| Barrels | 55 gallon barrels, in your choice of colors, include intake filter, hose bibb (faucet), and overflow pipe for $85 each (pickup). Delivery and installation additional. Discounts are available for group purchases (neighborhood association, etc). Please for a quote. Include a picture of the proposed location, if possible. |
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| Tanks | 250 gallon tanks, in your choice of colors, include intake filter, water valve, hose connection, and overflow pipe for $235 each (pickup). Delivery and installation additional. Please for a quote. Include a picture of the proposed location, if possible. |
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| Colors |
Barrels and tanks are available your choice of colors. These colors (PDF) are available locally. This broader selection of colors (PDF) is only available on special order which may take up to two weeks. I usually recommend the satin colors, because most houses and plants are not high gloss surfaces.
Beware claims that white barrels "make it easy to see the water level". Some white barrels/tanks may allow enough sunlight in to promote the growth of algae; I did my own testing of this claim over a period of several months (using a white barrel) and the algae took over the barrel. This will be the case with almost any white/translucent container, unless you regularly add a small amount of chlorine bleach to the container (think you'll remember to do this every time it rains?) To avoid this problem, I paint all barrels and tanks, even if your color choice is white. Compliance with any local regulations (city ordinances, neighborhood/homeowner association rules, etc) is your responsibility. |
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| Delivery |
I deliver within 50 miles of ZIP 30126. Within 20 miles of 30126, delivery cost is $20 for one 250 gallon tank or up to four 55 gallon barrels. More than 20 miles from 30126, delivery cost is $30 for one 250 gallon tank or up to four 55 gallon barrels.
Compliance with any local regulations (city ordinances, neighborhood/homeowner association rules, etc) is your responsibility. |
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| Installation |
Installation requires a minimum level area 3 feet by 3 feet for each 55 gallon barrel and a minimum level area 4 feet by 5 feet for each 250 gallon tank. Barrels and tanks need a minimum of 5 feet vertical space for direct connection to a downspout. Less than 5 feet of vertical clearance may incur addtional installation costs. Tanks and barrels will not fit in a space less than 4 feet high.
The preferred location for your barrel or tank is at a point that is uphill (even slightly) from the area to be watered (no pressure in the tank, so you use gravity or carry the water in a bucket) and near a downspout. More than two feet away from the downspout will usually require additional pipe for installation. The preferred surface is paved, such as a sidewalk or driveway and must be able to support the weight of filled barrels (500 lb each) or tanks (2300 lb each). Level packed (undisturbed) earth is usually a satisfactory base for a tank or the pavers under a barrel. If the only available location is downhill from the area to be watered, a pump system can be added. Pump systems are designed for the specific application and prices begin at $175. If no electrical outlet is available near the barrel/tank, a solar powered system can be designed. Solar pump systems start at $300. Installation cost depends on the size and number of barrels/tanks and the amount of site preparation required. If I can back a truck up to the desired location and roll a barrel into place, installation is $15 per barrel or $30 per tank (cutting downspout, installing flexible connector, etc). More complex installations will be more - i.e., if I must use a tiller to dig a level area, fill with sand, and top with pavers, you will pay $15 per square foot ($135 per barrel, $300 per 250 gallon tank), in addition to the usual installation charges. It's worthwhile to plan the location carefully - and to do the prep work if you're able. Check the Lowe's or Home Depot site for instructions on building a patio or walkway out of pavers. Compliance with any local regulations (city ordinances, neighborhood/homeowner association rules, etc) is your responsibility. |
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| Pick Up |
If you have a truck, full size van, or large SUV, you're welcome to pick up the barrel yourself. A barrel will not fit in the trunk of your car! You might get a barrel in some mini-vans or small SUVs, but it may require removing or folding down a seat.
If you have a truck with an uncovered bed, you can pick up a 250 gallon tank. A long bed truck (7 feet) can carry two of the tanks. Compliance with any local regulations (city ordinances, neighborhood/homeowner association rules, etc) is your responsibility. |
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| How to use it |
1. Rainwater collection systems are gravity flow - the water only runs downhill. Plan to carry water uphill in a bucket or watering can. If you need to move large amounts of water uphill regularly, ask for a quote on a pump system.
2. A barrel or tank does not provide sufficient pressure to run a sprinkler or a hose nozzle. It will operate some soaker hoses if the barrel/tank is more than 1/2 full and the soaker hose is downhill from the barrel/tank. 3. A barrel or tank will work with a low pressure drip irrigation system such as those from Dripworks. The drip system must be downhill from the barrel/tank and you should use a filter with 180 or 200 mesh in the line from the barrel to the drip system (also available from Dripworks). If you want a drip irrigation system, I can assist you with the design and installation. |
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| Maintenance |
Barrels and tanks should be drained if temperatures below 25 degrees are expected for more than 4 hours.
1. Barrels and tanks will accumulate fine particles from asphalt shingle roofing. This should be removed once a year. For a barrel, drain it, remove the two screw-out plugs on top, lay the barrel on its side with one opening up and the other down, and flush with a hose. Tanks can be flushed by removing the tank valve to hose adapter and opening the valve to empty the remaining water from the tank. December is usually a good time for this, as you will not be watering the garden. 2. If algae grows in the barrel, treat it with one tablespoon of chlorine bleach per gallon of water, or about 2 cups for a full barrel. |
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| Price Changes | The prices of materials depend on both supply/demand (more severe watering restrictions lead to more people wanting barrels) and the price of oil (except for the metal leaf screen, all the parts are plastic and are made from oil).
The price of used 55 gallon food grade barrels in the Atlanta area rose 40% between March 2007 and December 2007. All outside watering was banned in metro Atlanta during the summer of 2007, causing the demand to go up quickly. Please for a quote, as prices may change between page updates. |
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Copyright © 2008 John E. Carter
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