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Yes, you can often leave a rain barrel outside all winter if you drain it and winterize the connections first. Leaving a barrel full of water where temperatures fall below freezing can crack the barrel, split fittings, damage hoses, or push the barrel off its base as water freezes and expands.
The safest winter setup depends on your climate and the type of barrel you have.
Can a Rain Barrel Stay Outside in Freezing Weather?
The barrel itself can usually stay outdoors. The main problem is water left inside it.
Water expands when it freezes. In a full or partly full rain barrel, that expansion can put pressure on:
- Barrel walls
- Spigots
- Bulkhead fittings
- Hose connections
- Overflow fittings
- Valves
- Pumps or level sensors
A bulkhead fitting is the fitting that passes through the wall of the barrel to make a watertight connection.
Even a strong barrel may not be designed to hold a solid block of ice. Repeated freezing and thawing can also weaken fittings over time.
If your winters regularly drop below freezing, plan to store the barrel empty.
How to Winterize a Rain Barrel
Winterizing is usually a simple DIY job.
1. Drain the Barrel Completely
Open the spigot and remove as much water as possible.
If the outlet is above the bottom of the barrel, some water may remain below it. Drain or remove that water too if you can do so safely.
Do not rely on leaving the spigot open while the barrel continues collecting winter rain or melting snow. Water can accumulate and freeze faster than it drains.
2. Disconnect Hoses
Remove garden hoses, soaker hoses, and irrigation tubing connected to the barrel.
Drain them before storage.
Water trapped inside a hose or connector can freeze and damage:
- Hose ends
- Quick-connect fittings
- Valves
- Timers
- Small irrigation parts
3. Protect the Downspout Connection
If your system uses a downspout diverter, switch it to its winter position if the design provides one.
Otherwise, arrange the downspout so roof runoff goes to the normal drainage location rather than into the barrel.
Make sure water is still directed away from the building foundation.
4. Disconnect the Overflow Line if Needed
Check the overflow hose for trapped water.
A low spot in the hose can hold water and freeze. Disconnecting and draining the hose can help prevent cracking.
5. Clean Out Debris
Winter is a good time to remove leaves, sediment, and other debris from the barrel.
Rinse the inside if practical. Clean screens and inspect the inlet and overflow openings.
Do not climb into a cistern or large storage tank to clean it. Large tanks can create confined-space hazards that require professional procedures.
6. Leave the Barrel Empty
After draining, keep new water from entering it.
Depending on the barrel design, you may leave a drain or spigot open so small amounts of water cannot remain trapped. Follow the barrel manufacturer's instructions when available, especially for valves and removable fittings.
Should You Turn the Barrel Upside Down?
You can turn some lightweight barrels upside down for winter storage, but it is not always necessary.
An empty barrel can normally remain upright if:
- Rain cannot continue filling it.
- Water cannot pool inside.
- The lid is secure.
- Wind cannot move it.
A large empty barrel can become surprisingly easy for strong winds to shift. Keep it stable without placing heavy loads on a lid that was not designed to carry weight.
Can You Leave Some Water in the Barrel?
In a freezing climate, it is better not to.
For freeze-related cracking in rain barrels, first compare outside-plumbing needs under changing temperature conditions.
Leaving extra room at the top does not guarantee that the barrel will survive freezing. Ice can expand in several directions and can put pressure on fittings and barrel walls.
Water can also freeze inside the spigot or overflow connection even when the barrel is nowhere near full.
Draining the barrel is much more reliable than trying to estimate how much empty space the ice will need.
What About Freeze-Resistant Rain Barrels?
Some tanks and barrels may be designed for year-round outdoor use, but that does not automatically mean they can safely remain full while frozen.
There is an important difference between:
- A container that can stay outdoors in cold weather
- A container that can safely hold freezing water
Check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific tank. Pay particular attention to restrictions involving fittings, pumps, valves, and water levels.
What If Winters Are Mild Where You Live?
If temperatures in your area rarely fall below freezing, you may be able to collect rainwater through the winter.
Even then, watch short cold snaps. A barrel does not need to freeze solid for damage to occur. Small amounts of water trapped inside a spigot or fitting may freeze first.
If a hard freeze is forecast, draining the system beforehand is the safer option.
Don't Forget the Barrel Base
Winter is also a good time to inspect what supports the barrel.
A typical rain barrel holds hundreds of pounds when full. Water weighs about 8.3 pounds per U.S. gallon, so even a relatively small barrel creates a substantial load.
Check for:
- Settling soil
- Cracked blocks
- Rotting wood
- Tilting platforms
- Erosion around the base
Do not place a full barrel on an unstable stand. A falling rain barrel can cause serious injury and property damage.
What About Pumps and Irrigation Equipment?
Do not leave pumps, filters, timers, or irrigation components full of water if they are not designed for freezing conditions.
A small amount of trapped water can damage a:
- Pump housing
- Filter bowl
- Pressure gauge
- Check valve
- Irrigation timer
- Backflow device
Follow the equipment manufacturer's winter storage instructions. Electrical pumps should be disconnected and handled according to their electrical and freeze-protection requirements.
When Should You Winterize Your Rain Barrel?
Winterize before you expect sustained freezing temperatures.
You do not need to wait until the barrel itself starts forming ice. Taking care of it earlier gives you time to drain hoses, redirect the downspout, and clean the barrel without working around frozen fittings.
In spring, inspect everything before reconnecting it. Look for cracks, loose fittings, damaged screens, and leaks before allowing the barrel to fill completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a rain barrel crack if it freezes?
It can. Freezing water expands and may put enough pressure on the barrel, spigot, or fittings to cause damage. Draining the barrel before regular freezing weather is the safer approach.
Can I leave my rain barrel outside if it is empty?
Usually, yes. An empty, properly winterized barrel can generally remain outside. Secure it against wind and prevent rain or melting snow from filling it again.
Should I leave my rain barrel spigot open during winter?
For many simple barrel systems, leaving the drained outlet open can help prevent trapped water. However, the correct position can depend on the valve and barrel design, so follow the manufacturer's instructions when available.
Do I need to bring my rain barrel into a garage?
Not necessarily. The barrel can often stay outside as long as it is empty, stable, and protected from refilling. Indoor storage may provide extra protection for lightweight or more fragile containers.
Can I collect rainwater during winter?
You can in climates where freezing is not a concern. In freezing climates, winter collection requires tanks, plumbing, and other components specifically designed and installed for cold-weather operation. A basic rain barrel system is usually easier and safer to drain for winter.
What should I do with the downspout after disconnecting the barrel?
Return the downspout to a normal drainage path or use the winter setting on your diverter. Make sure runoff continues to move away from the building foundation.
When can I reconnect my rain barrel?
Reconnect it after the risk of damaging freezes has passed. Inspect the barrel, stand, fittings, hoses, inlet screen, and overflow system before allowing it to fill.
