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By The Barrel is your source for quality wine barrels, rain barrels, planters, and other unique wine barrel products
Click the link above to find out!
Rain Barrel Facts:
- Lawn & garden watering make up 40% of household water use in the summer
- "Soft Water" from rain is better for plants than tap water because it contains little to chlorine, lime, calcium, and other minerals
- Rain water is FREE!
- A rain barrel can save most homeowners 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months
- Using a rain barrel decreases the impact of runoff to lakes, rivers, and streams
For Customer Assistance:
Phone: (651) 245-1365
e-mail: bythebarrel@gmail.com
What is a Rain Barrel?
A rain barrel is any container (usually a barrel) used to collect rainwater from your roof. Our rain barrels are made from 100% recycled oak wine barrels! They come directly from vineyards in California. Each one is unique with its own character and markings and holds 59 gallons of water.
How does it work?
Water from your roof collects in your gutter system and flows into the rain barrel. A filter keeps debris out of your barrel and a spigot at the bottom allows you to water your lawn and garden using either soaker hoses or a watering can. Our barrels connect directly to any standard downspout.
Most hardware stores sell flexible attachments that can help to accommodate your unique needs. Connect an old garden hose to the overflow to direct excess water away from your foundation or to connect two barrels. We can also customize a barrel for your if you do not have a standard gutter system.
Maintenance:
Maintaining our oak rain barrels is easy. During the spring/summer/early fall just periodically check to make sure debris hasn't built up where the downspout connects. A small (cap-full) of bleach or a little dish soap can help to keep bugs from calling your barrel home!
During the winter months, drain the barrel and leaving the spigot open. Then, just cover your barrel with plastic or a tarp to help protect it from the harsher winter months. Although it is uncommon, even a small amount of water can crack the bottom of the barrel when it freezes and expands. Make sure it is fully empty and covered to ensure years of longevity. We unfortunately are not able to the barrel if this were to happen.
Some of the benefits!
- Help reduce peak water demands during the summer months
- Rainwater can actually help improve the health of your gardens and trees. It is naturally “soft” and devoid of minerals, chlorine, and other chemicals
- Free alternative to city water (once you’ve purchased your barrel of course)
- Help to reduce storm water runoff to our 10,000+ lakes and streams
- A one inch rainfall on a 90 sq. foot roof will fill your barrel!
- Barrels can be connected together to collect more water
Common Misconceptions:
- Just because you don't have gutters doesn't mean you can't use a rain barrel. Many of our customes do not have gutters. All it takes is a little ingenuity, and we are glad to help! Just give us a call!
- Did you know that well water is often full of heavy minerals? Rain barrels are just as important for well users as city water customers. Not only is rainwater free (mostly) of those minerals, it also can help keep your well from running dry or your pump from burning out!
- Every little bit counts. Don't let any one tell you your actions are too small!
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