Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

The problems with this barrel are-1. The overflow tube on the inside that poorly connects to the overflow outlet. How is one supposed to connect this way down in the barrel when there is only enough room in top opening to get one arm down into the barrel? I don't know about anyone else but my arm isn't that long. I eventually got the plastic pipe on, but just barely. This is obviously a problem b/c even the directions say that it might have come loose during shipping and to hold the end in hot water for 30 seconds then reattach. They say this as if it's no big deal to reach down and reattach...very frustrating.2. There is no way to get down into the barrel in the chance that you might want to clean it, or as stated above easily attach the overflow pipe.3. The flexible plastic tube that connects to the exterior overflow outlet has a really bad way of connecting. They supply you with one plastic tie that is laughable as a secure method. I'll probably just end up plugging this up somehow.4. The outlet that connects to the hose is another really bad connection. The directions tell you to hold the end of the hose in hot water for 30 seconds then screw the hose in place and attach the clamp. Attach the clamp? Again with the hot water and why would I need a clamp when the hose screws on? Even if I was able to figure this out in no way will the small metal clamp provided fit over the end of the hose so it can fulfill its destiny. Overall, I am disappointed. I thought getting a rain barrel for this price from gardener's supply co. would ensure a quality product. We haven't gotten any rain yet but I just know all the outlets are going to leak. This kind of defeats the purpose of trying to catch and store rain water. If I had not received this as a gift I would have sent it back. I even specifically asked for this rain barrel when I was asked what I most wanted. I should have read all of the reviews, an oversight on my part. Maybe some of the other rain barrels are better than this one. Don't even get me started on the downspout diverter!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I have the rain barrel set up in my herb garden right next to my house in the corner where the downspout is. I've used it to water all of the new plants I put in my herb garden and vegetable garden this spring. It's very easy to use, nice to look at, and saves a lot of water---great capacity.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Given the price I was unhappy with this barrel's equipment. The only way I could get the hose attached to the barrel without its leaking was to put the thumb tap on first which defeats the purpose. Then to keep the screen cover in place without warping I had to place two bricks on it which was good because the hose would not stay in the slot without one of the bricks on it. Overall the attachments were poorly designed and/or made.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

As has been said in many other reviews, the outflow hose leaks, and the slot on top does NOT hold the hose securely.

The instructions say that the overflow pipe "may have been dislodged in transit", but it is obvious that it was never connected in the first place, and the child-proofing on the top of the barrel makes it very difficult to connect it.

The screen top blew across the yard in the first mild breeze, and is now held down with rocks.

Once these initial problems were dealt with, the barrel is wonderful! It holds a lot of water, and the hose is great for filling watering cans. If I were rich, I'd buy another one (this one was a gift from a VERY generous person). I think that the price is exorbitant!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This rainbarrel was easy to install. I just cut my downspout to let the water flow right in. Easy to use.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Well designed.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I was thrilled to receive my rainbarrel and got a storm that night. It filled to the brim and was looking forward to using the water in my garden. Went out later that day to a large puddle in my yard fed from a stream shooting from the seam around the middle of the barrel. After the water level went down, I was able to seal it with silicone caulk and no problems since (other than the squirrel that died in the gutter and contaminated all my water).

