5 Best Rain Barrel Diverters

 

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The best rain barrel diverters can make a big difference in your water conservation efforts. Rain barrels are an excellent way to collect and conserve runoff from roof gutters, giving you access to free water that would otherwise end up running into the ground and getting wasted. As we all know, conserving resources is vital for our future on this planet – that’s why we’re here today to talk about what makes a good rain barrel diverter!

Oatey 14209 Mystic Rainwater Collection System

Whether you want to use the water for lawn and garden watering or direct it into a nearby garden or flower bed, the Mystic is up to the task. With its environmental and cost-saving benefits, the Mystic is a great addition to your home and garden routine.

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Flex-Drain 37043 Catch-A-Raindrop Rainwater Colander Kit

This white catch-a-raindrop colander fits most residential 3 x 4 downspouts, making it easy to collect rainfall from your rooftop for storage in a barrel or direct watering of plants. And because it’s made of durable plastic, you can be sure this product will last through plenty of rainstorms.

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EarthMinded RBK-0001 / F-RN025 Rain Barrel Diverter Kit

The Earthminded rain barrel diverter kit allows you to collect rainwater easily and conveniently – without breaking the bank. And it’s easy to install, too – so you’ll be conserving water in no time. So why wait? Get your Earthminded rain barrel diverter today!

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RainReserve 2012304

Best of all, when the container is full, the Rain Reserve will channel the water back into the downspout – keeping your foundation erosion-free and your lawn and garden well-watered. Plus, with its smart design, you can locate your containers away from the downspout for convenience or appearance. And if you’re looking to save both water and money, look no further – the RainReserve is environmentally thoughtful in its design, allowing you to fill two rain barrels.

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Panon Products Downspout Rain Diverter 2″ x 3″

This product is perfect for anyone who wants to reduce their water usage, protect their home from flooding, and help the environment by conserving natural resources. The Rain Diverter can be attached to a (2″ x 3″) plastic downspout in minutes and diverted into a rain barrel to be reused later. Help keep your property safe from the damages of excess water with Panon Products’ Rain Diverter!

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Buyer’s Guide

What is Rain Barrel Diverter used for?

Rain barrel diverters are used to connect rain barrels to downspouts. This allows the collected rainwater to be diverted away from the home and property, instead of flowing directly off the roof and into the rain barrel.

Rain Barrel Diverter is a mast-have! if you plan on collecting rainwater. Rain barrels are great for gardening and lawns but can cause water damage to your home if they’re connected directly to downspouts. A diverter takes the place of an attached spout and prevents runoff from entering your roof and causing water damage.

For many homeowners, diverting and collecting rainwater is a great way to save money on landscaping costs and keep your property hydrated throughout the growing season. Using recycled materials such as old buckets or drums can help reduce utility bills while homeowners preserve our environment by recycling unwanted items into new usable objects.

A rain barrel diverter is the best way to keep your roof and gutter system clean. Diverters can also prevent unwanted animals and insects from entering into downspouts and nesting in gutters, causing further damage.

Rain Barrels are a great alternative source of water for lawns, gardens, trees & shrubs but they need to be connected to a diverter.

Types of Rain Barrel Diverters

There are three main types of rain barrel diverters, which are

• Y-shaped diverter
• T-shaped diverter
• Hose

The T-shaped diverter is a bit more complicated than the Y-shaped diverter. The water from your downspout flows through the top of this device and out to either rain barrel, but not both at once. This type of diverter is most effective when you have two different-sized rain barrels that need to be filled simultaneously or if you want to direct the water to a specific rain barrel. In addition, a T-shaped diverter can be used in conjunction with one or more Y-shaped diverters.

The hose type of rain barrel diverter is less common, but it can be a good option if you have a single rain barrel and want to divert all of the water from your downspout. This type of diverter attaches directly to your downspout and includes a hose that leads to your rain barrel. One downside of this type of diverter is that it can be difficult to find an appropriate spot to place your rain barrel. Additionally, you will need to make sure that the size of your hose matches the size of your rain outlet.

