What To Do With Rain Barrel In Winter

As winter approaches, you might be wondering what to do with rain barrel in winter. Properly winterizing your outdoor water storage is a simple but crucial task that protects your investment and ensures your barrel is ready for spring.

Leaving water to freeze inside a barrel can cause permanent damage. The expanding ice can crack the barrel itself, split seams, or damage the spigot and connectors. Taking a little time now saves you the cost and hassle of a replacement.

Your main goal is to prevent any water from freezing inside the barrel or its parts. The process is straightforward and can be completed in an afternoon. You have a few options, depending on your climate and setup.

Why Winterizing is Non-Negotiable

Even a plastic rain barrel isn’t safe from freeze damage. Water expands by about 9% when it turns to ice. This creates immense pressure.

A full barrel is almost guaranteed to crack. But even a partially filled one is at risk, as ice can form in the spigot or the inlet screen. Repairing these parts is often as expensive as buying a new barrel.

Option 1: The Complete Empty and Store Method

This is the most thorough method and is best for regions with harsh, long-lasting winters. You’ll completely disconnect and store the barrel indoors.

Block the downspout. Use your downspout diverter’s bypass setting or install a downspout block to send water away from the barrel’s location.
Drain the barrel completely. Open the spigot and let all water flow out. Tip the barrel gently to empty any last bits from the bottom.
Disconnect all hoses and the diverter kit from your downspout.
Give the barrel a quick rinse to remove any sediment or debris that accumulated over the season.
Dry the inside as best you can with an old towel or let it air dry upside down.
Store the barrel upside down in a garage, shed, or basement. This prevents moisture from collecting inside over the winter.

Option 2: The Empty and Leave in Place Method

If your barrel is too heavy or bulky to move, you can prepare it in place. This works well for moderate winter areas, but it’s still a good practice everywhere.

Follow steps 1 and 2 from the first method to block the downspout and drain all water.
It’s essential to leave the spigot in the open position for the entire winter. This allows any condensation or melting snow to drain out immediately.
Remove the lid or the fine mesh screen from the top. This prevents it from becoming damaged by ice or heavy snow load. Store it indoors.
Cover the top opening securely with a piece of breathable landscape fabric or a tight-fitting screen, secured with a bungee cord. This keeps out pests and debris while allowing airflow.

Some gardeners also slightly elevate one side of the barrel with a brick to encourage complete drainage away from the spigot.

A Note on Downspout Management

Don’t forget about the water you diverted from your barrel. Ensure your downspout extensions are in place to carry roof runoff at least 6 feet away from your home’s foundation. This prevents basement moisture issues and ice buildup near your house.

Option 3: Using Your Barrel in Mild Winters

If you live in a climate with only occasional, light frosts, you might choose to keep your barrel operational. This requires vigilance.

Install a simple, inexpensive heater designed for outdoor water troughs or bird baths. Ensure it’s rated for safe outdoor use and plug it into a GFCI outlet.
Insulate the barrel. Wrap it with bubble wrap, foam insulation, or an old sleeping bag, securing it with rope. This can help buffer against brief cold snaps.
Monitor the weather forecast closely. If a hard freeze is predicted, you must quickly drain the barrel using the spigot.

This method has more risk and requires more attention than simply emptying the barrel. It’s generally not recommended for most people.

Spring Startup: Getting Ready for Rain

When the threat of frost has passed, it’s time to reinstall your barrel. Reverse your winterizing steps for a smooth setup.

Inspect the barrel for any cracks or damage that may have occured over the winter. Check the spigot for leaks.
Reconnect your diverter kit to the downspout and ensure all connections are tight.
Close the spigot and place the barrel back on its stable platform. Make sure the platform is level and can still support the barrels full weight.
Reattach the lid or clean mesh screen to keep out mosquitoes and leaves.
Redirect the downspout flow back into the barrel using your diverter.

Your barrel is now ready to collect free water for your garden again. It’s a satisfying feeling to know you’ve cared for your equipment properly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small oversights can lead to big problems. Here’s what to watch out for.

Forgetting to open the spigot. A closed spigot traps water inside, guaranteeing damage.
Leaving hoses attached. Any water in a connected hose will freeze and back up into the spigot, cracking it.
Ignoring the diverter. If you don’t block or bypass the downspout, water will continue to fill the barrel all winter.
Using non-breathable covers. Sealing the top with a tarp traps moisture and can promote mildew growth inside.

FAQ: Winter Rain Barrel Care

Can I just put antifreeze in my rain barrel?
No. Never use automotive antifreeze. It is highly toxic and will contaminate your garden soil when you use the water later. There are non-toxic RV antifreezes, but they are unnecessary and wasteful if you simply drain the barrel.

What if my barrel is built into a permanent system?
For large, cistern-style systems, consult the manufacturer’s instructions. They often have specific drain valves at the lowest point. The principle is the same: completely drain all water from the tank and all pipes.

My barrel already froze and cracked. Can it be fixed?
Small hairline cracks in plastic barrels can sometimes be repaired with a waterproof plastic epoxy from the inside. However, for large cracks or split seams, replacement is usually the safer, more reliable option. A compromised barrel can fail suddenly when full.

When is the best time to winterize?
Aim to winterize your rain barrel after the last major harvest but before your first hard frost. It’s a good task for a crisp fall afternoon. Don’t wait untill the last minute.

Should I clean it during winterizing or in spring?
Doing a basic rinse during fall winterizing is smart. It prevents debris from sitting and decaying all winter. You can do a more through cleaning with vinegar in the spring if needed.

Taking these steps to protect your rain barrel means you’ll have a reliable source of free water for many gardening seasons to come. A little preventative care makes all the difference for your outdoor water storage.