Cold temperatures in winter cause the accumulated water in your water butt to freeze. Since compact ice has a larger volume than liquid water, the contents expand. As a result, conventional rain barrels burst and are useless the following year. In this guide you will find out how you can prevent this phenomenon with simple measures.
Plastic rain barrels should be emptied before winter
When is emptying necessary?
Most water butts ($59.99) are made of plastic, a material that is prone to cracking or bursting. This happens when the water in the rain barrel freezes. It expands and bursts the outer shell. You are therefore on the safe side if you empty your rain barrel before the onset of winter. Either scoop off the water or let it flow out of the tap.
However, some rain barrels are also labeled as frost-proof by the manufacturer. In order to be really sure that your water butt is not damaged by frost, you should pour off at least two thirds of the water in this case.
During the winter, you also need to periodically burst open the top layer of frozen residual water. Make sure that no new water drips or runs into the bin.
Procedure when emptying
To empty, simply turn on the drain tap and let three quarters of the water drain out. Pour out the rest by tipping the bin.
If your water butt does not have an integrated drain, you will need a hose device.
tips
Use the emptying immediately to remove dirt such as pollen or algae that has accumulated over the course of the year.
Further measures
Are you unsure despite the recommended measures? Then you can take further protective measures:
- Store the rain barrel in a warm place, for example in the garage.
- Cover the rain barrel with foil.