Looking for simple ways to be more mindful about your water consumption? There’s never been a better time to incorporate more sustainable practices into your home life and rain barrels are a great place to start.
What is a rain barrel?
A rain barrel collects water throughout downpours and stores it for when it’s most needed. Convenient, right? Not only can it help lower hydro bills, but it makes use of water that would otherwise go to waste. The stored water can then be repurposed in the future for watering plants, yard work, garden maintenance and more.
How long does it take to fill a rain barrel?
While it depends on the size of the rain barrel, on average, it can take anywhere from half an hour to 2 hours to fill one up completely. This also varies on how light or heavy the rainfall is.
How long can you keep rainwater in a barrel?
The higher quality your barrels, the longer you can store rainwater. Sun, heat, bacteria in the barrel and humidity all play a role in the quality of the stored water. Stagnant water can also be susceptible to bugs and algae, so it’s important to inspect your water before using it.
What upkeep does a rain barrel need?
To clean your barrel, you’ll need to empty it completely before giving it a good rinse and scrub down with soap and clean water. Make sure to use a flashlight and inspect the barrel for any foreign material, waste or sludge.
If you notice cracks on the outside of your barrel, simply sand around the damaged area with sandpaper. Next, place a thin plastic sheet on top and secure with a drywall patching supplies and waterproof sealant. You’ll want to let it cure for up to 24 hours.
