rainwaterguide

Size a rain-barrel diverter hose to the diverter outlet and barrel inlet—not barrel capacity. Check inside diameter, routing, slope, and overflow flow.

When buying a rain barrel, compare capacity, footprint, opaque material, lid and screen, spigot access, overflow, diverter compatibility, base, and cleaning access.

Choose a rain gauge with readable markings, suitable capacity, stable mounting, and a well-shaped collector. Consider accuracy, overflow, siting, and maintenance.

Put stored rain water to work on gardens, tools, outdoor surfaces, and other non-potable jobs. Match treatment, plumbing, and testing to any higher-contact use.

Match a rain-barrel pump to the job: submersible utility pumps suit basic transfer, while garden pressure and irrigation may need automatic or booster designs.

Choose a water-compatible flow meter for the pipe size, expected flow range, pressure, accuracy, output, and installation orientation in your rainwater system.

Clear a clogged downspout with gloves, a hose, plumber’s snake, flexible rod, scoop, or wet/dry vacuum. Start gently and avoid damaging joints or compacting debris.

Rain-barrel odors develop when stagnant water, leaves, pollen, or sediment break down. Find the source, clean the barrel, and prevent the conditions returning.

Rain barrels are broadly legal, but collection limits, permits, plumbing rules, and water uses vary by location. Check state and local requirements before setup.

Place a rain barrel beside a connected downspout on firm, level support where overflow drains away from foundations and the spigot remains easy to reach.