![]()
A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. Usually a rain barrel is composed of a 55 gallon drum, a vinyl hose, PVC couplings, a screen grate to keep debris and insects out. A rain barrel is relatively simple and inexpensive to construct and can sit conveniently under any gutter down spout. Lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer. A rain barrel collects water and stores it for when you need it most -- during periods of drought -- to water plants, wash your car, or to top a swimming pool. It provides an ample supply of free "soft water" to homeowners, containing no chlorine, lime or calcium making it ideal for gardens, flower pots, and car and window washing.
A rain barrel will save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months. Saving water not only helps protect the environment, it saves you money and energy. Diverting water from storm drains also decreases the impact of runoff to streams. Therefore, a rain barrel is an easy way for you to have a consistent supply of clean, fresh water for outdoor use,
![]() Rain Barrel Maintenance
A Rain Barrel also like anything else need some simple maintenance.You should not let water sit in rain barrel longer then a month. Any longer than a month the rain barrel should be emptied. If you should become aware of any fowl smell or algae you could add a capful of chlorine bleach this will not harm plants. Most people usually use their rain barrels on a daily or weekly basis, for those who do so you should not be concerned. Do not use any type of vinegar when cleaning your rain barrel as this would be harmful to your plants. Some people like to use cheese cloth on top of screen of the spigot to act as an addition filter to avoid trouble getting the water to come out. I use my rain barrel constantly and have never experienced any problems. They are very user friendly a very excellant eco global living practice.
|
|
| Home And Garden - Country And Rural Life. |
| Gardening And Birds, Raising Chickens And Goats, Baking Bread...more Coming Soon! |
| Seasonal Gardening Secrets. |
| All You Need To Know To Have A Beautiful Garden Every Season Of The Year. |
| Easy Gardening. |
| Downloadable eBook(R) On No-dig Gardening. |