Rain Barrel Winter

This is the first winter I haven’t drained the garden rain barrel. The timing has just been off to do it. Reading the web, most of the info I’ve dredged up indicates that in our climate (Brooklyn) we don’t really need to empty it and it would only freeze (and crack) in sustained below freezing days and nights (like Canada).

I’m just wondering if anyone else leaves their rain barrel systems set up and full in the winter. Or, is freezing and barrel cracking a real concern? Also, the hoses and valves. Any concern there? Usually, I empty it and pull the whole works into the basement.

ps. We do get a little colder out here in East New York overnights because there is a bit more green space here than other parts of Brooklyn. And, the barrel location is out of the sun, under steps and on cinder blocks. But, I can’t imagine that would make a huge difference from other situations in Brooklyn and/or the overall region.

Thanks in advance for any wisdom.

christinamove

in General Discussion 4 years and 4 months ago

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slimc | 4 years and 4 months ago

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I drain mine – it’s so easy to do. I don’t want to worry about cracking. It also gives me a yearly opportunity to clean out the silty water at the bottom of the barrel.

greenworks | 4 years and 4 months ago

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I would prefer to drain and bring inside too but it never seems to happen!

greenworks | 4 years and 4 months ago

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Hey, we’re also in east New York and have left our rain barrel out undrained for last 4 winters, no cracking.

stevecym | 4 years and 4 months ago

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I think that is what my dads is. Blue plastic and pretty big. These have like 3/16″ thick walls and may have enough give to expand with freezing water. Keep in mind, if these are for commercial food transit, they have to take a beating.

I could call him and ask what happens when the water freezes in it, but he will think i am out of my head.

christinamove | 4 years and 4 months ago

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Plastic 50 gallon.

stevecym | 4 years and 4 months ago

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What is it made out of?

christinamove | 4 years and 4 months ago

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Haha. I think rain barrels are more and more common amongst the environmentalist set. But, I don’t mind paying some homage to the 19th century. We’re not taking a bath in it, just watering the plants and feeding a fountain. But, yes please let me know. The rain barrels aren’t cheap, so I’m hoping I don’t break this one.

stevecym | 4 years and 4 months ago

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I thought my father was the only person living like he was in the 19th century with a rain barrel water system. His is plastic and a commercial grade, heavy plastic. It also has a kind of outward slope in the walls so that if it froze, it might lift the ice, i imagine, as opposed to forcing it out and cracking the walls. In so far as i know, he does not empty it for winter.

He did not have this system when i was growing up but i wonder if his father or grandfather did this. They were resourceful in this sort of way. I will ask some questions the next time i am there and report back if i hear anything interesting.