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Holding the water now after adding a c-clamp to connect the overflow aspect. We wouldn't buy this again - too much money for the product.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I love GS, but this is a seriously flawed product. 1. The overflow mechanism is a real problem -- flimsy, comes apart, and leaks around the bung hole. GS generously replaced my first barrel after I complained, but the replacement leaked just as much and I eventually closed the bung hole with caulking. 2. The notch for holding the hose doesn't hold it securely. Hose flops down on the ground, and because the shut-off valve for the hose leaks I've repeatedly lost all the water in the barrel.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I had my Deluxe Rain Barrel for several years, but moved recently and couldn't take it with me. I really miss it! I will definately be getting a new one, (or two) for my new home! I used the collected, free water mostly to replace evaporated water in my Koi pond. Our city water smelled like pure bleach and would have harmed my fish, but my rain barrel water kept them safe, and provided water during periods of drought.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I loved my rainbarrel. Unfortunately, I was not able to take care of the winterizing of the barrel. It was emptied and unhooked from the downspout but not covered or turned upside down. After a few good rains this winter then snow and freezing temps, the barrel cracked. I was so sad to lose the use of the barrel. I'll get another one but I will be more insistent about the "winterizing" of the barrel.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Keeps a lot of water off our horseshoe patio. The 2 barrels we have fill quickly, even at 75 gallons and we store water in old vinager and milk cartons when the barrels fill. Much easier to keep clean water in the bird baths and great for tomatoes, flowers and new plantings. Can't keep the overflow hose attached and the Hose doesn't stay in the slot on the barrel, but these are minor aggravations.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I bought two of these barrels two years ago, and am still happy with them. They fill quickly. I put in a downspout bypass instead of using the overflow. Hoses need extra care to keep them attached properly. Empty best when the barrels are elevated. Love the extra water in dry summers. Happy I bought two. Thinking about more for another corner of the house.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This rain barrel is awesome! It fills up fast and is wonderful for watering house plants, new trees and plants, and spot watering. I'm already planning to purchase a second one!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

The barrel is well designed and sturdy.
Contrary to its reputation, Seattle, where I live, is not rainy in the summer; therefore I use the barrel to collect gray water.
After about nine years my old barrel sprang a leak, but this was probably because I had not properly supported it: the barrel should be supported over its entire bottom.
Incidentally, when ordering a replacement, I was told that JB Weld epoxy would repair the leak. I was skeptical, so I ordered another barrel. However, the advice was good and I was able to repair my old barrel so now I have two.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

So far we are fairly happy with this rain barrel. We made our own stand for it which has worked well. We were amazed at how little rain filled it, but we do have a metal roof. The water coming out the hose attachment has decent pressure. We are experincing some leaking around the connection and hope we can tighten something to resolve this.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Had to replace bottom drain hose because it leaked between the screw on part and the sleeve. No matter how tight it was fastened. Adding a short piece of old garden hose stopped it. Very good rain barrel otherwise.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

We bought 2 of these last year and just added two more. They are wonderful for watering the veggie garden and flower garden. When everyone else in the neighborhood is using city water, we water with pure rainwater and the plants just thrive.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I was hesitant at first to spend that much $ but this is so worth it. It is attractive and practical.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I purchased the Deluxe Rain Barrel on the "Easy (and painless) Payment Plan". It was simple to set up the rain barrel and it gathers a remarkable amount of water from even a seemingly light rain. These barrels should be mandatory! Also, thank you for the thoughtful payment plan. It really makes good ideas affordable in these tough economic times.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Wish it had wheels do I could take it to different locations on the property for watering different items

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

During dry spells, I use the accumulated water to moisten all my outdoor plants, and even use it to add fertilizer to the gardens. It has saved me from using house water for the outdoors. We have even attached a longer run-off hose when the barrel overflows.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I did have a problem with the hose coming off. It goes back on quickly and doesn't leak. I was told there is a type of outdoor glue that would hold it on. I wish the hose were a little longer. I do plan to buy more! It is a great product!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Other than the cost[...], I can't say anything bad about this water barrel. The directions to set it up aren't great, but it isn't too hard to figure out either. I've had no leaks, the overflow works well, and I'm enjoying using it.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Great looking rain barrel. Good for public display. Not your average retro-fitted blue 55 gallon juice barrel. Needs to have a clip to attach hose end to barrel. The pinch groove does not hold hose.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

We don't have gutters on out house so this rain barrel with a large screen top works better for us than the other with a smaller hole for a gutter down spout. We placed it in a location that is not only close to our garden but where the rain comes jutting off the roof of the house. Super easy to set up. The filler hose doesn't stay in the grove that you place it in when not in use. But we rigged up a little something to solve that problem.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This rain barrel will last for years and years. It arrived in no time and was very easy to install. With the first rain it filled up quickly. Nothing beats good old rain water for your flowers. I do wish it had clips to hold the screen on the top.(I sit a flower pot on top of it because i'm afraid a strong wind will blow it away)

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Overflow hose was not connected when the rain barrel arrived, so I connected it myself. The first rain, it filled about 1/3 - then it all leaked out through the overflow! Apparently, the hose was not connected tightly enough over the overflow spout, and it leaked. Or the water may have caused the overflow hose to "float" off the spout. All I did was shove it on there tighter. The next rain, the barrel filled completely and it has retained all of the water. At the same time, the overflow has worked correctly when needed.

