I've placed my order for a rain barrel. What happens now?
Why does the downspout size matter?
What color options are available for the rain barrels?
Have you determined where to install your rain barrel(s)

I've placed my order for a rain barrel. What happens now?
Once you've placed your order for a RainReserve Rain Barrel self-installed system, we will contact you to arrange for your rain barrel distribution. Rain barrel pick up can be arranged from our Madison office or a Middleton location, as well as special distribution locations scheduled throughout the spring.

If you have ordered a Sustain Dane installed rain barrel, we will contact you to discuss delivery and installation.
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Why does the downspout size matter?
Our diverter is designed to work with a standard 2 inch by 3 inch rectangular residential downspout. With minor modifications, it will easily accommodate a 3 inch round downspout as well. We also have a reducer available for those with 3 inch by 4 inch rectangular or 4 inch round downspouts. (You'll want to be sure and measure your downspout to determine if you need an adaptor as the 3 inch by 4 inch downspouts are becoming more common in new construction or when having a roof on an older structure redone.) We recommend you measure your downspout size prior ordering your RainReserve so that you can order an adaptor if necessary at the same time.
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What color options are available for the rain barrels?
Although all our diverters are white, we are now offering rain barrels in either white or bright blue. We are limited in the colors we can offer, because the barrels are re-used food-grade barrels we receive from food manufacturers.
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A blue Sustain Dane rain barrel

Have you determined where to install your rain barrel(s)
There are several factors you should consider when determining the best site for your barrel, aside from the obvious consideration of locating your barrel close to an area where you plan to use the water..

The first consideration is terrain. Your barrel must be on a level surface, as a full barrel is over 400 lbs and stability is therefore critical to prevent the barrel from tipping. You will need to identify a level surface next a downspout which is approximately 2.5 feet by 2.5 feet square for each barrel, or alter a surface next to a downspout so that it is level. Ideally, digging out an inch or two of dirt and replacing it with gravel will aid in keeping the surface level over time.

A second consideration is the elevation of the rain barrel. As part of the leveling process we recommend you sit the barrel on a triangle of 3 concrete cinder blocks. This will both help to assure a stable base and raise the barrel approximately 8 inches. The elevation is important for providing water pressure, and to allow easy access to the spigot. If you plan to use a garden hose with your rain barrel, locate the barrel so that it is higher than the area where you intend to use the water. 'Best-case-scenario' would be to have the rain barrel on top of a hill and have the garden at the base of the hill.

A third consideration is the location of household windows. The rain barrel is three feet tall. When placed on a set of concrete blocks, the actual height of the top of the barrel is just under four feet. When identifying potential barrel locations, keep this height in mind, as a barrel placed under a window may partially block the window and this is especially problematic if it is an outward opening casement window. A barrel immediately under a window may also provide easier entry to your house through that window, so consider any security concerns you may have as well.

Lastly, consider the location of the rain barrel based on the amount of roof surface draining to a given downspout. In a one inch rainfall, a 1000 square foot roof will generate over 600 gallons of runoff. Although our rain barrel system has a built-in overflow to keep water away from your foundation when your barrel is full, we do recommend you site the barrel on a downspout that drains approximately 500 square feet or smaller.
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