8 Supplies for Collecting Water With a Rain Barrel

Watching a summer storm roll in feels different when you have a rain barrel system ready to go. Instead of seeing runoff, you see a valuable resource heading straight for your storage tanks. A well-designed rainwater collection setup isn’t just a nod to sustainability; it’s a practical tool that gives your hobby farm a crucial buffer against dry spells and high water bills.

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Why Every Hobby Farm Needs a Rain Barrel System

A rain barrel system is one of the highest-return investments for a small-scale farm. It provides a free, reliable source of soft, chlorine-free water that plants, especially sensitive seedlings and acid-loving varieties like blueberries, prefer over treated municipal water. This isn’t just about saving a few dollars on the water bill; it’s about providing better conditions for your crops and livestock.

During mid-summer dry spells, having 50, 100, or even more gallons of stored water can be the difference between a thriving garden and a stressed, wilting one. It gives you the ability to deep-water your most valuable plants without a second thought. Furthermore, capturing rooftop runoff reduces erosion around your foundation and prevents excess water from flooding low-lying garden beds, turning a potential problem into a valuable asset.

Rain Barrel – Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon

The barrel is the heart of your system, and starting with a purpose-built one saves countless headaches over retrofitting a food-grade drum. The Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon is the ideal starting point for a hobby farm. Its flat-back design allows it to sit flush against a wall, saving space and improving stability, while the tough, UV-resistant polyethylene construction prevents it from becoming brittle in the sun.

What makes the Rain Wizard a solid choice is its thoughtful design. It features a fine mesh screen on top to keep out debris and mosquitoes, a common failure point in DIY barrels. The overflow spigot is positioned high on the front, making it easy to direct excess water away from your foundation or link to a second barrel. This isn’t a flimsy decorative piece; it’s a workhorse built to withstand the elements season after season.

This 50-gallon barrel is perfect for a single downspout connected to a small barn, garage, or one side of a house. For larger roof areas or drier climates, plan on linking two or more together. While it comes with a basic plastic spigot, upgrading it is a wise move for long-term durability.

Diverter Kit – Oatey Mystic Rainwater Collection

A diverter is the brain of the operation, channeling water from your downspout into the barrel and, crucially, directing it back into the downspout once the barrel is full. The Oatey Mystic Rainwater Collection System is a simple, effective, and nearly foolproof solution. It prevents the catastrophic overflows that can flood foundations and turn your barrel area into a muddy swamp.

The Oatey Mystic works by creating a small reservoir inside the downspout. When the barrel is full, back-pressure causes the water to bypass the diverter hose and continue down the spout as intended. This automatic function means you don’t have to babysit the system during a downpour. The kit includes the diverter, a connection hose, and the necessary seals for a watertight installation.

Before buying, measure your downspout; this kit is designed for standard 2" x 3" or 3" x 4" rectangular downspouts. Installation requires cutting a section out of your downspout, which is straightforward with a hacksaw but requires careful measurement. This is the right choice for anyone who wants a reliable, set-and-forget system without complicated plumbing.

Barrel Stand – RTS Home Accents Rain Barrel Stand

A rain barrel sitting on the ground has almost no water pressure, making it nearly useless for anything other than slowly filling a watering can. Elevating the barrel is essential, and the RTS Home Accents Rain Barrel Stand provides a stable, purpose-built foundation. It raises the barrel high enough to fit a bucket under the spigot and creates the gravity-fed pressure needed to run a soaker hose or fill a can quickly.

Made from heavy-duty, thick-walled plastic, this stand is engineered to support the immense weight of a full 50-gallon barrel (over 400 pounds) without buckling or wobbling. Its open-sided design is a better choice than cinder blocks, which can create moisture traps and hiding spots for pests. The stand’s footprint is perfectly matched to most 50-65 gallon barrels, including the recommended Rain Wizard.

This stand is for anyone who values stability and safety. A collapsing stand can cause a dangerous and messy flood. Ensure the ground beneath the stand is firm and perfectly level before placing the barrel on top. If your ground is soft, place the stand on a paver or flat stone first.

Spigot Upgrade – Dramm Brass Shut-Off Valve

The plastic spigot included with most rain barrels is their weakest link. They become brittle with sun exposure, the handles snap, and the flow rate is often pathetic. Replace it immediately with a Dramm 3/4" Brass Shut-Off Valve. This is a simple upgrade that transforms the usability of your entire system.

Dramm is known for professional-grade watering tools, and this valve is no exception. The all-brass construction is indestructible, and the large, ergonomic handle is easy to turn even with wet, muddy hands. Most importantly, its full-bore design provides significantly better water flow than a stock spigot, filling your watering can in seconds, not minutes.

Check the threading on your barrel before you buy. Most barrels use standard 3/4" NPT (National Pipe Thread), but it’s wise to confirm. You will need to wrap the valve’s threads with Teflon tape or use a waterproof sealant to ensure a leak-free connection. This is a non-negotiable upgrade for anyone who plans to use their rain barrel regularly.

Garden Hose – Flexzilla Garden Hose with SwivelGrip

You’ll want a dedicated hose for your rain barrel, and it needs to be flexible and easy to manage. The Flexzilla Garden Hose with SwivelGrip is an excellent match. Its hybrid polymer material stays pliable even in cooler temperatures, won’t kink under pressure, and is significantly lighter than traditional rubber hoses, making it easy to route through garden beds.

The key feature here is the SwivelGrip connection. It makes attaching the hose to the barrel’s spigot effortless, preventing the twisting and fighting that often comes with standard hose fittings. Since you’ll be connecting and disconnecting it frequently, this small convenience makes a big difference. The hose is also drinking-water safe, which means no lead or other contaminants will leach into your precious rainwater.