After the first problem, it has worked very well and as designed. With a full barrel, the water pressure from the hose seems sufficient for filling a watering can.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I now own two of these and love them. We live in a private community and have high water & sewer rates. These rain barrels have saved the day! I love how the hose in now screwed on instead on held on with a bracket. This is the largest rain barrel I've found on the market and I highly, highly recommend it.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I own 2 water barrels and recently purchased one for my son's house so he can enjoy using rain water to water his garden. They have spouts to put your watering cans under and also the hose is convenient. I would reccommend this item to everyone. I get many compliments on my rain barrel and going to add a 3rd soon.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

The groove that holds the hose on the lid and the tubing that connects to the over-flow spout are poorly engineered. The fit is clumsy and simply does not work.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I love how easy it is to fill water can for watering my potted plants.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Very well made-should last me a lifetime! Noe maintainence-looks good with my cabin and better than the old wooden barrels!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I should purchase the one than is flat against the wall. This one takes up a lot of space. I am using it to catch watch. I don't want to cut my gutter. But it does work!!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I haven't owned the rain barrel that long but I really like it so far.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I checked rain barrels in local home centers but found them to be of higher cost with lower gallon capacity and less durable construction.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Have received Rain barrel, and I am getting a small cement pad poured for the rain barrel to stand on with a upright pipe to secure barrel to in case of high winds (which we are sustible to). Due to the temperature still reaching 32 at night, we have not allowed water into the barrel for fear of it freezing and splitting.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

The connection for the hose to the rain barrel leaks and can empty the entire barrel overnight. It is a shame that they don't put hose threads on the attachment for the connection so that the water doesn't leak out.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

The rain barrel is excellent for holding water for the flower beds. However, nozzle on hose needs to be better and need a better system for holding the hose.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Did not overwinter. Ice in the barrel blew out the bottom so now it has to be replaced. Nothing in instructions to say it needed to be emptied and stored over the winter (which is particularly a pain since the downspout was cut and configured for the barrel). So it cost me $169+ for 1 season. NOT a good buy. If that major flaw is not an issue, this is a pretty good product.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

These rain barrels are terrific. They hold enough water even in Southern California to keep the the patio pots going through summer. No mosquitos thanks to the screen. Easy to install and easy to use, but don't forget to buy the down pipe converter as well.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I actually havent used the rain barrel, I have just sent to to my son-in-law who is a very good gardener in the Atlanta area. Since I sent the first barrel the rains have come, the drought is over, but he still wanted a second one, so they must be good! Maybe people in another drought stricken area should order one! Thanks Gardener Supply for making my Christmas shopping so easy.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I love the idea of capturing rain water with this barrel. It looks good, is easy to use, helps my garden and keeps rainwater from running off into the sewer.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I planted a beautiful yellow rhododendrum in a shady location near large holly trees. The rain barrel enabled me to keep the roots of the rhododendrum moist so that it could get established. It has come through 3 years and looks great.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Great to have rain water for your house plants and other plants under the patio!!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I really like the barrel and may get a second one if we get a lot of rain. It was easy for my handyman to install and it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb, but blends into the yard just right. My only problem with it is the hose does not stay in the groove in the lid of the barrel and I'm afraid that the overflow hose may come off in heavy rain.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I use the water collected in the barrel to water my potted plants on my outside deck. I fill my buckets and carry it up on the deck. It's too difficult to attach a garden hose to water anything in the yard as the barrel would need to be elevated so much higher for proper flow. The barrel needs some "tweaking". I wish someone would have given it a test run before putting it on the market. The overflow line attached to the bottom of the barrel on the outside is useless. Water never flows through it as the inside "tube" is too long and it sticks up too far for the water to run in it when the barrel is full, so the water runs out the top of the barrel onto the ground and your foundation. I think I'm going to try to cut part of this "tube" off before I put it back out next spring. Problem #2: The diverter is poorly engineered. The water runs out that big hole on the side and it kept the ground soggy all last winter. I tried to "stop up" the big hole on the side last winter, but was unsuccessful. This year I trimmed a wine cork and stuck it in the hole. I'm hoping it holds. P.S. I just went out to take picture of the diverter and the water has backed up in it because the "mosquito hole" was plugged - 'nuther problem. Guess I'll have to go out after each rain and clear out that hole. Even with all it's problems, I would still recommend this barrel for collecting lots of useful rainwater.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

