8 Top Rain Barrels to Harvest Rainwater and Save Money

8 Top Rain Barrels to Harvest Rainwater on Amazon

Diving into the world of rainwater harvesting can be like finding an oasis in a desert of high utility bills. You’re probably aware of the environmental and financial benefits, but navigating the vast sea of options might seem daunting.

From the sturdy elegance of a 50-gallon ECO collection barrel to the practicality of a collapsible option for tight spaces, there’s a solution tailored for every backyard or garden.

Before you make a decision, consider what’s on the horizon. Knowing the key factors to look for in a rain barrel could turn a simple purchase into a long-term investment, leaving you wondering what other considerations you might be overlooking.

Here are our 9 favorites we enjoyed reviewing on Amazon!

RTS Companies Inc 50-Gallon ECO Rain Water Collection Barrel

RTS Home Accents Polyethylene 50 US Gallon Flat Back Rain Barrel with Stand

We’re now going to focus on 3 different styles from FCMP. They are all similar but with varying aesthetics!

FCMP Outdoor Catalina 45 Gallon Rain Water Barrel System

FCMP Outdoor RC45-BLK Rain Barrel (45-Gallon)

FCMP Outdoor Wood Grain 45-Gallon Rain Barrel

Impressions Palm 50 Gallon Rain Saver

VEVOR 100 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel for Garden Water Collection

VINGLI 50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel with Filter Spigot Overflow Kit

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rain Barrel

Adding a rain barrel to your home can provide a sustainable way to reuse water while saving money on your water bill. However, with so many options on the market, deciding on the right rain barrel for your unique needs can be a daunting task.

When evaluating rain barrels, there are several key factors you’ll want to carefully consider before making this worthwhile investment:

• Durability of Materials – How durable is the barrel construction? The longevity of the barrel depends heavily on whether it is crafted from high-density polyethylene plastic, galvanized steel, wood, or other materials. Opt for materials that can withstand years of exposure to sun, rain, and seasonal temperature fluctuations.
• Storage Capacity and Dimensions – Rain barrel capacity can range from 40 gallons to over 100 gallons. Take into account your property size, average rainfall, and intended water usage to determine the ideal capacity to suit your needs. Additionally, measure the area you want to install the rain barrel and ensure you get one that fits without blocking pathways or downspouts.
• Overflow Management – An overflow discharge tube is essential for directing excess water away from foundations when capacity is reached. Some barrels auto-divert overflow while others require manually connecting a drainage hose.
• Ease of Installation – Many rain barrels include pre-assembled kits, multiple connection options, and detailed instructions for straightforward DIY setup. If you’re less handy, consider preset packages that simplify installation.
• Quality Parts – Examine the spigot, filters, and overflow valves for durability. Rigorous testing prior to sale ensures these parts won’t leak, clog easily, or degrade from constant wet-dry cycles.

By taking these pivotal considerations into account before making your rain barrel purchase, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the many benefits of rainwater harvesting for years to come.

Rain Barrel Material Durability

When investing in a rain barrel, one of the most vital factors to evaluate is the durability and ruggedness of the materials used. Opting for a rain barrel constructed from resilient, weather-proof materials directly impacts its lifespan and effectiveness at harvesting precious rainwater year after year.

Specifically, high-density polyethylene plastic has become a popular choice thanks to its inherent UV-resistance, anti-corrosive properties, thickness and crack-resistance. These characteristics enable durable polyethylene rain barrels to withstand years of sun exposure, rainfall, temperature shifts and wear-and-tear without degrading. Some manufacturers also utilize post-consumer recycled polyethylene, satisfying eco-conscious homeowners.

You’ll also want to examine the durability of crucial components like the barrel’s fittings, valves, connectors and screening to ensure rainwater can flow smoothly into storage without leakage or obstruction. Rust-resistant stainless steel and brass parts endure the test of time.

For those residing in zones prone to frigid winters, freeze-resistant materials are imperative to prevent cracking as temperatures fluctuate. Durable materials specially engineered to flex (rather than break) as water freezes and thaws allows rain harvesting to continue uninterrupted season after season.

