Putting Rain Barrels Away: Draining and Storing Barrels for Winter
Putting rain barrels away before hard freezes stops ice from cracking them. Penn State Extension says water grows about 9 percent in volume as it freezes, with enough force to crack a plastic or wooden barrel.
The short answer
Drain the barrel and disconnect it from the downspout before the median first hard freeze date for your area. Remove and drain any hoses and clear out debris. Then store it indoors or upside down outside. Add a downspout extension for winter and reconnect after the last hard freeze.
Why should you put rain barrels away?
Penn State defines a hard freeze as below 28°F for an extended period, enough to turn a barrel of water to ice. Ice can crack the barrel or sit all winter and cut capacity. Kentucky Extension adds that repeated freezing and thawing can weaken the material. Rain water use is covered in rainwater for cannabis.
How do you drain and clean a barrel?
Kentucky Extension says to drain before the first hard frost or freeze and drain attached hoses. Penn State suggests clearing sediment, leaves and sticks and replacing worn valves, torn screens or leaky inlet hoses. UF IFAS notes barrels use a fine screen and tight lid against mosquitoes, so check both. Pair this with winterizing garden irrigation.
How do you reconnect the downspout?
After disconnecting, Penn State suggests a downspout or gutter extension so roof water doesn’t splash onto buildings or sidewalks. In spring, Kentucky Extension advises routing the overflow away from the foundation. Use stored water on beds, as in fertilizer and compost for growing outdoors.
Winter barrel checklist
| Task | Timing | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Drain and disconnect | Before first hard freeze | Penn State |
| Drain hoses | Before storing | Kentucky |
| Store upside down | All winter | Kentucky |
| Add extension | After disconnecting | Penn State |
| Reconnect | After last hard freeze | Penn State |
Sources: Penn State Extension, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, UF IFAS Gardening Solutions.
How to: step by step
- Look up your first hard freeze date.
- Drain the barrel fully.
- Clear out sediment, leaves and sticks.
- Disconnect hoses and the diverter.
- Store the barrel upside down or indoors.
- Fit a downspout extension to carry water away from the house.
Troubleshooting
Cracked barrel: ice inside. Drain before freezing.
Water by the foundation: no extension. Add one.
Barrel tipped over: empty and light. Strap or weight it.
Kind Seed Co shares more seasonal notes on the blog.
Sources
- Rain barrel winter maintenance: don’t forget to disconnect, Penn State Extension
- Rain barrel tips, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
- Rain barrels, UF IFAS Gardening Solutions
FAQ
Can rain barrels stay out in winter?
Yes, once they're empty and disconnected. Penn State Extension says many people leave them outside. Turn a screened barrel upside down and strap or weight it against wind.
Should I store the barrel upside down?
Yes. University of Kentucky Extension says to store barrels upside down when not in use, and Penn State says that stops a screened top from filling with rain.
How do I clean a rain barrel?
Penn State suggests removing sediment, leaves and sticks in winter. Clear barrels may need periodic cleaning to remove algae, Kentucky Extension adds.
When should I set it back up?
Penn State Extension says to wait until the median last hard freeze date for your area has passed, using National Weather Service data at 28°F.
What about hoses on the barrel?
University of Kentucky Extension says to remove any garden or soaker hose connected to the barrel and drain it before storing.
