What are the dimensions of your downspout?
The diverter featured on Sustain Dane's rain barrel installations is designed to accommodate a standard residential downspout measuring approximately 3" x 2" rectangular. (That is measuring from 'side to side' and 'front to back' on the part of the downspout that runs vertically from the eave of the house to the ground). The diverter will also fit 3" round downspouts, with slight alterations. Downspout reducers are available through Sustain Dane for those with larger 4" by 3" rectangular or 4" round downspouts.

Where is the best location for my rain barrel?
There several important criteria that determine the proper site for a rain barrel.

• Terrain--The surface that the concrete block base of your rain barrel will sit upon must be level. This means it should either be altered so it is a level surface, or you should site your barrel on a surface that is already level. Do not simply assume the surface is level--please measure first!!!
  
  
• Elevation--The elevation of the rain barrel (as it sits on the concrete blocks) should be higher than that of the place you intend to use the water. This is very important if you are using a hose. Water pressure will increase with added elevation to the barrel. 'Best-case-scenario' would be to have the barrel on top of a hill and have the garden at the base of the hill.
  
  
• Amount of rainfall -- You do not want to put a barrel on a downspout that drains your entire roof. A 1000 square foot roof will generate over 600 gallons of runoff with an inch of rain. We recommend siting your barrel on a downspout that drains a 300 square foot or smaller area.