Category Rain Barrels & Water Storage

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.

Not every chain handles roof runoff well. A rain chain needs enough surface area, corrosion resistance, secure links, suitable length, anchoring, and safe drainage.

A cistern stores rain or delivered water when groundwater is unavailable, unreliable, deep, or poor quality. Compare source dependence, cost, capacity, and upkeep.

A cistern under a house saves space, shades water, moderates temperature, and shortens plumbing runs, but complicates access, leaks, structure, and maintenance.