There is also one more classification of rain barrel diverters.

• The first type is a top-mounted one that has an open bottom with small mesh screens to allow the water through but not bugs or debris. This kind is meant for smaller barrels and can be either purchased separately from the rain barrel itself, or as part of a kit with all you need.
• The second type is a side-mounted diverter and these usually have an attached hose that you can use to direct the water where you want it, either into your rain barrel or away from your foundation.
• The third type is a bottom-mounted diverter which sits at the bottom of your rain barrel and has a screened-in area where the water comes in. This prevents mosquitoes from breeding and keeps large debris out of your barrel.

There are pros and cons to each type of diverter, so choose the one that best suits your needs. If you’re not sure which one to get, ask someone at your local hardware store for help. They should be able to point you in the right direction!

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Rain Barrel Diverter

Nowadays, there are many types of rain barrel diverters on the market. So, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Here are some factors to consider:

Size and Form

The first consideration is size. You will want to get a diverter that is the right size for your barrel. It is important because you do not want the water to overflow and create a mess. Most rain barrel diverters are adjustable, so you can make them fit any size barrel.

There are several things that you need to think about with the size of your rain barrel.

Smaller Rain Barrels: For smaller barrels less than 50 gallons, a simple T-shaped diverter is all you need. It fits easily onto the barrel and channels the water away from the barrel and downspout.

Larger Barrels: If you have a larger rain barrel, you will need something that can handle more water. A Y-shaped diverter is ideal for this because it has two channels. This allows you to use your rain barrel for more than one thing, like having several plants that need irrigation or washing the car on a hot day.

You should also pay attention to where the spout is located in comparison with other nearby objects and structures if you are using an underground downspout diversion system.

If there is a large tree close to the downspout, you may need a longer leader pipe to get the water away from the trunk and into the rain barrel.

Size also depends on how you plan to use the water in your barrel.

If you just want garden watering, then a 55-gallon is large enough for most gardens and flowers. If you need more than that, or if one rain does not supply enough water for your plants, consider getting another barrel so you can attach several diverters together side by side.

If you are using the rain barrel to irrigate a lawn, then you will need more water. A 100-gallon barrel should be plenty for most people. You may also want to consider a larger barrel if you live in an area with high rainfall.

The height of your rain barrel is also important to consider when choosing a diverter.

Keep in mind that the diverter is what you actually see on top of the barrel, so for a more attractive look, it’s best to choose one with a round or square shape. That way, it will blend in better and not be an eyesore next to your house or garden.

Some rain barrels have multiple spouts, which can be a problem if you want to use a diverter.

Size affects the price of the diverter. The bigger the diverter, the more it will cost.

Ease Of Installation

The second consideration is how easy the rain barrel diverter is to install. Some are very simple and can be installed in minutes, while others require more assembly or tinkering. It’s important to find one that is easy for you to install so you’ll actually use it!

The ease of installation depends on several factors, including the design of the diverter and your personal abilities. Design-wise, some rain barrel diverters are more simple than others. They may require just a few screws to attach or may clip onto the top of the barrel.

If you’re not mechanically inclined, look for a rain barrel diverter that is easy to install. There are many options available that only take minutes to put together. However, even if you are handy with tools, it’s always nice to find an easy-to-install option.

One common complaint about some rain barrel diverters is their complexity. If you’re not handy, you may struggle with assembling your rain barrel diverter.

The type of installation also matters. If you’re attaching the rain barrel diverter to a downspout, make sure you have the right tools and enough space. Some rain barrel diverters come with all the parts you need, while others require additional components.

Overall, find a rain barrel diverter that is easy to install. This will make it more likely that you’ll actually use it!

There’s no reason for you to spend extra on something that is easy to use and effective when there are bundles of rain barrel diverters out there at an affordable price point!

Number of Components

Another feature to look for is the number of components in your kit. The more pieces there are, the longer it will take you to install them on your rain barrel or barrels. Look for an option that has fewer parts and can be installed quickly- this way you’ll actually use your new system instead of putting it off.

