way to conserve the extra and free rain water? Well, you can do that if you have a rain water barrel or storage tank. These rain water barrels come in handy if you want more water to irrigate your lawn among other things while also cutting down on your monthly water bills. So, how do you get started with choosing a rain water barrel? This comprehensive guide will take you through the process of handpicking the right barrel. We have also reviewed some of the best rain water barrels in the market.
Best Pick – Good Ideas Rain Barrel
High Quality, Convenient & Efficient
Good Ideas has been an excellent player in the industry, and their rain barrel says it all. It is the best rated rain barrel that one can get, thanks to high end features and a heavy duty whiskey-barrel inspired construction. Every feature of the barrel is spot on and meant to not only increase efficiency but also improve the water quality. Its fairly low price makes it a valuable piece to have in your home.
Best Rain Water Barrels 2021
After churning the web for reviews and rolling dozens of barrels, we have finally handpicked and reviewed 9 of the best which you will find to be worth investing in.
9. DIY Kit, Used Food Grade Barrel
Price: Highly priced.
Special features: Downspout adapter, Easy on/off twist top lid, reused plastic barrel.
Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 40 inches.
Capacity: 58 gallons.
This easy to set up rain barrel kit comes with a wide range of quality and highly functional features. The Terra Cotta rain barrel is environmentally friendly while making rain water harvesting a seamless process. some of the features that best highlights this unit includes a brass spigot, twist top lid and a downspout adapter. Silicone caulk has been used to seal the barrel to make it waterproof.
Despite the steeper price tag as compared to others, getting the rain barrel kit is a good way to conserve the environment by getting something recycled.
Pros and Cons
- Environmentally friendly.
- Easy to assemble.
- It is a bit pricey considering that it is a reused barrel.
8. Goplus Portable Rain Barrel Water Collector
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Mesh top, Percolate knobs, Overflow outlet, Flexible spigot.
Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 32.5 inches.
Capacity: Options of 53, 60 & 100 gallons.
The rain barrel is made using Anti-corrosion PVC mesh cloth and a strong PVC frame that ensures that it stands still. It is one of the easiest to set up and easily collapsible after removing the PVC frames. This makes it perfect for seasonal and occasional usage since one can easily move it, set it up as well as collapse it for easy storage.
Anybody in need of a basic and less complicated way to harvest rain water will love this portable lightweight rain barrel. It is also affordable which is another reason for frugal folks to get it.
Pros and Cons
- Very easy to set up and fold.
- It is affordable.
- It is not sturdy enough as compared to other options.
7. FCMP Outdoor RC4000-BRN Catcher 4000 Rain Barrel
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Debris screen, Aluminum mesh screen, Convenient overflow pipe.
Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 32 inches
Capacity: 50 gallons.
FCMP Outdoor RC4000-BRN Catcher is a nice looking rain barrel that comes with a well-thought design. It has tons of functional design features including its unique flat back design that makes it easy to install on walls, an overflow connection and debris screening features. The material used is hardened plastic which is sure to go a long way.
If you would like to connect this barrel to others in series, then the spigots on the side will surely come in handy. It ensures that the water inside remains clean even from tiny insects which further helps to maintain good water quality.
Pros and Cons
- It is easy to install, thanks to its well thought design.
- Very convenient and reliable.
- Some people have reported drips and leaks on the hose connection points.
6. Gardener’s Supply Company Rain Barrel
Price: Highly priced.
Special features: Meshed top, Bottom thread fitting, Traditionally inspired design.
Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 45.5 inches.
Capacity: 75 gallons.
The gardener’s supply rain barrel comes in a simple design that is inspired by traditional century-old clay barrels. However, there are plenty of smart design features that makes this barrel a whole lot better and dependable. One of the most notable features is the childproof top that features a filter to keep almost anything from entering the barrel.
It has a capacity of 75 gallons which it can hold very stably, thanks to the well constructed base. The UV-durable polythene used to make the barrel is of excellent quality and guarantees good durability for the rain barrel.
Pros and Cons
- Has an attractive design.
- Space saving design.
- Its spigot and included hose doesn’t fit well.
5. VINGLI 50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel
Price: Very affordable.
Special features: Collapsible design, downspout, Filter spigot.
Dimensions: 23.6 x 23.6 x 27.6 inches.
Capacity: 50 gallons.
The VINGLI 50 gallon rain barrel is a good water storage tank that one can use to harvest water at home and even carry it with them while traveling. It is made with a collapsible design that can be easily set up without any experience and equally dismantle in a minute.
If you are looking for a simple yet affordable rain barrel that you can use to collect up to 50 gallons, then this collapsible barrel could be it. The rain barrel comes at a fraction of what most are going for and is also perfect for anyone that needs container they can easily carry with them.
Pros and Cons
- It is very easy to put together.
- The rain barrel is very affordable.
- Might not be very durable.
4. Algreen Products Cascata Rain Barrel
Price: Highly priced.
Special features: Dual wall design, Elegant design, roto-molded plastic.
Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 46 inches.
Capacity: 65 gallons.
