What is the use of rain barrels?
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by: georgewonderman
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Word Count: 609
Rain barrels are tanks used to collect and store rain water which can be used to serve a number of purposes. The primary use of the collected rain water can be for gardening (which accounts for 40% of the total water used by any household), washing cars, in washing machines and in exceptional circumstances after proper filtering for drinking as well. The rain water collected through these barrels would otherwise be lost to run offs and diverted to storm drains and streams. With the use of rain barrels not only would you be conserving the environment but also saving your money.
The design of a rain barrel is simple yet efficient. It comprises of 20 to 100 Gallon Tank, a vinyl hose, PVC couplings and a screen to keep insects and other debris out. It can be kept under a Gutter anywhere around the house.
A rain barrel is easily available in many shapes and sizes. People lacking handy skills would prefer a barrel with minimum installation. Due to various designs, brands, material used and capacity the price of a rain barrel is varied. It is advisable to check out various models which are available in the market or through gardening catalogues before ordering it. Use of different materials such as wood or plastic etc would alter the cost substantially. Heavy duty material is preferable for longer life as well as efficiency though the price might be higher. Rain barrels are available online through various sellers. The price of a rain barrel ranges from a $100 to $350.
The given efficiency of rain barrels ranges from 70 to 90%. In an area of 1000 sq feet, for every inch of rain, 600 gallons of water can be collected which can be used for a number of functions while saving money on water bills. Rain barrels have to be positioned carefully for increased efficiency. Easy transferability of the water is important and should be considered while placing it. The placement of an overflow pipe is important and should be diverted away from the building during heavy rain.
Rain barrels is one of the primary techniques to conserve water at the household levels which is necessary in the present environment conscious times. Water usage for non potable purposes accounts for the larger part of the usage for which rain water collected through these barrels can be used. The use of these barrels sufficiently reduces demand of tap water and pressure on the water table. Rain water is considered more beneficial for gardening purposes as well as it does not contain chemicals found in regular water supply.
It is observable that a rain barrel requires more than just a barrel for functioning. Analyzing and estimating cost for constructing a rain barrel, it would be around $120 while purchasing the same off the market would set you back by around $200. This cost however includes installation as well and the efficiency of the purchased barrel can be guaranteed as it is made professionally while the one constructed at home is most likely to have glitches, which decrease efficiency, such as leaks in the tank etc. considering the amount of water it is being build to hold Also, after factoring the cost of tools required for constructing a barrel the cost increases and thus it can be settled that purchasing an easily available barrel is beneficial. The advantages of purchasing ready made rain barrels over building one which could be a cumbersome task has been emphasized and should be preferred according to this author.
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For more info on rain barrels, visit www.palmettorainbarrels.com.
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