Rainwater Collection: What happens to rainwater collection barrels when they freeze?
1761850
In the best case, the water expands as it freezes and stretches out the barrel, deforming it. More likely, though, the water expands as it freezes and ruptures the barrel. It's probably best to make sure it doesn't freeze with any appreciable amount of water inside.
857217
Haven't tested that out with cold water, but it probably would be OK after initially freezing it.
286694
Yes. I bought mine (2) a few years ago and they have been fine. However, the connection to the bottom of the barrel was not great, so I bought a small hose clamp and clamped it on that way. It has been fine. We empty them & put them inside the garage in winter. If they freeze they will probably crack. It is worthwhile to buy two and connect them with the hose provided. You won't believe how quickly they fill up!
1496886
It means you can use it outside. It will NOT prevent the water from freezing. This is the best waterer we've ever used.
2094358
I would think it freeze in cold weather as it is plastic. mine is in the garage.
503995
I wouldn't advise letting the filter freeze. When water freezes it expands & when it expands you risk damaging the filter.
160388
Just make sure the barrel is "mostly" empty. Otherwise water could freese and expand and crack your barrel. I reroute the water to a corrugated plasitic pipe underground that daylights away from the foundation.
1508743
Yes you do wet them and then freeze them. They stay frozen a super long time if you use them with one of the Polar Bear Coolers
1260240
We go south for the winter, that prevents freeze damage! Seriously though, the tubes are rubber and would not be harmed by freezing, the caps are solid plastic, I doubt that the volume of water left in them would be a problem, but I suppose you could always put the original caps back for winter storage. Why don't you try contacting the mfr directly, they would be able to give you the proper answer. Good question though, I had not really thought about it before, but it does remind me, I do need to top up my batteries.
1338363
My birdbath holds about 2 gallons of water. Several days ago the temperature hit minus 12 degrees where I live. No freeze-up occurred.
128338
I don't know if you really have to, but I disconnect the diverter and leave just the barrel outside. I do empty the barrel of any water since I don't want anything to freeze and break--barrel or diverter. Good luck.
988411
All the water goes into the rain barrel unless the barrel is full. Then, instead of overflowing onto the ground, the water is diverted back to the gutter. If you use all the water before it ever fills up because of limited rain fall, then the water diverter will probably never come into play.
1796306
Empty your base before winter. The water could freeze and the base would expand and crack. I use water because you won't be able to empty the sand and store your base. Store inside the garage or hang on the wall.
547666
Unknown; I purchased two of these units and have stored them in my basement (water was treated with a 5 year stabilizer chlorine/liquid for each unit). The sun with its heat on those barrels may encourage algae growth within the barrels; stabilizers may arrest these issues.
149488
The water in your rain barrel is great for your plants that is the purpose for the rain barrels. The faucet on the rain barrel is positioned about 6 inches up or higher from the base of the barrel to collect any debris that may be on the roof and gutters so the water runs free out of the unit. Rains barrels are meant as a water reserve to use for watering plants, washing cars, garden tools, etc. Water is a natural resource which we need to conserve.
347345
I'm not sure, I do believe I've read somewhere where it does freeze up...might have been the hose though, and not the reservoir. I think they sell an insulated hose for that reason but can't be sure about the reservoir itself.
2105676
Not sure. But when turne on the coldest setting my water bottles freeze. Hope this helps.