used to control water flow from a down spout

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

It's in front of the house: shows passersby that we are "Green"!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

My only concern is the effect of winter on the
rain barrel. I must remember to drain it before
the freeze.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Only one thing I would change . . . it is difficult to get the hose clamp around the recessed "nub" for the outflow line - it could be a bit longer for easier access. I had a professional "tap into" the downspout for a partial diversion of roof water. It fills in minutes with the overflow working perfectly! I could not be happier with it!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Easy to set up and light enough to move with without any problem.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

The hose has no reliable place to attach it. The overflow tube on the exterior is too flat and blocks the water. I had to put a 1" PVC pipe the length of the tube to improve flow. The overflow tube keeps falling off the connection at the bottom of the barrel on the exterior. I had to attach the overflow tube on the interior even though the instructions said it came connected. The seam in the middle of the barrel leaked until I sealed it and wrapped some tape around the entire barrel.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This barrel is perfect for collecting water from our potting shed. I love the flexible tube and easy on/off lever. I do have trouble keeping the tube in the slot on top of the barrel without placing something on top to hold it in place.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

No complaints about the quality of the product; we have our garden behind our shed so the location was perfect. Only complaint is that it is such a simple concept, why does it have to be so pricey??

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

We purchased the rainbarrel to collect water running from our roof. We use the water for our flowers. We are very happy with the product. We wish we purchased two!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I truly enjoy having my four deluxe rain barrels. I use them to water all my outdoor plants.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

It is best to elevate barrel when you install(about 16", two courses of block)it makes filling cans much easier.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

The rain barrel looks great and is very handy. I wish I bought 2. You have to be sure to really tighten all the hose clips so the hoses do not pull off.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I i had to make an ajustment to the feeder hose holder i mounted a 3/4 electrical clamp to the top to hold hose up the molded slot dosent work that well holding it upotherwise good product i would also like to see some products for chicken raising

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Product could be improved if top plastic struts were removed enabling dunking of watering can.

Do not recommend the downspout diverter. Difficult to install; ruins existing downspout; fills barrel only rather slowly.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

We love it, but had to replace the hose head in the first month. Plan to buy another.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Rain Barrel overflow inside the barrel is complicated. An outside overflow at the top of the barrel would be better and easier. The screen does not allow the downspout to enter. an attachment for downspout attachment would be a good add on. I needed to cut a substitute cover and it worked fine.
Overflow outlet will fit a 1" PVC pipe with a little work. Suggest you incorporate a standard fitting size on future models.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This barrel is connected in the middle and will easily leak when the water gets over half way. The overflow hose did NOT come connected as the accompanying instructions state. I had a difficult time connecting it because of the spoke constructions on the top. We had a brief storm and I had a section of gutter sitting under the back of the patio roof, covering only half the width and the barrel was over half full. I had to run some tape around the midsection to stop the leaks.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I like to conserve the rain water. I use it for the many potted plants I have, both outside and inside.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

