Rain barrels

What is a rain barrel?

A rain barrel is a large container – often made of plastic – that is designed to collect and store rainwater. Many rain barrels even have a tap at the bottom to easily pour out the collected water.

Rainwater tanks come in a variety of sizes and designs. Some are designed to blend into the garden, while others have a more functional look.

Uses for a rain barrel

First of all, you can use the water collected in your rain barrel to water your garden. Unlike tap water, rainwater is soft and therefore ideal for watering the flowers and lawn.

It’s practical to have water close at hand, but this also lowers your water bill. With a rainwater tank, you can reduce your water consumption by using less household water.

In addition to watering the garden, you can use the collected water in the rain barrel to wash your car or windows. Soft rainwater prevents limescale and reduces the risk of streaks. Using rainwater to wash your car or windows also lowers your water bill.

And you can use the tank to store other things – such as rubbish or garden waste. It’s up to what you want to use it for.

Buy your new rainwater tank at Biltema

You will find your new rain barrel at Biltema. We have a wide range for every need. Whether you need a rain barrel for a small garden or a larger model for a big garden, we have what you are looking for.

Our rainwater tanks are available in different designs and price ranges, so you will find a model that suits your needs. Some of our rain barrels even have a tap at the bottom that allows you to easily pour out the collected water.

Pour the collected water into a watering can

It is a good idea to pour the collected water from the rain barrel into a watering can. This way you can easily and comfortably water the plants in your garden. With a watering can, you can control how much water you pour out and where. This is especially beneficial if you have fragile plants that must not be excessively watered.

Another advantage of using a watering can is that you can water your plants, even if the rain barrel is not right next to them. You just fill your watering can from the barrel and carry it around the garden.

Find everything for garden watering here

Take good care of your rain barrel

A rain barrel is a practical and economical solution for collecting and reusing rainwater, but you must take good care of it to ensure its functionality and to be able to use it for a long time.

Maintenance is especially important during the cold winter months, where both frost and snow can damage the barrel. To best maintain the barrel over the winter, you should to empty out the water before the temperature drops below freezing. If the water in the barrel freezes, it can expand and cause cracks or damage to the barrel. It can also be a good idea to cover the container with an insulating material to protect it from frost and cold.

It’s also important to clean the rainwater tank regularly to remove dirt and leaves that can block the water flow. A clean rain barrel ensures efficient collection of water and extends the service life of the barrel.

Measure the amount of rainwater

At Biltema you won’t just find a wide range of rain barrels, we also have practical rain gauges that help you keep track of how much rainwater you collect. A rain gauge is a simple but effective tool that can give you a precise overview of how much it actually rains.

Just insert the rain gauge into the soil or in a flower pot and it will do the rest. When it rains, the gauge collects the water and you can easily read how much it has rained. This allows you to more easily determine whether your plants need extra watering from your rain barrel, or whether nature has given them enough water.

FAQs

How does a rain barrel work?

A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater. When the barrel is full, you can easily pour out the water via the tap on the barrel, or fill a watering can with rainwater. A rain barrel is an easy and effective way to reuse rainwater.

What size rain barrel is suitable?

The size of your rainwater tank depends on your needs and how much space you have in the garden. If you have a large garden, a larger rain barrel able to hold many litres is ideal. For smaller gardens or patios, a small rain barrel may be sufficient.

How should the rain barrel be maintained over winter?

Before winter, it is important to empty the rain barrel of water to prevent it from being damaged by frost. Water expands when it freezes, which can cause cracks in the rain barrel. You can also consider covering it with an insulating material for extra protection against cold and frost.