Where should a rain barrel go?
Put it on firm, level ground next to a downspout, close to where you will use the water. A full barrel is heavy, so the base has to be solid. Raising it on a sturdy platform gives better flow from the spigot when you fill a can or run a hose.
Keep it out of spots where it can tip, such as soft soil, steep slopes, or places where a child can climb. Strapping it to the wall or setting it in a stable frame is a smart habit.
Leave room to slide a watering can under the spigot, and keep the barrel away from power lines, wells and septic components. Also think about where the overflow will go in a heavy storm before you pick the final spot.
What should you look for in a barrel?
Food-grade containers that held something harmless are common choices, but you should know what was in a barrel before you reuse it. A container that held chemicals, petroleum products, or pesticides is not a good idea for any garden use.
Choose a barrel that is dark or opaque to slow algae, and one with a tight lid. Open-top barrels attract insects and drowning hazards.
Never use a barrel that held anything you cannot name. If a seller cannot tell you what was in it, skip it. Washing a barrel before first use with plain water and a stiff brush helps remove dust and residue.
- Opaque, dark-colored walls
- A lid that locks or fits tightly
- A screened inlet and a screened overflow
- A spigot near the bottom with room to fit a can
How do you connect it to a downspout?
Most setups divert part of the downspout into the barrel through a fitting or a short flexible section, then let extra water run out through an overflow hose. The overflow should send water away from the foundation, not back toward the house.
When the barrel is full the extra water has to go somewhere. Plan the overflow before the first storm, not after you notice a wet basement wall.
Use fittings made for the job, and seal joints well. A leaking connector can soak the soil beside your foundation and slowly undermine a wall or a patio slab.
How do you keep children and animals safe?
Standing water is a drowning risk for small children and a hazard for pets and small animals. A tight lid, a locked cover, or a barrel that is fully enclosed with a small screened inlet cuts the risk sharply.
Teach older kids not to climb on or open the barrel. If your property has toddlers visiting, treat the barrel like a pool: restrict access first, then rely on supervision.
Make sure the barrel cannot be opened by a child. A lid that screws on or locks, combined with a small screened inlet, is far better than a loose cover held down by a stone.
What is barrel water not good for?
Roof runoff is not treated water. Do not drink it, cook with it, brush teeth with it, or give it to babies. Avoid using it directly on leafy vegetables you eat raw, especially close to harvest, unless a local extension source says how to do it safely.
It works well for flowers, shrubs, fruit trees, lawn, and washing tools. Water the soil near the plant instead of splashing leaves when you can.
Keep a clear label on the barrel that says it is not drinking water. Guests, kids and helpers on the property may not know, and a simple sign prevents mistakes.
How do you control mosquitoes and algae?
Screens on every opening are the single best fix. Check them after storms and after wind, since torn screens go unnoticed. Do not rely on a loose lid alone.
Empty and scrub the barrel at least once in the growing season, or sooner if you see sludge or smell something off. Let it dry in the sun when you can.
Fish-safe or larvae-eating products are sometimes suggested for mosquitoes, but a sealed barrel with intact screens is a more dependable first step. Ask your county health office what they recommend locally.
What do you do in winter?
In cold climates, a full barrel can freeze and crack. Drain it, disconnect it from the downspout, and store it upside down or covered before hard freezes arrive. Return the downspout to its normal path.
Check your barrel in spring for cracks, loose fittings, and worn screens before the first heavy rain.
Some people leave a barrel running through winter by keeping it nearly empty and uncovered inside a shed. Whatever you choose, the goal is to keep ice from expanding inside a full container.
Key takeaways
- Set the barrel on a firm base and secure it against tipping.
- Cover and screen it to protect children, animals, and against mosquitoes.
- Treat barrel water as non-drinking water.
- Drain and disconnect before hard freezes.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.