In response to those who have trouble keeping the overflow plastic tube in place with the nylon tie, we solved that by buying a radiator hose of the proper dimension (forget which) and attaching it to the overflow with the metal clamp that comes with. These work perfectly. I bought six of these when we built our house in the woods in 2002, in the middle of a severe drought. We have a well, but didn't want to use it to water lots of new plants. The barrels were terrific. Saved us that summer and the next. We use them regularly for watering plants near the house. Need a better way to keep the hose upright, as others have mentioned, but we just attached a piece of wire to one of the cross pieces and that works. One-fourth of a mosquito dunk does the job, as very small water surface in the barrels.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

if you can fix the gasket, it's a good barrel

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I ended up connecting the hose to the bottom and leaving it on/open all the time so it was rerouting the water to other areas. This worked well. The linking kit was of no value. Connection for hose at the bottom of the unit could be improved as it falls off frequently. Idea for product line extension - Oblong or round conical inserts for the top to increase the area that gets directed into the barrel. This is especially useful for houses or other structures that do not have gutters.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I'm glad I have one and plan on ordering a second. My flowers in pots are looking much better with rain water than with our hard, well water. My husband thought I was nuts, but last fall I moved the water to buckets and moved the barrel into the utility room in our basement, then refilled it. I had rainwater all winter for my house plants. (The water got a little film on it, but didn't get too nasty.) Just a note, put it up on cement blocks BEFORE you install your downspout diverter. Otherwise the diverter's too low. My mistake!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I have had four of these. I have had to replace two of these when sold in the green color, and now have one of the remaining two leaking. I did not drain them in winter as I am 75, without gardening help, and unable to handle heavy barrels. Two developed leaks in the bottom seams. I changed the exterior overflow hoses on all of them for one which was more flexible but sturdy. I now also need to re-attach the hose (again) which allows me to get water, as I have had to cut it several times to get an edge smooth enough to attach firmly with a metal "screw around" clamp. The spout this hose attaches to at the bottom needs to be longer so more will go into the hose and make a sturdier connection. I will now have to buy some hose for this job, and where can you buy 5 or 6 feet of hose??? I have also had all the other problems mentioned in your reviews, like the hose falling out of the slot all the time, (some kind of clip or fastener on the top?) and the devilishly difficult effort required to re-attach the thick overflow hose again when it comes loose while necessarily turning the barrel upside down to either try to wash it inside, or attach the watering hose, or as I now know to store it for the winter. Normal screw drivers do not go into the small space left for screwing on the clamp! I, too, have mounted the barrels on concrete blocks in order to get them high enough to get the water out.
All of these repairs and adjustments have required me to hire someone to help adding to the already substantial cost of what should have been a real water conserving measure in drought prone central Kentucky.
I actually cannot remember when I ordered the first one, but I have been struggling with these, (including a free replacement barrel which cracked) for over 5 years.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I have been wanting to purchase a rain barrel for awhile now and finally saw this and liked all of the features. We have had a rainy summer but when it has been dry, we have only used the water from the barrel to hydrate all of my potted flowers. Have not used water from my faucets at all. It is a great feeling! I can't believe how quickly the barrel fills up during a rainstorm. I think we may purchase a second one because we feel like we are wasing water that pours out of our other downspout!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I live in the country and purchased the Deluxe Rain Barrel when water availability problems arose. The most pressing need was water to flush the commode. The Deluxe Rain Barrel was easy to install and with the attached line, one can run water into a bucket in order to complete the task. The overflow is a must, as it allows the excess to be directed away from the foundation of the house and to anywhere needed, the cover screen keeps out debris.
Rainwater is perfect for indoor plants and freshwater aquariums too. I highly recommend the Deluxe Rain Barrel to anyone who wishes to conserve water and/or save money.
Even though my water woes have been corrected, I still employ the Deluxe Rain Barrel in the same manner in order to save money and conserve our natural water supplies.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Once we figured out the hose configuration (not well described in the book) we were really pleased with this water barrel. Still, a lot of money for such a simple device.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Great capacity! I use the stored water for indoor/outdoor containers and newly planted annuals and perennials. With our dry climate, I wish it had a solid cover to prevent evaporation.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

We recently installed new landscape trees, bushes and flowers. I love the "free" water that is naturally rainwater pure.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This would be much better if it had a way to remove the top to get at the inside. Also sliding clips to keep the hose in the groove would be a great help, as would a clamp to keep the screen held in place during high winds. Please consider modifying as I like this product!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I filled the rainbarrell in one rainfall. I was surprised how much water had been wasted before. The hose holder didn't work, but my husband drilled small hole at top and put an S clip in that works wonderful.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This product allows me to water planters that are not close to a source of water. It is also a green product...no need for energy to collect water frrom mother nature.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

For the price, I think you could include two hose clamps instead of one and a plastic strip that doesn't hold well. The spout to attach the hose should be longer so that you more easily tighten the hose clamp. The hose slips off fairly easily. The hose will not stay in the groove at the top because the screen is in the way. Also, the overflow hose could be designed a little better.

