What is a gutter water collector?
A gutter water collector, commonly known as a rain barrel diverter or a rainwater harvesting system connection kit, is a device that integrates with your home’s rain gutters and downspouts to capture and redirect rainwater into a storage container, such as a rain barrel or cistern. Instead of allowing all rainwater to flow to the ground, these collectors allow you to harness this free natural resource for various purposes, promoting water conservation and sustainability.
Benefits: irrigation, conservation, sustainability
- Irrigation: The primary benefit. Collected rainwater is ideal for watering gardens, lawns, houseplants, and even washing vehicles, as it is naturally soft and free of chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water.
- Water Conservation: Reduces your reliance on municipal water supplies, especially during dry spells, which helps conserve local water resources.
- Cost Savings: By using collected rainwater for outdoor tasks, you can significantly lower your monthly water utility bills.
- Sustainability: Promotes environmentally friendly practices by reducing stormwater runoff, which can otherwise contribute to erosion and pollute natural waterways.
- Foundation Protection: While collecting water, it also helps divert excess water away from your home’s foundation, reducing the risk of water damage.
Types of collectors
Downspout adapters & first-flush diverters
- Downspout Adapters: Simple kits that install directly into your downspout, creating an opening for a hose or pipe to direct water into a rain barrel. When the barrel is full, excess water bypasses the adapter and continues down the downspout.
- First-Flush Diverters: These are crucial components in more sophisticated systems. They divert the initial flow of rainwater (the “first flush”) from the roof, which typically contains the most contaminants (leaves, dust, bird droppings). After the initial dirty water is diverted, cleaner water then flows into your storage barrel or cistern.
Rain barrels & cisterns
- Rain Barrels: Smaller, above-ground containers (typically 50-100 gallons) designed for residential rainwater collection. They are easy to install and are a great entry point into rainwater harvesting.
- Cisterns: Much larger storage tanks (hundreds to thousands of gallons), which can be above or below ground. Cisterns are suitable for larger homes, properties with extensive irrigation needs, or those aiming for greater water independence.
Tanks with mesh filters
Many larger rainwater harvesting tanks and cisterns come equipped with built-in mesh filters at the inlet point. These internal filters act as a final barrier, catching any remaining debris before water enters the main storage volume, ensuring cleaner water and protecting pumps or other components.
See more: Gutter alternatives: Explore smart rainwater management options
Installation steps
Positioning & plumbing basics
- Positioning: Place your rain barrel or cistern on a sturdy, level surface (e.g., concrete blocks) directly beneath a downspout, or in a location where a diverted downspout can reach it. Ensure it’s high enough to allow gravity-fed watering.
- Downspout Cut: Cut a section out of your downspout at the height specified by your collector kit.
- Install Diverter/Adapter: Insert the diverter or adapter into the cut downspout section.
- Connect Hose/Pipe: Connect the diverter’s output hose or pipe to the inlet of your rain barrel or cistern. Ensure all connections are watertight using appropriate fittings and sealant.
- Overflow Management: Install an overflow hose on your rain barrel/cistern to direct excess water away from your foundation once the barrel is full.
First-flush systems & filtration
- First-Flush Installation: First-flush diverters are installed vertically in a separate section of downspout before the main collection barrel. When it rains, the first volume of water fills this chamber, sealing off the dirty water. Subsequent cleaner water then flows to your storage.
- Filtration: Ensure any mesh filters are easily accessible for cleaning. If your system requires further filtration (e.g., for potable uses, though this is rare for typical home harvesting), install pre-filters before the pump or spigot.
Selecting the right capacity & material
- Capacity:
- Small Gardens/Patios: 50-100 gallon rain barrels are usually sufficient.
- Larger Yards/Significant Irrigation: Consider multiple rain barrels connected in series or a larger cistern (200+ gallons). Calculate based on your roof’s catchment area and local rainfall.
- Material:
- Rain Barrels: Often recycled food-grade plastic barrels, durable plastic, or wood. Choose UV-resistant materials.
- Cisterns: Can be plastic (HDPE), fiberglass, concrete, or steel. Select material based on required capacity, budget, and whether it will be above or below ground. Ensure it’s opaque to prevent algae growth.
Maintenance & winter care
- Regular Cleaning: Periodically clean the inside of your rain barrel/cistern to prevent sediment buildup and algae growth. Clean all filters (downspout filters, mesh screens) regularly.
- Pest Control: Ensure all openings are screened to prevent mosquitoes and other pests from entering.
- Winter Care (in freezing climates):
- Disconnect: Before the first hard freeze, disconnect your rain barrel/cistern from the downspout diverter.
- Drain: Completely drain all water from the barrel and any associated hoses/pipes to prevent freezing and cracking.
- Store: Store the barrel indoors or upside down in a sheltered location for the winter. Ensure the diverter is set to bypass the barrel, allowing water to flow normally down the downspout.
Legal considerations & practical tips
- Legal Considerations: Check local and state regulations regarding rainwater harvesting. Some areas have restrictions or require permits, though this is becoming less common as water conservation is encouraged.
- Mosquitoes: Always use fine mesh screens on all openings (inlet, overflow) to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Safety: Ensure rain barrels are on a stable, level surface and are secured, especially if they are tall, to prevent tipping when full.
- First-Flush: Seriously consider a first-flush diverter to ensure cleaner water, especially if you plan to use it for anything other than basic irrigation.
- Overflow: Always plan for an overflow strategy to direct excess water safely away from your foundation once your collector is full.
Start harvesting rainwater and save on your water bill! All Gutters offers complete rainwater collection solutions and professional installation. Get your free consultation today!