Category Rain Barrels & Water Storage

Three broad rainwater-harvesting types are rooftop collection, surface-runoff collection, and groundwater recharge. Compare storage, treatment, and site needs.

Seal a leaking concrete tank with a potable-safe repair system matched to cracks, joints, penetrations, water pressure, surface condition, and access side.

Collected rainwater suits gardens, outdoor cleaning, toilet flushing, and other non-potable jobs. Higher-contact uses require treatment, plumbing, and testing.

Stop mosquitoes in a rainwater tank with sealed lids and fine screens; where appropriate, use a labeled larvicide compatible with the water’s intended use.

Water-test numbers report concentrations or properties such as pH, hardness, TDS, turbidity, and microbes. Interpret units, limits, methods, and intended water use.

Do not pour chemicals into stored water to fix a tank leak. Use a compatible potable-safe patch, weld, gasket, coating, or sealant applied to the actual defect.

A 5-micron filter catches finer particles; a 20-micron filter usually flows longer before clogging. Choose by sediment size, treatment stage, flow, and maintenance.

An empty rain-water tank stops supply and can expose pumps to dry running. Plan shutoff, backup water, refill control, sediment clearance, and restart steps.

Place a water tank on a flat, level, stable base that supports its entire bottom and filled weight. Use the tank maker’s approved concrete, compacted, or pad design.

Rainwater tanks often last 15 to 30 years or more, depending on material, installation, sunlight, water chemistry, climate, maintenance, and damage.