A rain barrel system provides an efficient way to collect and store rainwater runoff from a roof, offering a source of water for gardening and other non-potable uses. The rain barrel diverter is a device inserted directly into the home’s vertical downspout, acting as a traffic controller for water flow. This component channels the water horizontally into the storage barrel while maintaining the integrity of the home’s existing drainage system. The diverter’s design allows the water collection process to be largely automatic.
The Basic Mechanism of Water Redirection
The diverter’s primary function is to intercept a portion of the rainwater flowing down the downspout and redirect it into the collection barrel. Rainwater runs off the roof, into the gutters, and is channeled into the downspout where the diverter is installed. The device is typically inserted by cutting a section out of the downspout and fitting the diverter unit in its place.
Rainwater naturally flows down the walls of the downspout, aided by surface tension. The diverter takes advantage of this flow by presenting an opening that guides the water laterally into a connected hose or pipe. This hose carries the water directly into a sealed inlet near the top of the rain barrel.
Many diverters incorporate a filter screen that allows larger debris, such as leaves and twigs, to bypass the redirection channel. This debris continues to flow down the original downspout path, minimizing the amount of sediment that enters the stored water. The collection process is driven entirely by gravity, requiring the barrel’s inlet port to be positioned below the diverter’s outlet for continuous flow.
Automatic Overflow Prevention
The most important feature of the modern rain barrel diverter is its ability to manage overflow without manual intervention. Once the rain barrel fills completely, the water level rises until it reaches the height of the hose connection leading back to the diverter. This equalization creates a backup, causing the water to stop flowing into the barrel due to hydraulic pressure. The continued incoming rainwater is then forced to follow the path of least resistance.
Since the barrel is full, the water backs up within the diverter unit and is redirected downward into the main, lower channel of the downspout. The excess water continues its descent to the ground drainage system just as it would without the barrel connected. This automatic bypass prevents the barrel from overflowing at the lid. It also stops water from pooling near the home’s foundation, protecting against potential basement flooding or erosion.
Installation and Maintenance Considerations
Proper installation is necessary for the diverter’s automatic functions to work as designed. The diverter unit must be positioned on the downspout so the barrel inlet is situated at or slightly below the diverter’s outlet. If the barrel inlet is too low, the barrel will not fill completely before water bypasses the diverter. If it is too high, the barrel may overflow at the lid.
Routine maintenance is necessary to ensure the system’s longevity and efficiency. The internal screens or filters within the diverter should be periodically inspected and cleaned to remove accumulated leaves or shingle grit. Blockages reduce the rate of water collection and can compromise the overflow mechanism.
Before the winter season, it is important to winterize the diverter to prevent damage from freezing water. This typically involves removing the collection hose and inserting a winterizing cap or plug into the diverter’s outlet port. This action forces all water to continue straight down the downspout, bypassing the barrel. This prevents ice expansion from cracking the diverter or the connecting hose.