Algreen products Cascata rain barrel is very unique and is more than just a rain barrel. This is a masterpiece that is sure to add to your home exterior decor or garden space. It is perfect for harvesting water fro your garden flowers. It is made with dual water overflow allows the possibility of connecting other barrels in a series. The double wall design ensures that the rain barrel lasts a lifetime.
If you are looking to add more exterior decorations to your garden while still storing water for your garden, then this 65 gallon rain barrel will surely do.
Pros and Cons
- Has an elegant design that blends to any garden space.
- Solid construction makes it durable.
- Pricier as compared to others in the market.
3. Enviro World EWC-10 FreeGarden Rain Barrel
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Sleek flat back design, Brass spigot, Powder coated steel screen.
Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 33 inches.
Capacity: 55 gallons.
Enviro world is a high quality rain barrel that is made using hardened PVC materials for better longevity. It can hold up to 55 gallons and is ideal for use in almost any home setup for storing safe and clean water. The flat back design makes installation seamless and ensures better stability of the barrel with or without water.
Quality has been well-thought in the design of this rain barrel and this can be seen from the injection molding, brass spigot and steel screen that makes the components and the barrel last long. For its low price, this rain barrel is a steal.
Pros and Cons
- It is affordable.
- Very convenient and reliable.
- Leakage concerns have been raised by some users.
2. RTS Home Accents Rain Water Collection Barrel
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Brass spigot, Oak wooden material, Flat back design.
Dimensions: 33 X 24 X 18 inches.
Capacity: 50 gallons.
This RTS Home Accents rain barrel is made using a high quality oak that is known to last for ages. The flat back design of the barrel ensures that it sits well against the wall without getting wobbly. The barrel comes with an aluminum screen that helps to filter out any debris, insects and dirt that could lower the quality of the water.
It has a brass spigot which acts as the shut-off valve and a way to connect to a hose while a front side spigot spills water to avoid spillage on the wall. Overall, it is a good investment that is worthy.
Pros and Cons
- It is made of durable oak material.
- Has a natural and beautiful design.
- Heavy downpours can cause overflowing all over since the spout only lets out little water at a time.
1. Good Ideas RW50-OAK Rain Wizard Rain Barrel
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: High quality oak design, Debris and bug screen.
Dimensions: 20.5 x 21.5 x 30 inches.
Capacity: 50 gallons.
Constructed using real oak wood, this high quality rain barrel looks like a classic whiskey barrel, though intended to harvest water. Strong industrial quality polyethylene resin that is UV-resistant has been used to ensure that quality is upheld. This also makes it mold and rust resistant. Besides the attractive design that this barrel comes with, you will love the functionality, the water quality and convenience it offers.
The screening features that the rain barrel has ensures that there is no debris or bugs entering the water. Anyone looking for a solid rain barrel that they can use to store water without contamination should consider this barrel.
Pros and Cons
- Comes with an attractive design.
- Convenient and easy to install.
- A more convenient overflow spout would make it better.
Choosing the Best Rain Water Barrel
Here are some of the most important considerations before you invest in a rain water barrel.
Safety
Safety always comes first when it comes to choosing the right water barrel. Imagine a barrel in your garden full of water and the dangers it can pose to your playful child or curious pet. One should make sure that the barrel is child, pet, and wildlife-proof. It is not uncommon for wildlife and pets to get inside a barrel and ensuring that they cannot fit or get inside should be among your first precautions.
Durability & Solidity
Rain water barrels can be made using different materials and that means that they durability and ability to last long depends on what makes it. One shouldn’t also forget that the barrel can easily get damaged on impact if it is not well made using high quality materials. Some of the most common barrel materials in the market includes wood, molded plastics and ceramics.
Size of Barrel
A barrel isn’t just a barrel. They come in different sizes and this is one of the most important things you should consider. The larger the barrel, the more water you can harvest and store. That said, you need to figure out ht e amount of water that you need so as to decide on the size of the barrel to get.
Filtering & Lid
Having a filter and a lid is also very important when it comes to harvesting rain water. There could be debris and leafs on your roof or gutters which can enter the water and lower its quality. A lid to cover the barrel is also important for the same reason.
Final Word
The idea of collecting rain water using rain barrels can helps save a lot in terms of water bills and bypass some rules in some states. If you need water for your garden or lawn, then getting a rain barrel is a good idea to consider. in this guide, we have gone through factors to consider as well as reviews of some of the best rain barrels which will help you collect water at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are rain barrels worth it?
A: Depending on where you live, there could be state restrictions on the usage of water, especially for watering the lawn. This can make it expensive or impossible to maintain your lawn as you want. If you are looking for a way to successfully do that, then one way of doing that is to consider harvesting rain water with a rain barrel.
Q: Is it legal to collect rain water?
A: It is legal to collect water in all states in the United States with most states encouraging it since it minimizes the pressure and demand for water. There are however states that have restrictions, but the restrictions doesn’t have affect the use of rain water collected on barrels.
Q: What are rainwater barrels made of?
A: Rain water barrels are made using different materials. The materials used in making rain barrels should be safe, durable and convenient. Most of the rain barrels are made using molded plastic or wood.
1 comment
[…] a backup water storage tank is very crucial especially if you live off the grid or in a place where there is rationing. Having […]