Rain Barrels Enhance the Water Manager System for Homes in Michigan
Rain barrels, or water barrels, are designed to save and store rainwater. Why collect rainwater? For one thing – it’s free and easy! Rainwater collection devices have been used for thousands of years and range in complexity, but most are very simple and can be incorporated into your existing gutter and drainage systems. A rain barrel is relatively inexpensive and has a spigot on the bottom for easy access to water and a screen on top to keep out bugs and debris.
For many conscientious homeowners in Ann Arbor and throughout Michigan, it is important to conserve water. The uses for fresh rainwater around the home are almost limitless, but some include watering plants, landscaping, washing the car, and watering the lawn. To accomplish any of these tasks, simply hook up one or more of your downspouts to a rain barrel collection system. You can also connect several rain barrels or use them at multiple locations around the home. At Atlas Home Improvement, we are proud to offer several styles and colors to suit your specific needs. Our premium woodgrain rain barrel not only looks great, but it also has a “flat back” which allows it to be installed directly up against the side of your home!
Benefits of Using Rain Barrels
Some estimates are that a diligent homeowner utilizing rain barrels can save up to 1,000 gallons of tap water a year. Rainwater collection systems don’t just benefit individuals — they benefit local communities as well. This is especially true in areas where storm sewers and sanitary sewers are still combined. By collecting rainwater, you can reduce the load on your local water treatment facilities. Some townships even offer a reduction in your sewer bill or a tax credit for maintaining a rain barrel program at your home.
How to Use Rain Barrels
If used properly, rain barrels can be one of the best green home improvements as well as a cost effective and sustainable approach to controlling rainwater. But homeowners need to be careful! Most rain barrels are not used properly and can actually be destructive to the home. We do not recommend hooking a rain barrel up directly to a downspout. It is amazing just how quickly a rain barrel will fill up, especially in heavy rain. The rain barrel which is sitting next to your foundation can easily overflow and allow water to cause damage and even work its way into the basement. This is why all of our rain barrel systems come with a special downspout attachment and valve which allow the rain barrels to continue to discharge water through the downspout after they have filled to capacity. Each rain barrel comes with a spigot that can be attached to a hose for you to use the water as needed.
To learn more about the benefits of using rain barrels at your home in Ann Arbor or another region in Michigan, contact Atlas Home Improvement today. When you do, remember to ask how you can receive a free rain barrel.
