Don’t forget to winterize your rain barrels

Rain barrels have become increasingly popular in helping to conserve water use. If you have one, have you thought about its care during the winter so that it does not turn into a giant ice cube? Rain barrels are low maintenance, but a few season-ending chores will protect your investment.

Rain barrels tend to collect organic materials such as leaves, tree pollen and other materials. Regular cleaning to remove debris will extend the life of the barrel and prevent clogging.

Screens should be removed and cleaned, and hoses should be checked for leaks and clogs. Check that the overflow valve is not clogged, as this prevents the barrel from overflowing and discharging water next to the foundation. This will save headaches later.

Rain barrels should be checked for sediment in the bottom of the barrel. If a large amount of debris has found its way into the barrel it is recommended to turn the barrel over and wash out the deposits.

What about winter freezing?

The most common recommendation is to empty the rain barrel before freezing weather and unhook it from the downspout. Depending on the construction and type of barrel used, some can freeze and rupture with freezing and thawing. Some barrels are made from extremely heavy plastic that can tolerate the freezing water.

When in doubt, it is best to empty the barrel. The barrel can simply be turned upside down for the winter, or brought indoors.

The other option is to open the valves and let the water flow through the rain barrel and be discharged into the yard. This will prevent the accumulation of water and pressure placed on the container when water freezes and expands.

Rain barrels are a great way to save gallons of water. Protect your investment during winter.

This story was originally published November 30, 2016 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Don’t forget to winterize your rain barrels."