I like the size and stability of the barrel and it looks nice. I think it is worth having, but needs a few adjustments.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Need to improve the valve

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

~Leaks all of the time, tried a few things to fix this then had to throw it away, waste of money.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

the over flow has a tube that has to inserted on the overflow discharge at the bottom of the barrel.

A simple hole at the to of the barrel would be alot easier.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

i drilled 2 small holes on either side of hose holding notch, attached small eye hooks, and a very small bungie cord, and slipped the hose under the bungies, keeps the hose from falling.

also, i've used the barrels every years since 1998, and still look / work great

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Excellent at collecting water. Easy to fill watering can. Overflow tube came off and it kinks. I put it on with a pipe clamp. Hopefully that will help. My wife loves the water saving.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

On arrival, the inside overflow hose was hoseclamped, and then drilled a hole in the cross supports on top to put the overflow hose hook in, bent it shut. Made sure it was BEHIND the water source. Used 1.5" flexible hose attached by rubber coupling with two hose clamps on it for outside overflow.
Used two screws to fasten down the screen to discourage four and six leg critters. An expandable downspout was attached to the drainpipe on the house with two sheet metal screws. Wash this barrel out first. First rain we found a yellow scum clinging to the inside in the surface of the water. Complaint is the provided outside overflow hose. It's just plain uesless, its' flat from the factory and stays that way.
Here's what we used: a plastic expandable downspout, 1 2" hose clamp, a length of 1.5" flexible hose with a rubber coupling, and four sheet metal screws. This barrel works like a champ with no leaking! It pays to read the reviews! I would recommend this to a friend only if they were ready to do some extra work on it.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Love the idea of conserving water not only for the obvious reason of possible water restrictions but because I can keep the plants I have and they can get the water they want. EVEN in drought times!!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

We are delighted!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This is the second one I have bought, I left the first with our previous house and I regretted it. The price is higher than some, but it is one of the larger capacities I have found, and I save on my water bill. The screen keeps large debris out, there are some tiny bugs that get in. I have never had a problem with it, no leaking or broken pieces. We make sure it is emptied before it freezes, just in case.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

great design - only flaw is that once the barrel is down to 1/3 full the water does not flow up into watercan. We will need to raise the barrel onto cinderblocks to let gravity do the work.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I was so excited to get my first rain barrel. It filled up in no time with our first rain. Our well water hasn't been good for my flowers so I am looking forward to having more beautiful, healthy looking flowers this year. Already wish I had another rain barrel. Fills up fast and empties fast with all my flowers to water!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

First storm that passed through it was full.
Free water. Can't get no better then that.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

My only complaint is that the hose does not always stay in the little slot. If it falls on the ground, all of the water can drain from the barrel.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This rainbarrel is the right size for a family vegetable garden as well as multitudes of plants in pots. The nozzle fills my bucket quickly, the screen keeps all debris out of the water, the color of the barrel blends into my garden. It is easy to assemble and happily arrived very quickly after we placed our order. This is the best Mother's Day gift I ever received!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I never knew I needed a rainbarrel, but we went through a drought recently and I bought this one. Well, rainy season is here and the barrel filled the first day! Now uses have been coming to mind, like saving water for hurricane season. I like the idea of having an extra source at my house. And this is great for watering houseplants. I keep the mosquito rings in it; but the screen on the top does a great job too.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This is my second rainbarrel, and I have linked it to the first one to save twice as much water.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Attractive addition to my landscape while conserving water and lowering my water bill.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

