When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside a rain barrel presents a significant threat to the container’s integrity. Water expands by about 9% when it turns into ice, creating immense pressure that can easily crack plastic, split seams in metal, and destroy spigots or valves. Preparing your rain harvesting system for the cold season is necessary maintenance to ensure its longevity. This guide details the necessary steps to protect your equipment from freeze damage.
The Essential First Step: Complete Drainage
The primary objective of winterization is removing all liquid water, which begins by opening the lowest spigot or valve on the barrel. To maximize the flow rate, the lid or top screen should be removed or opened fully, ensuring air can enter the container to displace the draining water and prevent a vacuum from forming.
Once the main flow slows to a drip, the work is not yet complete, as a small amount of standing water remains at the very bottom. Even a gallon of trapped water can exert enough force when frozen to damage the base of the barrel. To address this, the barrel should be carefully tilted, allowing the remaining water to flow out through the bottom opening.
For barrels too large or heavy to tilt, a large sponge or a wet vacuum can be employed to soak up the final remnants of moisture. This meticulous step prevents the formation of an ice lens, a layer of ice that applies pressure on the container walls. Ensuring the interior is dry is the most effective defense against freeze-induced cracking.
This is also the ideal time to check the bottom of the barrel for accumulated sediment or sludge that has settled over the season. This debris should be manually scraped or flushed out before storage. Starting the next season with a clean interior helps maintain water quality and prevents clogging of the outlet valve.
Disconnecting the System Components
With the barrel completely empty, attention shifts to disconnecting the components that link it to the home’s gutter system. The first action involves redirecting the downspout so that water bypasses the barrel entirely. This usually means reattaching the original section of the downspout or adjusting the diverter valve back to its default position.
This redirection is necessary to ensure that melting snow or winter rain does not refill the barrel, negating the entire winterization effort. Any open connection points on the barrel, such as the inlet or overflow ports, should be securely capped or sealed to prevent water from entering the empty container.
Next, all auxiliary components must be detached from the main rain barrel unit. This includes uncoupling garden hoses, overflow tubes, and any attached submersible pumps or filtration systems. These accessories often retain water internally, and leaving them attached risks similar freeze damage to the plastic or rubber materials.
Each detached component, especially hoses and pumps, must be thoroughly drained of all internal water before being stored. Hoses should be hung vertically to allow any trapped moisture to escape completely. Pumps and filters containing electronic components should be dried and brought inside to protect them from both freezing and prolonged exposure to damp, cold conditions.
Proper Storage for the Off-Season
After drainage and disconnection, the final phase involves preparing the container itself for several months of dormancy. While the interior was cleared of sludge, a deeper clean with a mild soap solution is recommended for hygiene to prevent the growth of mold or mildew during the storage period.
The cleaned barrel should ideally be stored in a protected, dry location, such as a garage, basement, or garden shed. Keeping the container indoors shields the plastic or metal material from the harsh cycle of freezing and thawing. This also protects the barrel from temperature extremes that can weaken the material over time.
If indoor storage is not feasible due to space limitations, the barrel can be stored outside, provided specific precautions are taken. The most important outdoor step is turning the empty barrel completely upside down onto a level surface. This simple action ensures that no rain, snow, or debris can accumulate inside the container during the winter months.
Storing the barrel upside down also significantly reduces the surface area exposed to wind, helping to prevent it from being blown over. If the barrel is lightweight, it should be secured with ropes or weights to a stationary object. Preventing the barrel from rolling or shifting protects the integrity of the plastic shell.
Finally, if the barrel is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or other plastic, it should be covered with a tarp or placed in a shaded area. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can degrade the plastic material, making it brittle. Protecting the material from UV damage ensures the barrel remains structurally sound for the next collection season.