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Call us at 1-800-407-8141 or Local at 630-896-1936
120 S. Lake Street, Montgomery, Illinois

Rain Barrels-Aurora, Montgomery, Yorkville, Oswego, Sugar Grove, North Aurora, Bristol

Go Green, Schaefer's now carries Rain Barrels

55-60 gal capacity $99.99 available in black & terra cotta

55-60 gal w/ wide overflow $119.99 black only

Local delivery available!

How Can Rain Barrels Help?

During periods of excessive rainfall, rain barrels are an effective way to capture and divert the large amounts of water that comes down gutter downspouts.  Studies show an average roof (1,000 SF) sends down 630 gallons of water for every 1” of rain. 

With concerns about flooding and rain water runoff polluting our rivers and streams, rain barrels can play an important role in stemming the tide.  Heavy rainfalls risk overwhelming municipal sewer systems or pouring into creeks and rivers where the torrential currents erode stream beds and carry pollutants into holding ponds and lakes.

During periods of low rainfall or in drought prone areas of the country, rain barrels help conserve water.  During summer months, 40% of our water usage goes to outdoor and landscape activities.  Rain barrels capture and store water for use during these dry periods. 

Watering restrictions are becoming more common.  The desert southwest has long dealt with water management, but recently, cities like Atlanta, GA, experiencing their worst drought in 30 years, has placed restrictions on outdoor water usage.  Rain barrels can help supplement outdoor watering needs.

Since rainwater contains no dissolved minerals, chlorine or fluoride, plants respond favorably to rainwater (when compared with well or treated municipal water).  Water from rain barrels will make flowers and vegetables thrive – much like they do after a nice rainfall.  

RAIN BARREL INSTRUCTIONS – (Black & Terra Cotta Barrels)

Rain Barrel Assembly

The Spigot (front bottom), Linking Valves (side bottom) and Overflow Valve (side middle) have been pre-installed in our Black & Terra-Cotta rain barrels.  Additionally, the “wide-overflow” model also has a 6’ black corrugated hose to connect. 

  1. WIDE OVERFLOW MODEL ONLY: Place the supplied corrugated hose and slide it over the Overflow Elbow on the outside (left side) of the barrel.
  2. Tighten clamp screw to secure connection. 

Placing Your Rain Barrel and Connecting to Downspout

  1. Now, select a downspout that is easily accessible and level the ground where the barrel will sit.  Rain barrel should be placed on a level surface or it may tip over upon filling, causing bodily harm or property damage.  If your rain barrel is elevated, make certain that it is secure so that it cannot tip over.)
  2. Draw a line on the downspout 6-9” above the top of the barrel.  Move the barrel away.  Use a hacksaw and cut the downspout at the line.  Note:  if a downspout bracket is below your cut, remove the bracket and place it above the cut.
  3. Squeeze or crimp the downspout end so the elbow will fit over it.  Attach the elbow to the downspout and move the barrel back against the house, so that the end of the elbow is over the center of the lid.  Rain water will now flow out of the elbow and down onto the cover of your rain barrel and drain into the barrel.
  4. Keep a ¾” garden hose handy to attach to top overflow spigot (.  Hose should be at least 10” long and direct overflow rain water away from your foundation.

Helpful Tips

CAUTION: BE SURE TO ALWAYS SCREW BARREL COVER BACK ON SECURELY TO PREVENT CHILDREN OR ANIMALS FROM FALLING INTO THE BARREL.

NOTE:  RAIN BARRELS ARE INTENDED FOR GARDEN USE ONLY AND

NOT TO BE USED FOR DRINKING RAIN WATER OR STORING DRINKING WATER.

 

 

 

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