Choose a length that comfortably reaches your primary garden beds from the barrel’s location—a 25-foot or 50-foot hose is usually sufficient for a dedicated rain barrel setup. This hose is for farmers who are tired of fighting with stiff, kinking hoses and want a reliable tool that makes the job of watering easier.

Tips for Siting Your Rain Barrel System

Where you place your rain barrel system is as important as the components you choose. The first rule is to build a solid, level foundation. A full 50-gallon barrel weighs over 400 pounds; placing it on soft, uneven ground is asking for trouble. A bed of compacted gravel or a series of flat patio pavers creates a stable base that won’t shift or sink.

Choose a downspout that is close to where you’ll use the water most. Placing the barrel right next to your vegetable garden or greenhouse minimizes the length of hose you need and makes daily watering chores much more efficient. Also, consider the roof area feeding the downspout. A larger roof section will fill the barrel faster, which is ideal for maximizing collection during brief summer showers.

Finally, think about overflow. Even with a diverter, you need a plan for where excess water will go. Ensure the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation. If necessary, attach a short hose to the barrel’s overflow port to direct water to a nearby flower bed, rain garden, or another safe drainage area.

Gutter Strainer – Amerimax Flex-Grate Strainer

The best way to keep your rain barrel clean is to stop debris from ever entering the downspout. A simple Amerimax Flex-Grate Downspout Strainer is your first line of defense. This device sits inside the gutter outlet, blocking leaves, twigs, and shingle grit from washing into your system, where they can clog the diverter and turn your barrel into a sludge-filled mess.

This strainer’s genius is its simplicity. It’s a flexible plastic grate that you squeeze to insert into the downspout opening, where it expands to create a snug fit. There are no tools required for installation. It effectively filters out large debris while allowing water to flow freely.

This is an essential, low-cost component for any system, especially if you have mature trees near your house or barn. The only maintenance required is to pull it out and clean it a few times a year, particularly in the fall. It’s a small task that prevents much larger problems down the line.

Waterproof Sealant – Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal

Every threaded connection in your rain barrel system is a potential leak point. A reliable waterproof sealant is not optional; it’s a requirement for a drip-free setup. Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape is an excellent, no-mess solution for sealing the threads on your spigot and any other fittings.

Unlike messy pipe dope or silicone caulk, this tape is incredibly easy to use. You simply wrap it tightly around the male threads of your spigot or linking kit fittings before screwing them into the barrel. It creates a watertight seal that can withstand the constant pressure of a full barrel. The tape conforms to threads and fills any small imperfections, ensuring a perfect seal every time.

For any small cracks that might develop in an older barrel or for sealing around a DIY fitting, the liquid version of this product is also invaluable. This is for the farmer who believes in doing the job right the first time. A small leak can empty a barrel surprisingly quickly, and this simple product prevents that waste.

Barrel Linking Kit – EarthMinded Rain Barrel Linking Kit

A single 50-gallon barrel fills up surprisingly fast in a decent rainstorm. To capture a serious amount of water, you need to link multiple barrels together. The EarthMinded Rain Barrel Linking Kit provides everything you need to expand your storage capacity easily and effectively.

This kit stands out because it includes the correct size hole saw, taking the guesswork out of the installation. It comes with two seals, a short connection hose, and clear instructions. You simply drill a hole near the top of both barrels, insert the seals, and connect them with the hose. As the first barrel fills, water automatically flows into the second, doubling your storage.

When linking barrels, it is absolutely critical that they are all on the same level foundation. If one is higher than the other, the system won’t work correctly. This kit is perfect for the hobby farmer who starts with one barrel and quickly realizes the need for more capacity to get through a week-long dry spell.

Winterizing Your Rain Barrel for Cold Climates

If you live in a region with freezing winters, winterizing your rain barrel system is a mandatory annual chore. A frozen, expanded barrel will crack and be ruined by spring. The process is simple but must not be skipped. Once the last of the fall rains have passed and before the first hard freeze, you need to completely drain the barrel.

Open the spigot and let all the water out. Use the last of that precious rainwater on any evergreen shrubs or trees that need a final deep watering before winter. Once empty, disconnect the diverter hose and remove the barrel from the stand. Turn it upside down to ensure every last drop is out, and store it in a shed, garage, or basement for the winter.

Finally, reconfigure your downspout. Most diverters, like the Oatey Mystic, have a winter setting or cover that allows you to direct all water down the spout for the winter. Clean out your gutter strainer one last time, and your system will be safe and ready for another season of water collection come spring.

Putting Your Collected Rainwater to Good Use

Collected rainwater is a premium resource on the farm, best used where it will have the most impact. Its slight acidity and lack of chlorine make it ideal for watering seedlings in the greenhouse, which are sensitive to the chemicals in treated tap water. It’s also the preferred choice for acid-loving plants like blueberries, rhododendrons, and azaleas, helping to keep the soil pH in their preferred range.

Beyond irrigation, stored rainwater is perfect for washing muddy tools, boots, and freshly harvested root vegetables. It’s also great for mixing soil amendments or water-soluble fertilizers. Keeping a full barrel near your main work area provides a convenient, off-grid water source for all sorts of daily tasks.

It’s important to know what not to use it for. Unless you have a filtration and purification system, do not use rooftop runoff as drinking water for yourself or your livestock. Additionally, if you have an asphalt shingle roof, it’s wise to avoid using the water on leafy greens like lettuce or kale, as petroleum distillates can leach from the shingles. For fruiting plants, root crops, and ornamentals, however, it is perfectly safe and beneficial.

Building a rain barrel system is more than just a weekend project; it’s a fundamental step toward a more resilient and self-sufficient hobby farm. With the right components, you create a reliable utility that pays you back with every rainfall. Start with one barrel, and you’ll soon see the immense value of capturing this free, high-quality resource.