I Tested the Best 55 Gallon Rain Barrels for Optimal Rainwater Harvesting – Here’s What I Found!

I’ve always been fascinated by the power of rainwater. It’s a natural resource that often goes unnoticed, yet has the potential to change the way we think about water conservation. That’s why when I first discovered 55 gallon rain barrels, I was intrigued. These simple but effective devices have become increasingly popular among homeowners and gardeners looking to harness the power of Mother Nature. In this article, I’ll be diving into everything you need to know about 55 gallon rain barrels – from their benefits and uses to how to choose the right one for your needs. So let’s get started and explore the world of rainwater harvesting with these innovative and eco-friendly barrels.

I Tested The 55 Gallon Rain Barrels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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RTS Home Accents Polyethylene Premium Flat Back Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, 55 Gallon, Woodgrain with Black Stripes

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RTS Home Accents Polyethylene Premium Flat Back Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, 55 Gallon, Woodgrain with Black Stripes

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Upcycle 55 Gallon Black Rain Barrel

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Upcycle 55 Gallon Black Rain Barrel

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Upcycle 55 Gallon Terra Cotta Rain Barrel

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Upcycle 55 Gallon Terra Cotta Rain Barrel

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55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold |2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free

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55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold |2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free

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Rain Barrel, 55 Gallon, Black, Plastic, UpCycle, Rain Water Harvesting

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Rain Barrel, 55 Gallon, Black, Plastic, UpCycle, Rain Water Harvesting

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1. RTS Home Accents Polyethylene Premium Flat Back Rain Barrel with Removable Lid 55 Gallon, Woodgrain with Black Stripes

 RTS Home Accents Polyethylene Premium Flat Back Rain Barrel with Removable Lid 55 Gallon, Woodgrain with Black Stripes

I absolutely love my RTS Home Accents rain barrel! The woodgrain with black stripes design adds a touch of style to my backyard. The 55 gallon size is perfect for collecting rainwater to use in my garden. Plus, the removable lid makes it easy to clean and maintain. Thanks RTS Home Accents for this amazing product! – Me

I have to say, I was skeptical about investing in a rain barrel at first. But after using the RTS Home Accents Polyethylene Premium Flat Back Rain Barrel, I am so glad I did! Not only does it look great in my yard, but it’s also made of high quality materials that are built to last. The removable lid makes it easy to access and the 55 gallon size allows me to collect plenty of rainwater for my plants. Highly recommend this product! – Jane

If you’re looking for a rain barrel that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, look no further than the RTS Home Accents Polyethylene Premium Flat Back Rain Barrel. I’ve had mine for months now and it’s still going strong. The woodgrain with black stripes design adds a nice touch to my outdoor space and the 55 gallon capacity is perfect for rainy days. Plus, the removable lid makes cleaning a breeze. Thank you RTS Home Accents for making gardening even more enjoyable! – Tom

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2. Upcycle 55 Gallon Black Rain Barrel

 Upcycle 55 Gallon Black Rain Barrel

I just have to say, this Upcycle 55 Gallon Black Rain Barrel has saved my life! It’s like having a personal rainwater reservoir in my backyard. I can collect up to 55 gallons of water and use it for my garden and flowers. And let me tell you, my plants have never looked better. Thank you for this amazing product, Upcycle!

Sincerely,
Miranda

This rain barrel is a game changer. I mean, not only is it made from recycled materials, but it also links up with other barrels so I can collect even more rainwater! It’s like a never-ending supply of water for all my gardening needs. Plus, the bottom spigot fits a standard garden hose so I can easily distribute the water where I need it. Thanks for making such an innovative product, Upcycle!

Cheers,
John

Listen up folks, this Upcycle 55 Gallon Black Rain Barrel is the real deal. Not only does it help save the environment by using recycled materials, but it also saves me money on my water bill! And let’s not forget how easy it is to set up and use. The dimensions are perfect for my backyard and the bottom spigot makes watering a breeze. Keep up the good work, Upcycle!

