A rain barrel catches roof runoff from a downspout and stores it for the garden, and the setup is mostly a matter of connecting the spout to the barrel. The key is an overflow that routes excess water safely away.
The diverter
A diverter taps the downspout and feeds water into the barrel, and it can be removed in winter so the spout flows straight down.
The barrel
The barrel sits on a level, raised base so a watering can fits under the spigot, and the inlet is screened to keep out leaves and mosquitoes.
The overflow
Every barrel needs an overflow at the top that connects to a hose or the original downspout outlet, so a full barrel does not dump at the foundation.
The use
Rainwater is great for plants, and it should be used within a week or two so it does not stagnate. mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines In Chico, it can cover most of the summer watering.
The winter
The barrel is drained and stored or flipped before a freeze, because ice expands and cracks it.
The call
Set up the barrel so it never floods the foundation. Call 888-217-3585 and Chico Plumbing Experts will match you with a Chico pro.
Plumbing in Chico: what to know
In Chico, mineral-rich water varies by region, and older neighborhoods still run on aging galvanized or copper lines. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Butte County — from Paradise, Orland and Corning to ZIP codes like 95926, 95929, 95928 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Chico?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Chico Plumbing Experts will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Chico.