There are many rain barrels out there, but not all of them are created equal. In this post, we will break down the best rain barrels for homesteaders and discuss what features you should look for in a barrel to ensure it is right for your needs. We’ll also give you a list of five great rain barrels that meet our criteria!
The best rain barrels for homesteaders are:
- Mirainbarrel Rain Barrel
- VINGLI Collapsible Rain Barrel
- Emsco Group 50-Gallon Rain Barrel
- Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Rain Barrel
- ECO Rain Water Collection Barrel
Best Rain Barrel Reviews
Mirainbarrel Rain Barrel
The Mirainbarrel rain barrel is not only stylish with a beautiful rich brown color but the plastic construction offers durability. Not just any ordinary garbage can, this high-density BPA free food-grade container has an impressive capacity of 58 gallons. The thick walls and its ability to withstand very hot temperatures make it perfect for all climates in your yard!
When buying a rain barrel, it’s important to find one that will not leak or overflow. The Mirainbarrel rain barrel has a flat top and an oversized bottom which allows for maximum water storage during heavy rainfall.
VINGLI Collapsible Rain Barrel
If you are looking to maximize your water storage space at the lowest cost possible, then look no further than VINGLI’s Collapsible Portable Rain Barrel. With a 100 gallon capacity and an economical price point, this is one of the most practical barrels on Earth!
Some might find its utilitarian aesthetic less appealing, but what it lacks in beauty it makes up for with functionality – including attachable hoses that can be used as additional accessories or mounted directly onto any standard spigot. These are sold separately, but once you have them, it makes for an easy way to supply water for your garden or lawn.
A collapsible rain barrel is a good alternative to a traditional rain barrel because it is lightweight and easy to store when not in use. This versatile unit can be used as a water barrel for drinking or watering, or it can be filled with sand for ballast during an emergency. They also tend to be a bit less expensive than their hard-sided counterparts. They receive some of the b3est rain barrel reviews because of these attractive features.
Emsco Group 50-Gallon Rain Barrel
The Emsco Group 50-Gallon Rain Barrel features an attractive rustic whiskey barrel design that is available in brown or distressed gray. As the rain barrel is made of heavy-duty molded plastic, it will not crack, chip, or fade with time and its downspout diverter system automatically channels water into a collection reservoir to avoid drainage issues.
The integrated planter prevents root rot while accommodating any plants you wish to grow on your own property without taking up additional space outside of your home/garden area; this unit even comes equipped with a built-in weep hole for added protection!
A planter on top of your rain barrel is a great way to beautify your home and provide a place for plants that need more water, like fruit trees or any type of vine.
Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Rain Barrel
Collect rainwater with the help of this 50 Gallon faux wood rain barrel. Made from the industry’s strongest polyethylene resin, it is designed to last and will not rot like wooden barrels! This product comes complete with a brass spigot for easy hose or overflow connection and an efficient flat-back design so you can rest your home up against it without worry about water washing over any walls in between.
ECO Rain Water Collection Barrel
Innovative, creative rain barrels are trending. Our ECO Rain Barrel is one such innovative design that not only captures water but also saves money and the environment by using recycled plastic instead of metal or wood for its construction.
The barrel comes with a screen to block debris and insects from entering while still allowing clean water through; additionally, it includes an easy-to-use spigot shut-off valve so you can hook up any hose in seconds! With this particular product’s flat back design, your new eco-friendly watering station will fit seamlessly against any house wall without taking up valuable space on your lawn!
This modern rain barrel design is made from 100% recycled plastic. It has a screen to keep out debris and insects, as well as an easy-to-use hose hookup for watering plants or gardening chores.
What Are the Best Rain Barrels To Buy?
In order to decide which rain barrel is best for your home, you’ll need to consider
- Your budget
- The amount of rain you receive/the tank size you want
- How many barrels you’ll want in your yard
- The style and how it will match your yard
The best rain barrel for a homeowner in most cases will depend on the amount of rain you receive and your budget. The more rainfall you get, the larger tank you’ll need to accommodate it. If you live in an area that receives a lot of precipitation each year, then investing in one or two big tanks might work well for you.
If you live in an area where rain is rarer, then a smaller tank might be enough to meet your needs for watering plants and flowers. A collapsable tank is a good idea for anyone who doesn’t want their rain barrels to take up too much space when they’re not in use.
