Rain Barrel Buying Guide
Collecting rainwater from your roof is one of the simplest ways to cut down on hose watering and put a free resource to use in the garden. Rain barrels vary in capacity, material, and features, so it helps to know what actually matters before choosing one.
Capacity
Rain barrels commonly range from around 40 gallons up to 100+ gallon models, and larger tank systems can be linked together for even more storage. A single average roof downspout can shed a surprising amount of water in even a modest storm, so a larger barrel fills faster than most people expect. Think about how much garden or container watering you actually do, and how much roof-collection area feeds into a given downspout, when deciding how much storage makes sense.
Material
- Plastic: The most common material, typically UV-stabilized polyethylene that resists cracking and algae growth better than untreated plastic. Lightweight and affordable, though quality varies, so look for UV-resistant, food-grade or repurposed food-grade plastic rather than thin, unrated material.
- Wood: Wooden barrels, often styled like whiskey barrels, look more attractive in a garden setting but need a watertight liner or sealant, since untreated wood will eventually leak or rot with constant water exposure.
Overflow and Diverter Systems
Every rain barrel needs a plan for what happens once it’s full. An overflow outlet, ideally one that can be routed away from your foundation with a hose or extension, prevents water from pooling around the base of the house during heavy rain. Diverter kits, which attach to the downspout itself, are worth considering since they automatically redirect water into the barrel until it’s full and then let excess water continue down the original downspout, rather than requiring you to manually reposition anything.
Spigot Placement
A spigot near the bottom of the barrel maximizes usable water but means the last few inches will always be hard to access with a hose. Some barrels include a secondary, lower drainage option or a stand that raises the barrel to make filling a watering can easier. If you plan to attach a standard garden hose, check that the threading is compatible or that an adapter is included.
Mosquito Prevention
Standing water is an open invitation for mosquitoes to breed, so a rain barrel needs a sealed lid or fine mesh screen over every opening, including the inlet from the downspout. Check screens periodically for tears, and empty or treat the barrel with a larvicide safe for garden use if you notice standing water sitting for more than a few days without being used.
Connecting to Downspouts
Most rain barrels connect via a flexible diverter or a simple cut into the existing downspout, and many barrels are designed to be linked in series so overflow from one feeds directly into another. Placing the barrel on a stable, slightly elevated stand not only improves water pressure at the spigot but also keeps the base from sitting directly on wet ground.
Popular Rain Barrel Brands Compared
If you’d rather buy a ready-made system than build one, these are some of the more established names in rain barrel and diverter hardware worth comparing.
| Brand | Known For | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Algreen | Stylish, UV-resistant resin barrels (like its Cascata line) shaped to look more like an urn or planter than a utilitarian tank. | Gardeners who want a rain barrel that also works as a visible garden feature. |
| Good Ideas (Rain Wizard) | A widely sold, straightforward rounded plastic barrel with a brass spigot and mesh-screened lid. | Buyers who want reliable, no-frills functional storage. |
| Suncast | Best known for outdoor storage products broadly; its rain barrels focus on simple assembly and accessible pricing. | First-time rain barrel owners on a budget. |
| EarthMinded (RainStation) | Specializes in diverter kits and conversion hardware rather than barrels themselves, letting you turn an existing barrel or bin into a collection system. | Anyone building a custom rain harvesting setup around containers they already have. |
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