Some systems have a lot of pieces that need to be assembled before you can start diverting water, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. Others use clamps or other methods to attach the hose directly to the barrel, without any extra parts. This makes for an easy installation that is practically foolproof.

Choose a kit that is designed to be simple and easy to install, so you can start collecting water as soon as possible.

A lot of kits come with extra tools for making the installation easier or more precise. Look for options that include all the necessary equipment, like a drill bit or hole saw attachment if your barrel doesn’t have any pre-drilled holes.

Usually, there are two different kinds of kits available. Look for one that is designed specifically with rain barrels in mind, so you’ll know all the parts are compatible and work well together.

The best kit will have everything necessary to set up your system quickly- check out customer reviews or contact the manufacturer directly to find out what’s included before making a purchase.

Manual or Automatic

The next consideration is whether you want a manual or automatic rain barrel diverter. A manual diverter will require you to open and close the spigot each time it rains, while an automatic diverter will do this for you.

The main benefit of an automatic diverter is that it’s hands-free. This can be helpful if you have a lot of rain barrels or if you don’t want to have to remember to open and close the spigot.

However, automatic diverters can be more expensive than manual ones. They also may not be as reliable, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing one.

The main benefit of a manual diverter is that it’s cheaper. It also gives you more control over when the water is released, which can be helpful if you want to avoid flooding or erosion.

One more difference is that an automatic diverter can be used for multiple rain barrels at once. A manual one is only good for the barrel it’s connected to, so you may need more than one depending on how many rain barrels you have.

In addition, an automatic diverter is more likely to be weather-resistant. This means that it may last longer in wet or cold conditions, while a manual one might not hold up as well in extreme temperatures.

There are also different types of automatic and manual rain barrel diverters you can choose from. Automatic ones work by using sensors to detect when the rain has started, while manual ones use a timer to release the water.

Choose the type that fits your needs and preferences best.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to go with a manual or automatic diverter comes down to personal preference and budget.

Material

One more thing you should pay attention to is the material. There are different types of rain barrel diverters made from various materials, but each has its own pros and cons.

The more common ones are plastic or metal models which can be installed directly on your downspout. Both have advantages and disadvantages – if you choose plastic make sure that it won’t get brittle and crack in cold weather, while metal models can get corroded over time.

There are also a few less common options made from materials such as concrete, rubber, and PVC.

• Plastic – Plastic rain barrel diverters are less expensive than metal or copper models and are easy to install. However, they can get brittle in cold weather and may crack.
• Metal – Metal rain barrel diverters are more durable than plastic models. They last for a long time, but they can be expensive and difficult to install.
• Copper – Copper is one of the most expensive materials for a rain barrel diverter, but it is also one of the most durable. It won’t corrode like metal models and won’t get brittle in cold weather like plastic models.
• Concrete – Concrete rain barrel diverters are made from poured concrete and can be worked into any size you need. However, they’re heavy to carry around before it sets hard. It’s much easier if you have a specific area in mind.
• Rubber – Rubber rain barrel diverters are made from recycled car tires and come in a variety of sizes to fit any downspout or gutter size you need. They’re lightweight yet durable, but the downside is that they can get moldy if exposed to water for too long.
• PVC – Every color under the rainbow is available for PVC rain barrel diverters which makes them the most colorful option. They’re also lightweight and easy to install, but they can crack if exposed to freezing temperatures.

It is up to you to choose the material that will best suit your needs and budget.

Filter

The next consideration for a rain barrel diverter is the filter. A good filter will help keep debris and sediment from entering your rain barrel, which can clog up the spout and prevent water from flowing.

There are several types of filters to consider.

The first is a mesh filter (most common), which sits on the top of the rain barrel and catches debris before it enters your collection container. It is also easy to clean and can be replaced when it becomes clogged.

A second option, called an inline filter, attaches directly into the downspout and works like any other sediment trap: as water flows through, larger particles fall out while smaller ones stay inside.