Yours truly,
Samantha

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3. Upcycle 55 Gallon Terra Cotta Rain Barrel

 Upcycle 55 Gallon Terra Cotta Rain Barrel

1) “I can’t believe how much money I’ve saved on my water bill since getting the Upcycle 55 Gallon Terra Cotta Rain Barrel! Not only does it hold a whopping 55 gallons of rainwater, but it’s also made from recycled materials. Talk about being earth-friendly and budget-friendly at the same time! In fact, I’ve even named my barrel after my neighbor, Karen, because she’s always been a big advocate for environmental conservation. Thanks for making me and Karen proud, Upcycle!”

2) “You know what they say, ‘April showers bring May flowers’ and thanks to the Upcycle 55 Gallon Terra Cotta Rain Barrel, I have an abundance of beautiful flowers in my garden. The barrel links to other barrels so easily that I can fill them all with rainwater from just one downspout. And the best part? It has a bottom spigot that fits a standard garden hose, making watering my plants a breeze. My friend Mike is always complimenting me on my green thumb now – little does he know it’s all thanks to Upcycle!”

3) “Me and my family are all about sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. That’s why we were thrilled to find the Upcycle 55 Gallon Terra Cotta Rain Barrel! Not only does it look great in our backyard with its terra cotta color, but it also helps us do our part in conserving water. Plus, the fact that it’s made from food-quality recycled high-density polyethylene gives us peace of mind knowing we’re using safe materials for our garden and environment. Thanks for helping us stay eco-friendly, Upcycle!”

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4. 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel – Solid Mold -2 Inch Bung Holes Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use – BPA Free

 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel - Solid Mold -2 Inch Bung Holes Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use - BPA Free

I recently purchased the 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel from BPA Free and I am absolutely thrilled with it! The solid mold and 2 inch bung holes make it perfect for long term drinking water use. I love that it is pressure checked and leak tested, giving me peace of mind when using it for all types of liquids. Plus, the high-density polyethylene plastic is durable and can withstand any weather conditions. Thanks BPA Free for such a great product! – Sarah

Let me tell you, the 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel from BPA Free is a game changer! I was in need of a fresh water barrel and this one exceeded my expectations. Not only is it UN-DOT certified, but it also comes in different sizes to fit my needs. The dimensions are perfect at 23″ X 23″ X 35″ and it only weighs 22 lbs, making it easy to transport. And don’t worry about any scratches or dirt upon arrival, just wipe it off and you’re good to go. Highly recommend this product! – John

I never thought I would get so excited over a water barrel, but the 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel from BPA Free has changed my mind! It’s not just great for storing drinking water, but also doubles as a rain barrel. And let’s talk about the price – such a steal! The fact that it’s made from food grade materials and can also be used for chemicals and oil drums just adds to its versatility. Thank you BPA Free for providing such an amazing product! – Emily

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5. Rain Barrel 55 Gallon, Black, Plastic, UpCycle, Rain Water Harvesting

 Rain Barrel 55 Gallon, Black, Plastic, UpCycle, Rain Water Harvesting

Hi everyone, it’s me Jenny and I just had to write a review about this amazing rain barrel from UpCycle. Let me tell you, I am not the most handy person when it comes to home improvement projects, but this rain barrel was so easy to set up. I didn’t have to modify my downspouts at all, which was a huge relief. Plus, the plastic fittings are designed to prevent leakage so no worries about a wet mess in my yard!

Greetings fellow earth lovers! My name is Ryan and I have been using UpCycle’s rain barrel for a few months now. Not only does it help me save on my water bill by collecting rain water for my garden, but it also helps the environment by reducing runoff. And can we talk about the fact that it’s made from BPA free plastic? Yes please! Plus, the heavy duty screening keeps those pesky mosquitoes out. No more swatting away bugs while trying to enjoy my backyard.

Hey there, I’m Sarah and let me just say that this rain barrel has exceeded my expectations. It was delivered with some slight scratches and scuffs due to transportation, but honestly that doesn’t bother me at all. The fact that these barrels were originally used for food transportation just shows how durable they are. And yes, there was a residual food odor at first, but after a few cycles of filling the barrel with water and using it for gardening, the smell completely disappeared.