The design of your tank is also important and should match the style of your home or yard. You can choose from faux wood, metal, plastic, concrete, galvanized steel - whichever you find most aesthetically pleasing.
Depending on the style of barrel that suits your yard’s décor will determine which one you buy; some have fancy designs with curves or corners while others are simpler so as not to take up too much space. If you’re looking to save money and have an eco-friendly solution, then consider investing in a rain barrel made from recycled plastic instead of metal or wood materials.
Not only is plastic more affordable, but will be more durable and won’t degrade as quickly as a wooden rain barrel.
Are Collapsible Rain Barrels Any Good?
Yes. Collapsible rain barrels are a good idea for anyone who doesn’t want their rain barrels to take up too much space when they’re not in use. A collapsible rain barrel is made up of two parts: a galvanized steel barrel that holds the water and collapsible legs.
The legs are there to support the weight of the full rain barrel, so you can store it when not in use or take down for easy storage during the winter months.
In order to use your collapsible rain barrel, simply fill it up with water and gutter downspouts, then put the legs in place to stand upright. To collapse the rain barrel for storage or transportation, simply take out the legs and fold them together; your collapsible rain barrel is now safe for travel.
Is a 50 Gallon Rain Barrel Enough?
In order to find out, we need to determine the amount of rainfall you receive. This will depend on a variety of factors like location, elevation, and climate. For example, in a desert region like Tucson, Arizona residents get about 3 inches of rain each year. On the other hand, a wetter location with heavy rain like Savannah Georgia receives closer to 60 inches of rain on average each year.
If you’re living in Tucson and you want a single rain barrel for gardening chores and watering plants, then a 50-gallon tank may be enough for your needs. If you live closer to Savannah and want more water available for gardening or irrigation purposes then a bigger tank would be more appropriate.
You may also want to invest in two barrels so you can have an adequate water supply all year long. It’s best to invest in a tank that’s size can accommodate your needs; the last thing you need is a rain barrel overflowing with water.
Do Rain Barrels Attract Mosquitoes?
Rain barrels typically don’t attract a lot of mosquitoes because the water is either too cold or too deep for them to breed. Depending on the style of rain barrel, it may also be protected by a mesh screen that mosquitoes can’t get through. If your rain barrel doesn’t come with a mesh screen, you can make one yourself to prevent bugs and plant material from coming in.
It’s still important to keep in mind that while there is no scientific data that show they are a problem, mosquitoes have been known to breed in rain barrels during warmer climate with little rainfall. If you live in an area with high temperatures and very little rain, then it may be best to consider getting a mosquito-proof rain barrel or installing one that has protective screens fitted around it.
Are Rain Barrels Expensive?
The price of a rain barrel will depend on the material it’s made from. For example, wood and metal are pricier than plastic or recycled materials while smaller tanks can get away with costing less because they’re easier to ship.
It’s also important to look at how much water the tank holds, the size, and where you’ll be storing your rain barrel when it isn’t in use. With all of these considerations taken into account, a 50-gallon tank may cost anywhere from $50 to $200 depending on the brand or company that manufactures them.
The best rain barrel system will last you for long enough that it eventually “pays for itself” with the savings in your water bill.
Do I Need an Automatic Drain for My Rain Barrel?
If you want to use your rain barrel to collect and store water for future irrigation, then it may be best to look into an automatic drain system. An automatic drain system is a low-tech way of draining and collecting water, meaning you don’t have to manually drain it.
The simplest models use gravity to pump out the water from your rain barrel with every rainfall or when full. If your system is more complex, then there are different types for sale that offer greater functionality. You can also make one yourself for a fraction of the cost.
How Do I Install an Automatic Rain Draining System?
An automatic drainage system is easy to install and uses basic plumbing knowledge that most homeowners have access to. If you’re installing it yourself, then your rain barrel should come with instructions about how to do this; if not, there are plenty of resources online to guide you.
The first step is locating the water supply line from your house, followed by installing an inlet near it – typically on a downspout or gutter that feeds into your rain barrel. The outlet will need to be installed separately and should match up with the inlet for proper drainage of water when needed. To finish it off, you should install the filter that comes with your rain barrel or get one of your own.
Do I Need a Rain Barrel Diverter?