My rain barrel is near my holding area for potted plants, and is very handy for watering them with either a hose, or by filling a watering can. It's important to raise the barrel up off the ground (mine is on cement blocks) and it would be even handier if it had a faucet, rather than the short hose with shut-off. The screen cover works great - I've had no mosquito problems.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Good quality, my husband had it hooked up in minutes, easy to use, great way to save rain water. No complaints, used it earlier today, would love to have one for each down spout!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This is the second set of rain barrels that I have purchased from Gardener's Supply. The first ones are on the small trailer we are living in while we build our new home, and these 4 are for our new home! They are the largest capacity I could find and I can always add to them if needed with the linking kit. I love the new brown color as our new house is built of stone. The small hose with spigot is convenient for watering directly or for filling up a watering can. My contractor also liked them!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I attach a soaker hose to the barrel and use the collected water to get water to flowers and plants under thick and dense trees.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

The overflow tube wouldn't stay connected, till I glued it in place. Don't like the way the hose is supposed to hang. It falls to the ground.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

great to save rainwater

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

barrels are good. if you want it to be reliable and last..suggest all new hardware/hoses. not too much money about 20$...after that it works wonderful. wish we could afford 2 more..

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

spiget broke off rendering it useless as a rain barrel

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I was impressed with the solid construction of the barrel.
Overflow tube connection outside the barrel needs something better to keep it from sliding off.
All in all a good product.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

The hose shown in the picture of the barrel is a narrow hose, which is expected. Instead, we got a wide flimsy tube that has to be secured by an adjustable clamp. Nothing like the picture.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I use it to augment the water in my hot tub. From there I water my garden & lawn. A good rain can fill the bucket in a couple of hours. Not so easy to clean because of the wheel spike top.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Love the new brown color. It blends well with our brick/stone garage. Would prefer the filter/bug screen on top was attached in some way. It blows off easily and we can't use it too well. We are trying to find a way to attach it to the barrel...duct tape for now.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Attachment of drain hose does not work and leaks. Had to buy separate clamp to attach drain

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

very happy with the product.
the only thing i would change would be the over-flow line. i would prefer it under the supply line.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I am looking at modifying the top so it can be removed and reattached so that the inside can be cleaned. After a while algae buils up as well as dirt etc. Also the hose does not stay in the notch at the top, it keeps falling out so I have added a conduit clamp that I can swing over it to keep it on place, works great.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Large and sturdy. Filled up quickly and the overflow worked perfectly. Plan to use it to water flower garden. Recommend ordering mosquito rings along with it as they are hard to find.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This product is useless because it leaks so badly

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

After so much success with my first two rain barrels I thought a third near the veggie garden would be wonderful. However, this barrel developed a gap where the barrel and spout come together. The more water the larger the gap becomes. [...] seal the hole with JB Weld which has helped, but not solved the problem. I've had better luck with the English rain barrel.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This is my third rain barrel. I bought 2 about five years ago and other than spray washing them out in the spring they are as good as new. Love them.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

We wanted a water source in the back yard which did not require dragging the hose. The idea of saving rain water is to our liking as well.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

It can store alot of water, It saves any lawn around Spouts; from washing away & or plants in a cultivated site around that area. and having that supply of water frees you from H2o regulations in your area.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This is great for my area, where we have dry and humid summers. I like the easy way you can hook up the hose to disperse the water. This large capacity will enable me to keep my flowers going better through the dry times.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This is my second rain barrel, having left the first at my last house. I love saving the rain water for plants, both inside and out. [...] The overflow outlet was not affixed to the barrel, so it leaked. We fixed it ourselves. The overflow hose provided is, as I told customer service, not worth sending. It is difficult to open up this hose, which is sent flat and is stiff plastic. We put the barrel out when still cool spring and it would not open. I recommend the overflow hose not be sent with the barrel. Either send a hose already open or just tell us to buy one.I will continue to order from Gardener's Supply [...]