An inline filter is a good choice if you already have an existing rain barrel system and want to add another one without the hassle of drilling through your home’s exterior wall, but it does require that water be pumped into and out of the container – which can waste quite a bit of precious H20 over time.

Another type of filter is a screen filter, which is placed inside the rain barrel below the spout. This type catches debris as well as sediment and must be cleaned more often than a mesh filter. Moreover, if your rain barrel is located below the gutter, you may need to use a pump to get the water up into the barrel.

The last type of filter is a submersible pump, which sits inside the rain barrel and draws water up through a screened intake. This is by far the most effective option for keeping debris out of your rain barrel, but it also requires more work to install and can be expensive.

A rain barrel diverter with a filter is a great way to keep your water clean and free of debris, making it safe for plants and animals.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to upgrade your rain barrel system, any of these filters will work just fine.

Durability

Another consideration when selecting a rain barrel diverter is how well it will stand up to the elements. If you plan on placing your rain barrel in an area that is exposed to the elements, you will want a diverter that has been designed for this purpose. Rain barrels are typically placed in areas where they can get direct sunlight or may be susceptible to moisture from rainfall.

Durability depends on several factors:

– The type of materials used to produce the rain barrel diverter. Some plastics can last longer than others depending on how they are manufactured and treated over time. A plastic that is UV protected will stand up better against sun damage as opposed to unprotected plastics.

– How well do you clean your rain barrel after use, especially if any dirt or leaves have collected inside the barrel.

– The placement of your rain barrel and how sheltered it is from the elements. For example, if you have a rain barrel that is placed under a porch roof or eave, it will be more sheltered from the rain and sun than one that is placed out in the open.

– The type of warranty offered. Many manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. Warranty information is typically found on the company’s website or in the product packaging.

– The use of your rain barrel and if you plan on using it year-round or only during the summer season. Using a rain barrel year-round is more likely to result in wear and tear on the rain barrel diverter.

If you are looking for a durable rain barrel diverter, make sure to consider all these factors when making your purchase decision.

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FAQ

Do rain diverters work?

Rain diverters are designed to help you harvest rainwater. They will not completely stop the flow of water into your rain barrel, but they can reduce it by up to 90%.

What is the best way to install a rain diverter?

The placement of your rain barrel will affect how easy it is to install a rain diverter. If your barrel is close to the gutter, you can use an elbow connector to attach the diverter directly to the downspout. If your barrel is further away from the gutter, you can attach some flexible tubing to the downspout and run it to your barrel.

Where should I place my rain diverter?

The best location for a rain diverter is on the part of your downspout closest to where water will naturally pool when it lands in your yard. This way, more water ends up in the rain barrel, and less spills onto the ground.

Can I install a rain diverter on my roof?

It is possible to install a rain diverter on your roof, but it is not recommended. If you have a flat roof, installing a diverter could cause water to back up and damage your home. If you have a sloped roof, the added weight of the rainwater could cause your roof to leak.

What do I need for a DIY rain diverter?

A two-liter bottle, plastic funnel, and some duct tape are all that’s needed for an effective and inexpensive DIY rain diverter.

How do I stop my rain barrel from overflowing?

You can place a large container, such as a trashcan, under the rain barrel to catch any overflow. You may also need to adjust the height of your barrel so that it doesn’t overflow.

Can I use my rain barrel to water plants?

Yes! Rainwater is great for watering plants since it doesn’t contain any chlorine or fluoride.

Can I use my rain barrel to wash my car?

Yes! Rainwater is a great way to wash your car without wasting the water you use.

Can I drink rainwater?

Rainwater can be used for many purposes, including drinking and cooking. However, it should not be considered safe until after heavy metals such as lead have been removed through filtration or distillation methods.

What can I put in my rain barrel to stop algae?

Adding a layer of charcoal to your rain barrel will help to prevent algae growth. You can also add a small amount of bleach to your rain barrel each month to keep algae at bay.