Rain Barrels

Maintenance:

Like most things around your home, your rain barrel needs a little regular attention to keep working smoothly. Here are some tips to keep your rain barrel in the best shape possible:

• Clean your gutters regularly to reduce debris from falling into the rain barrel
• Don’t let rainwater sit in your barrel longer than a month if smell is a concern to you or if you start accumulating algae. You can also put a cap of baking soda (depending on the type of vegetation you are caring for) into the water, that small amount should not hurt the plants.
• If you have trouble getting the water to come out, remember to keep the hose attachment area clear. Remove the water hose and use a wooden or metal skewer or ice pick to clear out any debris. You can also try adding cheesecloth on top of the screen to act as an additional filter.
• If your rain barrel springs a small leak, most can be repaired with aquarium caulk, a clear sealant available at most hardware stores.
• Fine mesh screen should be used to cover any openings in the rain barrel to prevent mosquitoes and to trap debris.
• Rain barrels can be installed upon blocks/bricks to provide height for gravity flow purposes. (Be sure that the barrel is on a secure, level foundation and that the blocks can withstand the weight of the barrel when full.)
• When using the overflow valve, make sure water drains away from structures and does not flow onto pavement, sidewalks, or neighboring properties.
• Ice can damage rain barrels. During the winter months, open the spigot at the bottom of the rain barrel so that water is allowed to flow out of the barrel and avoids forming ice. A better option is to disconnect the barrel from the downspout (and replace the original downspout until spring).
• Keep openings covered with a fine-mesh screen to prevent mosquito breeding; You can also use “mosquito dunks” or vegetable oil to prohibit mosquito populations.