A diverter is just what you need if you want to save money on your utility bill because this device collects runoff from gutters that would normally go down the drain. The water is then collected in the rain barrel where it’s stored for future use, which helps to save on energy costs too.
As you can imagine, there are a few different types of diverters available for purchase and installation – depending on your needs. If running water off gutters isn’t enough for you or if you want to take water from a downspout, then you’ll need to get an additional component called the head. Most of these parts are relatively inexpensive and should be easy enough for most homeowners to install themselves – without needing any professional help.
How Do I Choose The Best Downspout Filter?
A downspout filter is a great way to protect your rain barrel from debris and insects that could have fallen off a tree, for example. They attach easily to the top of any downspout so you’ll know it’s working when water doesn’t come out as quickly or without much force.
The best filter is one that fits onto your downspout in addition to having a removable screen that catches particles like leaves and insects. It’s also important to consider the material used for your filter because some are more durable than others; stainless steel, for example, will last longer but may be harder or impossible to clean if it becomes clogged with debris.
When choosing the best downspout filter, it’s important to take into consideration a few different things. For example, you should make sure that the diameter of the outlet matches up with that of the inlet or other component in the system. You also want to look at how much water is stored in your rain barrel and where you’ll be storing your rain barrels when they’re not in use.
It may not be possible for some homeowners to find a downspout filter that fits right off the bat so you’ll need to work out an extension or modify what you have on hand. Finally, make sure that the filter has been certified with National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards and will fit properly because these products will vary greatly depending on how well they’re constructed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an overflow valve?
An overflow valve is installed at the bottom of your rain barrel and ensures that water doesn’t get out when it’s full. It will work automatically to close off any leaks in pipes or connections, which helps protect all outdoor plumbing from excess water if it ever rains too much.
Do I need a food-grade barrel?
No, not necessarily. Your water may be used for cooking or to wash your dishes and other things in the kitchen but it doesn’t have to be food-grade if you don’t plan on drinking it. Although it’s technically possible to drink from a rain barrel if you feel like the water is clean enough, using one for that purpose isn’t recommended.
What type of filter should I use?
Different filters are designed for different purposes; some will only catch particles while others may have an activated carbon layer or other substance installed inside them. If your purpose is to filter water for drinking, then you’ll need one that can remove bacteria and other harmful substances. The best rain barrel filter will be certified with NSF standards and will be able to filter out microscopic contaminants that may have been absorbed by your rain barrel.
What is an overflow spout?
An overflow spout is a type of diverter that controls the flow of water and helps to keep everything working properly. It’s usually installed near your rain barrel in order to reduce pressure on other plumbing lines – like when you have more than one downspout coming into your home, for example. If it rains too much or if you’re collecting more water than usual, the overflow spout will automatically divert some of that excess to prevent other parts of your plumbing from getting damaged.
What is a head?
A rain barrel’s head usually consists of three pieces: an inlet pipe, outlet/diverter, and strainer or filter. The function of these components depends on what you’re using the rain barrel for. If you need it to store water, then a head with an overflow valve and filter would be more suitable than one without these features.
Does my barrel need a flat back?
Yes, a flat back is ideal for the best rain barrel. Rain barrels are placed on the ground so it’s important to make sure that they’re stable and won’t tip over when full of water. There is generally a backplate included with your rain barrel but you can also purchase one separately if needed – or even add some padding for extra stability in extreme cases where this may be necessary.
Is the top of the barrel UV resistant?
Yes, the top of a rain barrel is coated with a UV resistant coating to keep it strong and last as long as possible.
What are my options when storing barrels?
You can store your rain barrel on its side (vertically) or upright – whichever you prefer for where you’re placing them in your yard. It’s important to make sure that the top of your barrel is protected from UV rays and other things that may cause damage to it.
Final Thoughts
The rain barrel industry is growing as more people strive to reduce their impact on the environment by using fewer resources. If you’re looking for a sustainable way to water your garden or keep your plants alive during times of drought, then this is the perfect solution.
Additionally, rain barrels are now being used by people who live in urban areas and neighborhoods without access to clean drinking water as an alternative source.
Rainwater can be collected from rooftops through rain gutters, and it’s something that can be done using a simple bucket or barrel.
Rain barrels are an easy way to conserve water without compromising your lifestyle. There are many on the market today for you to choose from too – so there should be one that’s perfect for you!
