Category Rain Barrels & Water Storage

A rain barrel suits small garden jobs, while a rainwater tank stores much more. Compare capacity, cost, installation, pressure, and maintenance.

Choose a rain barrel size from your roof area, local rainfall, and watering demand. See when a 50- to 100-gallon barrel—or multiple barrels—fits.

Find a safer rain barrel by checking its material, potable-water or food-contact documentation, prior contents, fittings, and suitability for your intended use.

Rain barrels can reduce outdoor water use, but savings depend on rainfall, garden demand, utility rates, system cost, and whether stored water gets used.

Collapsible rain barrels save space and store easily between seasons, but trade away some durability and fitting support. Decide whether that compromise fits.

Without gutters, a DIY rain chain needs a roof discharge point or small diverter to feed it. Plan the attachment, splash control, and drainage below.

A rain chain can work without gutters only where the roof concentrates runoff. Learn how placement, a small diverter, and ground drainage control the flow.

A 90-degree elbow can work in a tank vent when the pipe stays open, drains freely, and moves enough air. Learn how sizing, screening, and layout affect venting.

Turn a clean 55-gallon food-grade drum into a rain barrel with a stable base, screened inlet, spigot, overflow, and mosquito-proof openings.