Rain barrels and the seasons

Are you already the proud owner of one of our rain barrels? Or would you like to become one? Then I have some tips and tricks on how to use the barrels throughout the seasons in the following article.

But before we start the annual clock, I would first like to give you some general information about our rain barrels:

A rain barrel can vary in size, depending on the type and origin of the barrel. Used wine barrels usually have a volume of 225 to 500 liters, while wooden barrels or cisterns specially produced for rainwater can hold up to 5000 liters. When commissioning a rainwater barrel, it is important to choose a suitable location. The barrel should be placed on a dry surface to prevent rotting and ideally in a semi-shaded to shaded area to prevent it from drying out.

The barrel may leak at the beginning, but after two to three days it should become tight. If the lid of the cask does not close properly, this is because it loses its tension as soon as it is removed. The individual staves of a barrel are not screwed or glued together. The stability of a barrel is solely due to its construction and the associated statics. However, this does not affect the functionality of the barrel, as the lid mainly serves as protection against dirt and animals.

Used oak barrels may show scratches and red wine stains, which is normal and does not affect their function. The appearance of barrels made of chestnut wood may change after the first few days of rain, as the wood darkens quickly and the metal hoops may develop flash rust. Wine crystals, which are sometimes found inside wine barrels, are harmless to plants. Our barrels are not suitable as a habitat for animals such as fish.

Overall, a rain barrel offers a practical and sustainable way to collect rainwater, but requires the right care and choice of location to maximize its lifespan.

Spring:

You can refill your barrel after the winter. Please note that it may have dried out after being empty during the cold season. This means that water will run out between the staves in some places. This is quite normal and is nothing to worry about. The wood swells when it is watered, making it water tight again. If the rain barrel is very dry, you can also hit the hoops a little harder on the barrel. You can find good instructions here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ-2VsmenuA

Summer:

When it is very hot, it is possible that your barrel may become dry. Fill your barrel with tap water during hot periods – also to ensure oxygen exchange. Unfortunately, stagnant water can easily tip over and smell musty. However, this has nothing to do with our wooden barrels; this unpleasant phenomenon also occurs with plastic barrels. If you want to clean your barrel, we recommend using water and, if necessary, a small amount of citric acid.

Autumn:

There is not much to consider in the fall. The durable wood can be left outside. The lid prevents leaves or animals from getting into the barrel. If some leaves do get into the barrel, we recommend removing them to avoid unpleasant odors.

 

Winter:

As soon as frost threatens, you should empty your barrel either via the tap, the bunghole or by tipping it over and placing it in a more sheltered place. Freezing water expands greatly – it could even develop so much force that the bottom is blown out of the barrel.

Have fun with your rain barrel! 

If you follow all our advice, you will have many years of fun and enjoyment from your rain barrel!

By the way: did you know that our barrels can not only be used as rain barrels, but also as bathing tubs or ice barrels after a sauna session? We even have specially designed ladders and benches for this purpose. Take a look at our newly designed online store. There you can find pictures, information and prices for all our barrels and order them straight away!

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to send us an e-mail or give us a call

See you!

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