Winterize Your Rain Barrel

Now is the time to winterize your rain barrel (ideally before first frost). Rain barrels, especially the plastic Orbis barrels we’ve sold, are not meant to stay outside all winter long. If left in freezing temperatures, any residual water will freeze and crack various parts of the barrel. Rain barrel owners have to make sure that the barrels are properly stored during the harsh Superior winters. Here are winterizing instructions from Orbis:

Discontinue use of rain barrel BEFORE the first frost by:

(1) Open the faucet to drain most of the water

(2) Remove the lid and tip the barrel to empty any residual water (overflow hose can remain connected)

(3) Clean both lid and barrel using brush with dishwashing detergent and warm water

(4) Clean screen by running hose onto it from the underside of the lid

(5) Store the barrel upside down so water cannot accumulate (preferably inside a shed/garage)

Same rules apply to rain barrels you may have created. These may even be less fussy in the winter because typically spouts connected to them are metal would less likely crack compared to the plastic ones that come in the Orbis system. 

Ice formation will damage rain barrels

Plastic barrels no longer available

Barrels are no longer available from ESD - But you can sign up for a Rain Barrel making workshop!

Blue plastic 55 gallon barrels are no longer available from the City of Superior Environmental Services, BUT... if you are interested in signing up for our Spring 2016 rain barrel workshop you can join us in making a rain barrel out of these blue barrels for a nominal price.

The barrels are not food safe, and the City makes no claims as to the safety or reliability of the barrel or resulting liquids from the barrel.

Contact: 715/394-0392 or email crousea@ci.superior.wi.us to get your name on the contact list for the spring 2017 workshop.

Here is a video on how to make a rain barrel from a plastic rain barrel:
Make a Rain Barrel