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How to Choose, Install and Use a Rain Barrel

Marc McCollough

By Marc McCollough
Updated July 31, 2025

A rain barrel gives you a simple way to collect rainwater for irrigation around your landscape. Learn about rain barrel features and see the basics of how to install a rain barrel. We also have tips for using and maintaining your rain barrel so you can keep your plants watered for years to come.

Tools and Materials

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

What's a Rain Barrel?

A rain barrel is a container that collects runoff from your home's gutter system. A spigot or hose connector lets you use the water around your landscape. There are several benefits to using a rain barrel:

  • Rainwater harvesting is an alternative to using municipal water or well water for irrigation.
  • Plants benefit from water free of the chemicals and minerals in tap water.
  • Rain barrels reduce runoff entering the storm sewer, helping keep pesticides, fertilizer and other chemicals out of nearby bodies of water.
  • Collecting rainwater helps prevent it from entering your foundation, crawlspace or basement.

Good to Know

Is collecting rainwater legal where you live? Check for restrictions or regulations on rain barrels and rainwater collection in your area. You may need a permit for rainwater harvesting.

Planning for a Rain Barrel

Plan a convenient installation location. A rain barrel supplies low-pressure water, and the flow rate decreases as the barrel empties. You can improve the flow rate by elevating the barrel. Dispense the water with a garden hose, soaker hose or watering can.

Estimate how much rainwater you'll capture. In general, a 1-inch rainfall can yield a little more than half a gallon for each square foot of roof. The downspout you direct to the rain barrel channels water from only one section of your roof, so use that section to estimate the water you can collect.

Plan for overflow. A 1-inch rainfall on 100 square feet of roof will generate about 60 gallons of water. If the barrel overflows, the excess water needs to flow away from your home's foundation. Some barrels include a hose that drains the overflow. Others use a basic overflow outlet. You may also be able to link barrels to collect the overflow.

Caution

Don't use the runoff on edible plants if you have a copper roof or gutters, or if your roof has been treated with zinc or another chemical for algae or moss control.

Tip

Consider adapting your landscape to maximize your rainwater harvest. Learn how to create a water-conserving landscape and see our guides to a low-maintenance garden and drought-tolerant plants.

Choosing a Rain Barrel

Select an overall size and capacity based on where you plan to set up the rain barrel kit and how much water you expect to collect. Choose a color and design that fits your landscape and home. There are also a few features you can look for:

  • A debris screen keeps leaves, animals and insects (including mosquitoes) out of the barrel.
  • A flat-back barrel fits close to your home, so the barrel is farther out of the way. Your downspout may require less modification to fit a barrel with a flat back.
  • An opening lid lets you dip a watering can into the barrel for quick filling. A closed top or latching lid helps keep children and animals out. The tops of some rain barrels function as planters.
  • The water outlet is either a spigot or a hose connection. It’s usually located at the bottom of the barrel. Some barrels have an additional higher outlet for filling a watering can.
  • A collapsible design makes storage easier.

How to Install a Rain Barrel

Before you install or use a rain barrel, make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and functioning. See our guide to gutter cleaning and repair for tips. The process for setting up your rain barrel varies by model, so follow the manufacturer's instructions. Here are the general steps.

Caution

Don't connect the rain barrel to any part of your home plumbing or to an irrigation system attached to the plumbing.

Step 1: Assemble the Rain Barrel

Determine which gutter downspout you'll use to collect runoff and assemble the barrel. Assembly may include installing the spigot or hose connector and connecting an overflow hose. Collapsible barrels might have more assembly steps.

Step 2: Prepare the Rain Barrel Location

Prepare the area where the barrel will rest. If you're placing it on the ground rather than a patio or concrete pad, dig the area out to a depth of 1 or 2 inches and use gravel, sand or pavers to create a stable, level surface. Set up a sturdy stand or platform if you plan to elevate your barrel to improve water flow or allow room for a watering can.

Caution

If you elevate the barrel above the ground, the structure you use must be able to support the weight of a full barrel. A gallon of water weighs about 8.3 pounds. If a 50-gallon barrel weighs 19 pounds empty, it weighs over 430 pounds when full.

Step 3: Configure the Downspout

Place the barrel next to the downspout at its final, installed height. Before cutting or boring into a downspout, make sure there are no heating cables or electrical wiring running through it. Measure and mark carefully. Follow your manual's instructions to adapt the downspout. Here are some common methods:

  • Cut the downspout to allow the barrel to fit under it. Attach an elbow section, if needed.
  • Bore a hole or cut out a section of downspout and install a diverter to connect the barrel with a hose.
  • Replace part of the downspout with a customized section or flexible downspout extension to fill the barrel.

Protect your home's exterior while cutting or boring by placing a piece of plywood behind the downspout.

Caution

Wear safety glasses when cutting or boring into the downspout.

Step 4: Position the Barrel and Direct the Overflow

Set the barrel in place and make sure it's level. Direct the overflow to keep water away from your foundation. Your barrel may come with an overflow hose, or you may need to place a gutter splash block under the overflow outlet.

Secure the barrel to keep it from tipping over. Some manufacturers recommend always leaving some water in the barrel to help keep it in place.


Tips for Using a Rain Barrel

Humans and pets shouldn't consume water from a rain barrel. Don’t use it for cooking, washing your hands or washing food. If you use the water to irrigate edible plants, apply it to the soil, not the plants. Wash vegetables and fruit in tap water before eating or cooking. Wash any parts of your body that touch collected water.

Prevent mosquito problems. You can caulk any gaps around the debris screen that might allow them to enter. Mosquitoes might enter through overflow outlets, and eggs or larvae may be washed into the barrel. Use the water promptly to help prevent eggs from developing into mosquitoes. Add anti-larval tablets containing Bacillus thuringiensis to the water to kill mosquito larvae.

Here are some other quick rain barrel tips:

  • Use the rainwater within a week or two of collection. If possible, use the water before the next rain.
  • When you're not collecting rainwater, leave the spigot on the barrel open. Place a splash block under it or connect a hose to prevent erosion and to keep water from entering your foundation.
  • Remove the barrel and reconfigure the downspout to handle runoff if you don't plan to use the barrel for several days.
  • Inspect the rain barrel regularly for damage or leaks and regularly remove debris and sediment.
  • Drain and disconnect the barrel before freezing weather arrives. Rinse the barrel out before storing it.
  • Check to see if local watering restrictions apply to the use of collected rainwater.

Tip

Once you’ve installed your rain barrel, consider setting up a composting bin. Our composter guide helps you choose a composting method, and our project guide shows you how to make your own compost.

Harvesting Rainwater With a Rain Barrel From Lowe’s

Rain barrels give you a simple way to collect rainwater runoff to irrigate your landscape and reduce reliance on municipal water or well water. Before shopping for a rain barrel, ensure your area allows rainwater harvesting. If so, estimate your capacity needs and choose a barrel that can handle a typical rainfall. Then shop Lowes.com by capacity, price range and more.

Setup is simple. Find a convenient location and ensure the ground is level. If you need to elevate the barrel, make sure the structure can handle the weight of the full barrel. Cut or modify your downspout to fit the barrel. Use the water as quickly as possible and take steps to prevent mosquitoes.