Important Rain Barrel Set-up and Installation Tips
If you have decided to use a rain barrel to conserve and collect water there are a few things you need to know. Setting up a rain water barrel may seem like a no brainer, but it actually requires some careful planning and preparation. The following rain barrel set-up and installation tips will help you get started. Location, location, location
Before you can do anything you have to decide where your rain barrel will be located. Your rainwater barrel will need to be near your gutters downspout. Depending on the type barrel you buy it will either be directly connected to the downspout, or it will be connected with a flexible piece of tubing.
Create a Foundation
When you decide where your rain water barrel will be located, you need to make sure it will be placed on a solid foundation. Rain barrels are heavy once filled and they can easily tip if they are on an uneven foundation. Most people choose to sit them atop concrete or stone. However, leveled ground is fine as well.
Consider Gravity
When you place your rain water barrel you may want to raise it up when you decide where to place it. This is one of the most important rain barrel set-up and installation tips because it affects your ability to use the water you collect. When you connect a hose to your rain barrel to use it you will get better flow and pressure if the water has to run down a few inches. Most people recommend placing your rain barrel a foot off the ground. Keep it Clean
When you have any standing body of water, be it two inches or ten feet, it will attract bugs. Make sure that you buy a rain barrel that has a screen filter over the spigot. If it does not install one. The barrel should also have a cover to prevent bugs and debris. It is also important to clean your water barrel regularly, or at least once each year. Rinse it out, remove any mold or mildew and flush the spigot. Short-cuts
One of the most time saving rain barrel set-up and installation tips involves attaching the downspout. Many people are nervous cutting their gutter's downspout or simply don't want to. You can skip this step by buying a new section of downspout measured to the desired length at your local hardware store. Then, when you have the rain barrel hooked up you can use the new section and when you remove the barrel in the winter you can attach the old section.
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