Rain Barrels

Save Water. Reduce Runoff. Support Healthy Waterways.

Rain barrels collect and store rainwater from rooftops for later use in your yard and garden. They’re a simple way to conserve water, reduce stormwater runoff and help protect local waterways – all while providing a free source of water for your landscape.

Why Use a Rain Barrel?

When it rains, water flowing from roofs, driveways and other hard surfaces can carry pollutants into nearby storm drains and waterways. Rain barrels can help capture some of that runoff before it leaves your property.

Benefits of rain barrels:

Reduce stormwater runoff
Conserve drinking water
Lower outdoor water use
Provide water for gardens and landscaping
Help protect local rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay
Support healthy lawns and plants during dry periods

Get the Most from Your Rain Barrel

A properly installed rain barrel can collect significant amounts of water even from a small rainstorm.

For best results:

Place rain barrels beneath a downspout.
Install on a level, stable surface.
Use collected water for gardens, flower beds and landscaping.
Keep screens in place to prevent mosquitos and debris.
Empty barrels before extended freezing weather.
Direct overflow away from foundations and neighboring properties.

Pair Rain Barrels with Native Landscaping

Rain barrels work even better when combined with other eco-friendly landscaping practices. Native plants, rain gardens and healthy soil help absorb and use rainwater naturally while reducing runoff.

Consider combining your rain barrel with:

Native plant gardens
Rain gardens
Mulched planting beds
Pollinator-friendly landscapes
Water-wise lawn care practices

A Small Change with a Big Impact

Every gallon of rainwater captured is a gallon that doesn’t become stormwater runoff. By using a rain barrel, homeowners can help conserve water, reduce pollution and create healthier outdoor spaces throughout Hampton Roads.

Build Your Own Rain Barrel

You can purchase a rain barrel at a hardware store, but if you prefer to make one yourself, follow these simple steps to make one at home using a heavy duty plastic trash can. It only takes a few minutes, and the cost savings are substantial.

Learn More

How To Build a Rain Barrel

Total construction time averages 10 to 15 minutes, and the cost is approximately $75 depending on the size of the trash can purchased.

- 1 – Heavy duty trash can
- 1 – ½” Hose bib
- 1 – 6” Chimney pipe trim collar
- 2 – ½” Faucet tailpipe nuts
- 2 – #15 O-rings
- 1 – ½” Threaded nipple
- 1 – ½” Threaded PVC extender
- 4 – Small screws
- 1 – piece 7”x 7” nylon screen
- Drill w/ screw tip
- ¾” paddle drill bit
- Tin Snips or Jig Saw
1. Drill ¾” hole approximately 3” to 4” from bottom of barrel.
2. Drill ¾” hole near top of barrel.
3. Screw ½” threaded nipple into hose bib and insert into bottom hole.
4. Slide O-ring over threaded nipple from inside of barrel and screw on faucet tailpipe nut until secure.
5. Insert ½” threaded PVC extender into upper hole.
6. Slide O-ring onto threaded end from inside and secure with faucet tailpipe nut.
7. Cut 5” hole in trash can lid using tin snips or jigsaw.
8. Trim nylon screening to fit chimney pipe trim collar.
9. Place screen, then trim cover over hole in lid and attach with screws.
10. Trim downspout where rain barrel will be installed to fit the height of your new rain barrel.
11. Align the downspout to drain into the chimney collar.
12. It is recommended to sit the rain barrel on two concrete blocks to provide for a level surface.
Congratulations for installing a rain barrel! You have done a great thing to conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff. You rock!