Why do you winterize your rain barrel?

If you use a rain barrel to harvest rainwater, it is important to consider winterizing it before below freezing temperatures take hold. Below freezing temperatures can damage your rain barrel and reduce its lifespan. By completely draining your rain barrel, disconnecting it from the downspout it is connected to, and properly storing it during the winter months, you can help increase its longevity by avoiding unnecessary wear and tear.

Protect your rain barrel this winter by following these three easy steps:

Step 1: Drain it. Completely drain harvested rainwater from your rain barrel. 

Tip: After your rain barrel is completely drained, consider cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces. Be sure to remove sediment and debris from inside the rain barrel and use a biodegradable cleaning solution to scrub surfaces (We recommend Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner). You’ll thank yourself for cleaning your rain barrel now come springtime.

Step 2: Disconnect it. Disconnect your rain barrel from the downspout it’s connected to. 

Tip: If your rain barrel is assembled with a RainRecycle Rain Barrel Kit, you can unscrew the Flexi-Fit-Diverter piece from your downspout and flip it upside down to stop collecting water. Once the diverter is flipped upside down, water will continue to flow down your downspout as it normally would.

Step 3: Store it. Store your rain barrel and its components in a dry location such as a garage, shed, or basement. Rain barrels can be stored outdoors, just be sure it is stored in a dry place or in a manner in which it does not collect water.

Tip: If you need to store your rain barrel outdoors, store it upside down to prevent any rainwater and snowmelt from getting inside it.

By following these three easy steps, your rain barrel will be protected during the winter and ready for rainwater harvesting come the spring.

Join the James River Association’s River Hero Homes program! 

River Hero Homes is a community of stewards that realize the first step to a cleaner James River starts at home. Residents of the James River’s 10,000 square-mile watershed take a pledge and commit to adopting a minimum of three of the following five river-friendly conservation actions. 

• Scoop the poop. Pick up pet waste to prevent bacteria pollution.
• Use native plants. Use regionally native plants and remove invasive plants in gardens and landscapes, including riparian buffers and living shorelines.
• Reduce herbicide and pesticide use. Reduce or eliminate herbicide and pesticide use to promote a healthy ecosystem.
• Reduce fertilizer use. Reduce or eliminate fertilizer use to reduce nutrient pollution entering our waterways, and encourage healthy soil by using compost.
• Conserve water. Reduce household water use and install a rain barrel to harvest rainwater for watering needs if possible.

River Hero Homes would not be possible without generous support from Altria and DuPont Clear into the Future. Their support allows us to promote conservation and stewardship practices that support a healthy James River. Click here for more information about River Hero Homes, and become a hero for the river today!