FAQ and Testimonials

How Do I open the barrel? The lid is a screw top. Left is loose. Sometimes the lid gets off its track in shipping or hot weather may cause the lid to stick. When this happens use WD-40 and a friend to help unscrew the lid.

Where are the instructions, parts and diverter? All parts and instructions are shipped or delivered inside the barrel. If you ordered a diverter with your barrel it is shipped inside the barrel.

Why do I need the Save the Rain Diverter? The Save the Rain Diverter captures water from your downspout and channels it into your barrel. The ideal condition for the diverter is when the barrel is placed in front of the downspout. During the water collection season the diverter stays open and diverts water into the barrel. When you put your barrel away for the winter you simply close the flap on the diverter and your downspout resumes its original function without having to reassemble it.

Can I use the bung hole in the center of the lid to channel water directly into the barrel? The bung hole is intended to release the build up of pressure when the olives cure in the barrels. It is not part of the water collection system. We do not recommend adapting a direct feed into the barrel thru the bung hole, so there is no risk of water backing up your downspout and possibly causing damage to your home.

Why do you supply two elbows? When you receive your barrel there will be a packet inside with instructions, a spigot and two ¾" overflow elbows. One elbow will be placed in the open hole at the top of the barrel. We recommend attaching a ¾" ID hose or flex tube for overflow. The second elbow can be used for additional overflow if needed or for linking barrels together.

Why plastic spigots? We tried brass and found that brass was not a good mate to plastic. Brass corrodes and clogs with the introduction of certain bacteria and minerals and it is much stronger than plastic. In areas of extreme temperature change the brass will conduct the temperature at a different rate than the plastic and ultimately breakdown the molecules around the joint of the barrel resulting in leakage. The brass was also not easy to replace because strips the threading in the joint. So we decided to go with a plastic spigot that is easy to replace. This way the barrel will out live the spigot! We also like the way it looks.

Why do you paint the barrels? We want to encourage people to use recycled material as much as possible, however we understand that people have pride in their homes and gardens and want something with an aesthetic appeal. Our barrels are recycled shipping drums and have scratches, markings and a dull finish. We paint them to make them look better. The paint that we use is a recipe of industrial products not available for retail that is sprayed on at our plant. We offer our barrels in three environmentally compatible colors along with the original unpainted.

If I put my spigot 14" above ground how do I get the water out when it falls below the spigot line? One of the benefits of The Great American Rain Barrel is the screw top lid. This offers a lot of flexibility in usage. If the water falls below the spigot line unscrew the lid and dunk the watering can inside the barrel. Or carefully tip the barrel forward to fill the watering can.

Will the water get too hot? No, that is a myth. The water will get warm but not hot. Plants also like warm water

Why do you have a series of small holes on top of the lid? Some newer manufacturers of rain barrels make larger holes in the lid with a screen below. We have 8 x 3/8" holes in the top of the lid. There is no need for more. This lid serves as a tray and the water drains into the barrel, acting as a filter to prevent unwanted debris from getting inside. If the holes are too big the screen beneath could easily be damaged by debris exposing the water and inviting mosquitoes to breed. The firmer lid also serves as host to stones or plants to create a more interesting aesthetic for your barrel. The amount of roof runoff captured by your downspout determines how much water goes into the barrel not the holes in the lid.

My lid is broken, How do I replace it? Not all barrels have the same lid. If you need a replacement lid, please ship the lid or email a clear photograph to us and we will send you a new one. 

How do I replace my spigot? Order a spigot directly from us. See products. 

My downspouts are too large for the Save the Rain Diverter™. We now offer two size diverters to accommodate all plastic and metal downspouts. Measure the depth and width or diameter of your diverter to see which diverter will fit. The diverter is designed so that you can crimp the sides of the downspouts to fit the diverter.

My barrel is leaking? It is rare that our barrel will leak. But if it is not properly winterized it may cause damage to the molecules of the plastic and cause leaking or cracking. Should this occur empty the barrel, dry it and place duck tape inside the barrel on the crack. If a leak develops around the spigot or plugs use Teflon tape at the connection. If your spigot is leaking it will need to be replaced.

I have connected two barrels together and the water will not flow into the second barrel? For best results, place barrels side by side. Use a short piece of hose piece about 6" to 3'long. Sometimes it helps to elevate one barrel.

How do I get more pressure? Rain barrels are gravity fed. For additional pressure you can place the spigot in the bottom drain hole and attach a hose. This works best if you have the barrel elevated slightly.

Can I use the barrel to store drinking water? NO! Still water is a breeding ground for bacteria. The water collected from your gutters is not sterilized and the barrel is not sealed. Use the water in your barrel to offset your water needs. Do not use the barrel for drinking water 

Why is The Great American Rain Barrel better? It is a RECYCLED by product from our food importing business. It is incredibly DURABLE. It is APPEALING and it is SIMPLE. With the proper care our barrel WILL LAST VIRTUALLY FOREVER. It is VERSATILE and SAFE TO USE. Water will NOt BACK UP your downspout; the spigot can be EASILY REPLACED. The barrel is EASY TO INSTALL. It can be opened and cleaned so there is no build up of odors. We are a strong and established business that has been in business since 1990 and sold over 100,000 rain barrels nationwide. We are experienced, we know what we are talking about and we stand by our product. Oh, and did I say IT IS RECYCLED?!

Can I buy barrels and diverters directly from you? Yes, we offer wholesale and retail prices for our barrels. See “links” page to contact us for prices and resale information.

Do you have any other products? Yes, see our “products” page. 

Where do you ship to? We ship to all 48 states in the continental US.

Testimonials:

The Great American Rain Barrel Company Rain Barrel is an aesthetically pleasing, functionally efficient, strong, sturdy rain barrel. It looks great, saves money and saves water.
- Iva C, Dedham-Westwood Water District

The Great American Rain Barrel has been a tremendous asset to the new Buffalo Niagara River keeper's River Care Program. I recommend GARB because their customer service is exceptional, the barrels come with a complete kit for easy installation, homeowners enjoy having a choice of colors, and reusing existing barrels keeps plastic out of the landfill.
- Kerri B -Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper

It recycles barrels, reduces water pumping costs (elec and the water), reduces runoff, looks pretty cool and is so easy
- Ray A Franklin MA

There are two main things I like about the Great American Rain Barrels, they come in a variety of colors that allowed me to get the right one that blends with my house and surrounding landscaping, and second the construction of the rain barrel is solid! Oh yeah, and when purchase through a community program like in Westborough the price is Great!
When working with Great American Rain Barrel I found the experience easy and was impressed with the level of customer service! GARB Company offers a great rain barrel at decent prices and is great to work with on getting community (or other groups) programs up and running!
- Doug M. Westborogh MA

My husband and I have used our three rain barrels for over seven years. The easy-reach spigot and ability to gang together two of the three is another great way of saving our precious rainwater. They're sturdy, good-looking, recycled, and attention has been paid to the design as well as ergonomics, and we can collect 180 gallons of water in about 20 minutes! The GARB our garden wears is The Great American Rain Barrel!
- Julie S.