With the advent of wintertime, we are about to get some serious rain. What better way to make that rain work for you than to collect it in a rain barrel?
How does one do this?
Well, you can hire a professional to install one. Or, you can do it yourself.
The best way to go about this is to unscrew your downspout from your gutters, and then install a downspout re-director, straight into your rain barrel.
If you don’t have a downspout or gutter, it’s a better idea to install a gutter, to prevent water from sitting on your roof and seeping into your home. But, for the purposes of a rain barrel, you can certainly put an open-topped barrel below your roof-line to collect water that drips down from your roof. Make sure to install a screen so nothing large drops in.
With a rain barrel installed, what should you do with all that water? Here are some ideas:
– After letting any sediment settle, use it to water your lawn or plants.
– Washing your dog.
– For a fun game with squirt guns.
– Cleaning your house.
– Keeping your trees damp.
– Watering house plants.
I’m sure there are a lot of other uses for rain barrels, but do realize you shouldn’t drink this water or use it in cooking. Additionally, if you’re expecting a freeze, make sure to use the water or bring the rain barrel in.
If you have other ideas for small changes to your home which make a big difference environmentally, let us know. Also, if you’d like ideas on green roofing, contact us.