When durability reigns supreme during your selection process, finding an impenetrable rain barrel built to last for years even in demanding conditions is easy, allowing you to focus on enjoying abundant garden irrigation and cutting utility bills through the wonders of rainwater capture innovation.

Capacity & Dimensions

Rain barrels come in an array of sizes and storage capacities to match a spectrum of water usage needs and installation spaces. When determining the ideal rain barrel for your property, carefully weighing capacity and physical dimensions is key.

Standard rain barrel capacities range widely—from compact 45-gallon models up to robust 100+ gallon high volume designs. Consider your intended usage (gardening, irrigation, etc), household demand, and average rainfall patterns when deciding on the ideal capacity to meet your requirements without overbuying on unneeded gallons.

Additionally, measure the precise spot where you aim to situate your barrel to understand sizing limitations for an optimal fit. Rain barrels typically span 22-27 inches in diameter and stand 29-44 inches tall. Select among cylinder or flat-back shapes depending on your installation backdrop. And remember, larger water reservoirs require more real estate.

Taking stock of capacity, dimensions, the available space in your designated location and your household water goals ensures seamless pairing of the properly sized rain barrel that aligns with your conservation vision and fits like a glove where you need it to reside.

Installation Ease

Once you’ve selected the perfectly sized rain barrel for your space, ensuring straightforward, hassle-free installation is the next step for rapid access to free irrigation and ample water savings.

To keep your setup simple, seek out all-in-one rain barrel bundles ready for easy connectivity right out of the box. Many models now feature pre-assembled parts, built-in spigots/hoses, pre-drilled overflow ports, and comprehensible instructions to make DIY stress-free. Those with busy schedules or limited technical skills, benefit most from these inclusive kits.

Other ease-enhancing traits to look for are interlocking modular connectors for seamless daisy-chaining multiple barrels, wall mount brackets for vertical installations, and wheeled bases or collapsible frames simplifying transport and positioning. Lightweight yet durable polyethylene barrels prove easy to maneuver without heavy lifting.

Prioritizing a frustration-free installation process means you can tap into the power of rain in no time. Intuitive rainwater collection systems assembled in minutes with minimal equipment get you capturing and harnessing the free irrigation source Mother Nature provides right on schedule.

Overflow Management

To fully reap the benefits of rainwater harvesting, effective overflow management is imperative to avoid excess water from causing foundation flooding or drainage issues.

Seeking out rain barrels engineered with integrated overflow outlets takes the guesswork out of redirecting excess liquid when capacity peaks. The most user-friendly models feature pre-installed drainage tubes or diverters to effortlessly channel overfill away from structures.

Be sure to assess overflow system capacity to confirm ample gallons per minute handling, especially during torrential downpours. And select between single or dual outlet options depending on your existing gutter and drainage infrastructure. Those with flexibility to append additional downspout extensions provide the most customization.

Durability also comes into play with overflow components. Only heavy-duty, UV-resistant plastic outlets and steel overfill diverters possess the resilience to maintain long-term integrity after years of exposure and rigorous use.

With a properly spec’d overflow apparatus, your rain barrel water capture station will maintain optimal functionality while safeguarding your property from the threat of excess moisture – allowing you to soak up every last drop without stress.

Spigot and Overall Quality

A rain barrel’s usefulness and longevity ultimately comes down to the quality and durability of its integral components. Key features that enable convenient water capture and distribution must withstand years of outdoor exposure while optimizing functionality.

In particular, examine spigots closely to confirm corrosion-resistance and leak-proof water flow control. Durable brass and shatter-resistant plastic spigots endure seasonal shifts and constant use, while integrated shut-off valves prevent costly water loss. Conveniently connect hoses for gardening or irrigation right to the outlet.

Also inspect inlet filters, overflow outlets, and ventilation systems for rugged materials able to handle clogging debris, overflow surges and humidity without compromising performance. Rust-resistant stainless steel meshes keep operation smooth.

And don’t overlook thoughtful extras like dual spigots, childproof lids, sediment trays, dryness sensors and compatibility with diverter kits that enhance usage and sustainability.

When durability and ingenious design permeate every component, expect a high-functioning, user-friendly rain harvesting system able to withstand heavy rainfall and rigorous use year upon year with minimal maintenance required.