How Much Do Rain Barrels Cost? Conserving Water Costs Less Than You Think

How Much Does a Rain Barrel Cost Per Gallon?

Most rain barrels cost between $0.50 to $4.00 per gallon, and most homeowners opt for a 40- to 60-gallon barrel. Rain barrels are simple rainwater harvesting systems that collect the stormwater that would otherwise roll off your roof and end up in a storm drain. All you have to do is place it under a gutter downspout. Typical prices are as follows:

Before You Start: Check Your Local Government 

Not all cities and counties allow for rainwater collection, so it’s important to check your local government’s environmental or health departments before going through with installation. Rainwater is considered in some areas property of the state and therefore can place regulations on how much (if any) gets collected. 

On the flip side, some states encourage or provide government incentives to collect rainwater. The U.S. Department of Energy has a Rainwater Harvesting Regulations map that you can use to check for state-level rules. 

Rain Barrel Cost Factors

Rain barrel systems typically consist of a plastic drum (though it can be wood or steel), PVC couplings, a hose, and a screen that keeps insects and debris out of the water. They’re usually significantly less expensive than other rainwater harvesting methods, but costs can add up if your home doesn’t have an adequate gutter. Here’s how installation costs breakdown:

Rainwater Barrel

You can purchase a rainwater barrel online or at your local hardware store. Most homeowners opt for a barrel that holds 40 to 60 gallons of water and spend around $140. Some people choose to make their own barrel out of a large plastic drum, but if your rainwater will be used for drinking or bathing you’ll want to make sure the interior is sterile.

Gutter Installation

To harvest rainwater with a rain barrel, you need a gutter downspout properly placed above the drum. Gutter installation costs on average $1,100 or $4 to $30 per square foot.

Sprinkler System Installation

According to the EPA, homeowners use 30% to 70% of their water outdoors. For this reason, some people choose to cut water usage by installing a sprinkler system that works with their rain barrel. The cost of a sprinkler system is usually around $2,525.

Water Filtration System

Homeowners with very large rain barrels may choose to install a water filtration system so they can drink the water that’s collected. A whole-house water filtration system costs on average $1,000 to $4,000.

Labor

Many rainwater barrels are plug-and-play, but if you need extensive work done, you’re looking at an average cost of $45 to $200 per hour for a plumber or contractor.

Additional Costs to Consider

Following the initial installation costs, keep in mind the following ongoing costs to keep your rain barrels in working order.

Maintenance

You’ll need to keep your gutters clean to ensure clean water collection. The cost of a gutter cleaning is around $160. If you have a filtration system, you can expect to spend $250 per year on new UV bulbs and filters. You’ll also need to occasionally clean out your barrel, but costs are limited to a little soap and elbow grease.

Homeowners request gutter cleaning and maintenance for a variety of reasons. Based on responses from 72,300 Angi customers, the most common reason, reported by 33% of homeowners, is regular maintenance. The second most common reason, reported by 30%, is clogged gutters. Clogs can prevent water from flowing properly into rain barrels, making regular cleaning essential not only to protect the home but also to keep rain barrels functioning as intended.

Ongoing Testing and Treatment

Your rain barrel is not “set it and forget it.” Rainwater can collect metals, minerals, and bacteria as it flows through your gutters and into your rain barrel. Especially if you’re using your collected water for consumption or irrigation, you’ll want to test regularly to ensure it’s safe for use. You can find at-home testing kits for around $30 to $200, depending on what you want to test for.

Additionally, depending on what you find from testing, you may need to pay for water treatment to ensure your collected rainwater doesn’t go to waste. Depending on the level of contamination, you can boil the water. But in cases of high contamination, you may need to consider purchasing a water filtration kit or invest in chemical disinfectants geared towards water quality.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Most homeowners don’t need to hire a professional contractor to install a rain barrel—especially if they purchase a rainwater collection kit. If you do the job yourself, you could wind up paying less than $200. It depends on the system and your home. 

When it comes down to it, you probably don’t want to install your own gutters unless you really know what you’re doing. You might save a buck, but you could end up creating an expensive problem (hello, accidental leaks and flooding). Some rainwater harvesting systems (like underground cisterns or wet collection systems) are even more difficult to install and require excavation and plumbing work. It’s a job best left to a top-rated local plumber.

How to Save Money When Installing a Rain Barrel

Avoid add-on features and opt for a smaller unit, so you can get started for less than $200. To save money on a rain barrel, install a ready-to-use kit. These are typically available at hardware stores and include the main components you need to get started (think: the barrel, the cover or lid, a screen, and an overflow mechanism).