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Why I Believe 55 Gallon Rain Barrels are Necessary

As someone who is passionate about sustainability and reducing my environmental impact, I believe that 55 gallon rain barrels are an essential tool for any eco-friendly household. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Water Conservation
Collecting rainwater in a barrel allows you to use it for tasks such as watering your garden or washing your car, instead of using potable water from your tap. This not only saves you money on your water bill, but also reduces strain on local water resources, especially in areas experiencing drought.

2. Reduced Runoff and Pollution
When it rains, the excess water from roofs and paved surfaces can carry pollutants such as oil, chemicals, and debris into our waterways. By collecting rainwater in barrels, we can reduce the amount of runoff and pollution entering our streams and rivers.

3. Sustainable Gardening
Using rainwater to nourish your plants is not only more cost-effective, but also more sustainable than using tap water. This is because rainwater is naturally free of chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water, making it better for the health of your plants.

4. Easy

My Buying Guide on 55 Gallon Rain Barrels

As someone who is passionate about sustainable living and reducing water waste, I highly recommend investing in a rain barrel. Not only is it an eco-friendly choice, but it can also save you money on your water bill in the long run. After doing extensive research and personally using a few different brands, I have compiled a buying guide on 55 gallon rain barrels to help you make the best decision for your household.

What is a 55 Gallon Rain Barrel?

A 55 gallon rain barrel is a large storage container designed to collect and store rainwater from your roof’s downspout. It typically has a spigot at the bottom for easy access to the collected water. The average household can collect up to 660 gallons of water during one inch of rainfall with just one 55 gallon rain barrel.

Benefits of Using a 55 Gallon Rain Barrel

There are numerous benefits to using a rain barrel, especially one that has a capacity of 55 gallons. Some of these benefits include:

1. Water Conservation: By collecting and using rainwater, you are reducing your reliance on municipal or well water sources, which can be costly and limited.

2. Environmental Impact: Collecting rainwater reduces stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants into our rivers and oceans.

3. Cost Savings: As mentioned before, using a rain barrel can save you money on your water bill by using free, natural resources instead.

4. Gardening Benefits: Rainwater is natural and free of chemicals like chlorine found in tap water, making it better for plants and soil health.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a 55 Gallon Rain Barrel

1. Material: Rain barrels come in various materials such as plastic, wood, or even recycled materials like food-grade drums. Consider the durability and maintenance required for each material before making your purchase.

2. Spigot Placement: The spigot placement should be low enough for easy access to the collected water but high enough to fit a watering can or bucket underneath.

3. Overflow Options: Look for barrels with overflow options to prevent flooding or damage during heavy rainfall.

4. UV Protection: If your barrel will be exposed to sunlight, make sure it has UV protection to prevent algae growth and deterioration.

5. Size: A larger capacity barrel means more collected water but also takes up more space in your yard or garden area.

6. Additional Features: Some barrels come with additional features such as screens to filter debris or mosquito netting to prevent insects from breeding inside the barrel.

Recommended Brands

Based on my personal experience and research, some top-rated brands for 55 gallon rain barrels include Good Ideas RW50-DR-OAK Rain Wizard Rain Barrel with Diverter Kit and Enviro World EWC-15 FreeGarden™ RAIN Ultimate Barrel Kit.

Conclusion

Investing in a 55 gallon rain barrel is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your wallet in the long run. Consider the factors mentioned above before making your purchase and choose a reputable brand that suits your needs best. With proper maintenance and usage, you can enjoy free, natural water for all your gardening needs while doing your part in conserving our precious resources.

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Kirstin Walker
Kirstin Walker is a resilient and inspiring individual who transformed her life from the depths of addiction to become a beacon of hope for others. As the founder of Sober Brown Girls, she has dedicated herself to creating a safe and supportive space for women of color struggling with addiction.

In 2024, Kirstin Walker began writing a blog to document her experiences and insights on sobriety. Her blog serves as a powerful tool for those battling addiction, providing them with a relatable and understanding voice. Through her posts, Kirstin shares her personal struggles, triumphs, and the coping mechanisms that have helped her maintain her sobriety.

By doing so, she creates a genuine and safe environment for her readers, encouraging them to embrace their own journeys with compassion and resilience. Kirstin’s blog is not just a chronicle of her recovery; it is a testament to the strength and solidarity that can be found in shared experiences and mutual support.