How much water can a rain barrel hold, and how do I prevent it from overflowing?

Rain barrels come in various sizes, generally ranging from 50 to 100 gallons, allowing you to choose the perfect capacity for your needs. To prevent overflow, many models feature an overflow valve that directs excess water away from your foundation. We also carry barrels that can be linked together for even more water storage.

What is the difference between a rain barrel and a rain barrel tank?

A rain <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Watering-Irrigation-Watering-Essentials-Rain-Barrels/Barrel/N-5yc1vZc7pbZ1z0uath?emt=plpfaq_2507_rainbarrels" style="text-decoration: underline;">barrel</a> is typically smaller and designed for immediate use, perfect for watering your garden or small lawn. Rain <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Watering-Irrigation-Watering-Essentials-Rain-Barrels/Tanks/N-5yc1vZc7pbZ1z0uatj?emt=plpfaq_2507_rainbarrels" style="text-decoration: underline;">tanks</a> are usually larger, offering significant water storage for bigger properties or irrigation systems, allowing you to conserve even more water.

Are plastic rain barrels safe to use in my garden?

Yes! Look for [Plastic] rain barrels made from food-grade, <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Watering-Irrigation-Watering-Essentials-Rain-Barrels/HDPE-High-Density-Polyethylene/N-5yc1vZc7pbZ1z182wx?emt=plpfaq_2507_rainbarrels" style="text-decoration: underline;">HDPE (high-density polyethylene)</a> or <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Watering-Irrigation-Watering-Essentials-Rain-Barrels/Polypropylene/N-5yc1vZc7pbZ1z0vosi?emt=plpfaq_2507_rainbarrels" style="text-decoration: underline;">polypropylene</a> specifically designed to be safe for collecting water for your plants and garden! Avoid using rain barrels made from repurposed materials if you're unsure of their previous contents, and always use the collected water for non-potable uses like watering plants and cleaning.