A few words about your rain barrel...
Download the Rain Barrel Facts and/or Rain Barrel Design Facts brochures.
NOTE: The City of Bremerton is no longer producing rain barrels, the following is provided as helpful information only.
Design #1
New for Spring 2001
Assembly includes gluing the outlet assembly. Use PVC cement to connect the 2" coupling to the 3 ½" tube, and then the 90% elbow and the 3 ½ foot pipe. You may wish to add an elbow to the bottom of the pipe or drain pipe to direct excess overflow to a lawn area. The pipe may also be connected directly to an existing infiltration system.
Options for design #1:
If you have an existing infiltration system, simply plumb the piping into the system or, attach an elbow at the bottom of the pipe and use a splash block to diffuse the flow out of the pipe.
Design #2
This design is no longer being produced by the City of Bremerton, however, it was the design used in Fall 2000 and limited amounts were used in Spring 2001. Additional assembly includes attaching a ¾” hose to the overflow spigot to direct excess water away from your foundation.
Options for design #2:
Your Rain Barrel
You will need to wash your rain barrel. It is recycled and previously contained soy sauce or coca-cola syrup. Avoid using bleach, as it is environmentally harmful in storm drains. For an environmentally safe soap solution use 2 teaspoons of castile soap and 2 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice for each gallon of water.
Connecting your rain barrel to the downspout. Cut off your downspout using a hacksaw just above the top of the rain barrel. Secure the downspout to the house with sheet metal screws. Reattach the elbow to the bottom of the downspout. Place the rain barrel below the elbow so the water flows into the screened vent.
Manage heavy rains. It is essential to consider the impact of heavy winter rains on your drainage system. An overfull rain barrel has the potential to erode your homes foundation. Your rain barrel has an overflow spigot near the top on the side.
Earthquake proof your rain barrel. Secure the rain barrel to your house with aluminum banding and screws.
CAUTION: A full rain barrel weighs roughly 450 lbs. If you wish to elevate the barrel use only stable materials, such as cement blocks.
Do not use rain barrels for drinking, cooking or bathing. If moss killer has been used on the roof, let a few rain events bypass the barrel before collecting water.