Rain Barrels

What is a rain barrel?

A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from your roof to use for things like watering your garden or filling balloons to throw at your neighbor's cat. Water is diverted from your roof downspout into a rain barrel for later use.


Why use a rain barrel?

1. To protect your plants from the cold, chlorinated water from the tap system, which can shock plants and slow their growth.
2. To be cooler than any of your neighbors.
3. To reduce water pollution by storm water runoff, which can contain sediment, oil, grease, and bacteria.
4. Uh...did you notice the drought?
5. Save money by reducing both water use and the significantly more expensive sewage treatment fees.

How much rain water can I expect to capture?

One-half inch of rain on a 300-square foot (10'x3') section of roof will easily fill a 55 gallon rain barrel. If you'd rather do the math yourself, here's to formula:

G = 0.416 x R x A

G = gallons of rainwater collected
0.416 = conversion factor between cubic feet and gallons
R = amount of rainfall in inches
A = surface area of roof draining to rain barrel (remember: length x width = square feet)

What about mosquitoes?

Our rain barrels have no access points for bugs or critters. But if you're really paranoid, you can safely (i.e., organically) and effectively prevent mosquitoes with dunks. You can purchase a set of 6 dunks (which should cover one mosquito season) for $12 online via this web address: (http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product/16-0013).

Is there any reason I shouldn't have a rain barrel?

If your roof consists of treated cedar shakes or materials containing asbestos and/or your gutter system has lead solder or lead-based paint, you should not get a rain barrel. You should get a new roof and gutter system first, then get a new rain barrel.

What do I need to get started?

1. At least one 55 gallon rain barrel (FYI - you can buy a rain barrel for each downspout and/or link multiple barrels together under a single downspout)
2. A diverter to route rain from your downspout to your rain barrel
3. Delivery and installation of #1 and #2

What is it going to cost?

1. Our RainBank rain barrels are available for $100 each (which includes six feet of tubing to direct any overflow and...wait, for it...FREE DELIVERY anywhere in Birmingham). Delivery outside of Birmingham (e.g., Calera, Alabaster) is also available, but for a small fee.

2. There is a 20% discount for each additional barrel purchased.

3. Installation (which includes a diverter) is available for an additional $40 per barrel.


What do your barrels look like?

We have one type of barrel - the awesome type. Here's some pics...

Pic 1: Fancy logo shot











Pic 2: Faucet and overflow valve (FYI - up to 8' of flexible tubing provided with each drum - to direct overflow)










Pic 3: barrel top with mesh screen and downspout diverter











Pic 4: night shot - shhh, rain barrel is sleeping.











Why don't you paint your barrels?

We started making rain barrels with the hope of creating a small, positive impact on the environment in Birmingham. Although painted barrels do look a bit nicer, that "prettiness" come with a price. The primers and paints required to fancify your rain barrel are among some of the most toxic available - and the impact of their use quickly offsets any environmental benefit of harvesting the rain.

If you just can't stand the color of your rain barrel, we can recommend a professional service in Birmingham that will paint them for you for about $75 per barrel . Yes, that is expensive, but it sure beats a lung full of VOCs.

What else do I need to know?

Each barrel comes with a one-page user's guide covering care and maintenance. You can access the user guide here.

How do I buy a rain barrel?

Call Jason at (205) 307-8813 or email at jason@2greenolives.com. Depending on the number of barrels you are ordering , availability will vary. But in general, you'll wait no more than 3 days for smiling, personal delivery.

Rain Barrel Operator Guide

Yes, buying a rain barrels was a good idea, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few rules to follow. This simple guide will help ensure that you and your rain barrel live in harmony for many years. And remember, if you ever have any questions / concerns, just give us a call at (205) 307-8813 – we’re happy to help.

Rain Barrel Operator Guide

Do not drink the rain water in your barrel. Yes, it may look delicious, but in addition to the old leaves and dead bugs in your gutter, that rain water has likely traveled through some bird poop on your roof. Your plants won’t mind but your tummy will!

Drain and disconnect your rain barrel whenever a freeze (below 32 degrees) is anticipated. Basically, don’t expect to use your barrel much between December and March. Freeze can damage barrels and/or allow water to back up into downspouts or overflow into building foundations.

Control algae growth in your rain barrel by keeping your gutters clear of debris (leaves, sticks, seeds, etc) and by shielding your barrel from direct sunlight. Algae are microscopic plants that, like their land-based cousins, need nutrients and light to grow. Nutrients, in this case, come primarily from leaves in your gutter system. Light, of course, comes from the sun. Minimize your rain barrel’s exposure to both of these and algal growth will be greatly limited.

Of note, there will likely be some algae despite your best efforts at control. While algae is typically considered undesirable, small amounts of algae that may grow in a rain barrel may actually help to fertilize gardens and lawns.

Keep your barrel closed to prevent mosquitoes. Your rain barrel and diverter are designed to operate without presenting any openings for bugs or critters. Make sure to inspect your rain barrel system once-a-week to ensure all potential access points remain secure.

If you're really concerned, you can safely (i.e., organically) and effectively prevent mosquitoes with dunks. You can purchase a set of 6 dunks (which should cover one mosquito season) for $12 online via this web address: (http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product/16-0013).

Science Tidbit: Mosquitoes can breed in as little as 10 days.

Give your rain barrel a flat and sturdy foundation. A single, full 55-gallon rain barrel will weigh approximately 500 pounds. Make sure each rain barrel sits on a flat surface to avoid tipping. Also, if you plan to raise your barrel off the ground (to increase water pressure to the tap), make sure that the stand is sufficiently strong to support the weight of a full barrel (stacked cinder blocks make for a good stand).

Another Science Tidbit: A gallon of water weighs approximately 8.3 pounds.