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

CONSERVES WATER AND IS BETTER FOR MY PLANTS THAN TAP WATER

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I look forward to spring every year and getting my 5 rain barrels set up which I purchased years ago from Gardeners Supply. The barrels each hold 75 gallons of water and it takes about 5 minutes for them to fill in a steady rain. Rain water is so much better for my flowers.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I use rainbarrels to collect the bleedoff water from my evaporative coolers and direct it onto plants.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

If you add fertilizer to the barrel you don't need to remember when it's needed. Then attach it to a drip hose and you are all set for the best garden ever! Just remember to leave it open in the Spring because the overflow line is a bit too stiff to do the job for which it is designed.
It fills overnight in just a small rain.
I love it!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I liked my first rain barrel and two years later am adding a second one. May go to numbers three and four... The barrel has safety features and is easy to hook up and maintain.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I like the size and the sturdy construction - I have stored this barrel outside (drained and upside-down) through two Pennsylvania winters, and it is showing no signs of wear.

All hose fittings (overflow hose etc.) leaked from the beginning. Also, the overflow spout inside the barrel is hung up on a flimsy hook and comes undone constantly. As a result, I am often disappointed to find the barrel empty and the surrounding pavement wet. The outlet hose also is supposed to hook into the rim of the barrel for storage. While it does easily slot into the rim, it does not stay put and will fall off after a few minutes or hours. Because the valve on the outlet hose leaks, this also results in an empty barrel upon my return the next day.

The "childproof" staves at the top of the barrel make it impossible to quickly fill a watering can or bucket by dipping it into the barrel. The debris screen is too wide-gauge (or maybe too poorly fitted) to keep out mosquitoes.

Finally, I recommend planning to prop up your rain barrel far enough off the ground that you can put a watering can underneath the outlet. This will allow you to fill the can from the hose with the help of gravity (because the water will be flowing downhill even if your barrel is nearly empty). This, of course also requires installing your downspout diverter higher up than you would if you plan to put the barrel directly on the ground (not recommended).

All of these minor annoyances could be fixed with a little more careful engineering of component parts -- I am hoping for a perfected "second edition" of this great idea.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

One should read the reviews on this product and take them to heart. I did not. I felt that the reviews were so poor, that the company must have made corrections in the product. But they haven't.The overflow tube is just supposed to sit on the neck at the bottom of the barrel. It needs a zip tie or plummers clamp to keep it secure. Unfortunately, you can't do this without cutting up the product, removeing the child safety lid. And then it is not returnable, of course. So it just leaks down to the spot where the overflow tube and spigot inside the drum meet. I called the company, and they sent another tube. But that wasn't the problem. Just a poor design, for [$]

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

In an area subject to recent drought restrictions it has been essential for water conservation and use.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

I have a drain spout feeding the barrel in my back yard. I like the large capacity and the overflow system; however, the clamp that came with the unit to secure the hose to the bottom of the barrel was useless. As soon as the pressure built up inside the barrel, the hose popped off and all the water spilled onto the ground, making the conservation of water for plants only a lost dream.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This makes water available where there is no faucet.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Love the Rain Barrel! I have been wanting one for some time now. [...] Easy to set up, works great! Love that I can collect rain water - Free Water! Plus I find rain water is the best for all my plants. I also use it to fill my birdbaths.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Very easy to set up. Most time was spent on setting a level spot with cement pavers and modifying the rain spout. Would buy two at a time to save money on shipping. Will buy another for the other back corner of my house next payday!

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

Large size allows for water to be stored for dry periods with a mosquito donut inside. Works best to have hose downhill when water level is low.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This was a great conservation tool. Always enough water for my inside and outside gardens and to fill the bird bath with un-chlorinated water.

The only thing, and I don't think I saw this anywhere, is that it is not weather-resistant: Drain it in the winter or it will burst through the bottom and it's shot. Broke my heart this winter but I love it so much I will get another.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

This is the second barrel we have gotten. The first one works great with no leaks. The second one leaked when water was going down the overflow tube. The leak apparently was in one of the seams of the small "insert" that goes into the pre-formed one piece rain barrel. I think I fixed it with caulk and spray adhesive; time will tell.

Comments about Deluxe Rain Barrels:

did not know that I would have to drain it and store it for the winter as stated in the directions. thought I could use it year round.