Maya Ellison
Water is essential for human survival, and access to safe drinking water is a critical priority, especially during emergencies. A 55-gallon plastic barrel is a popular option for storing large amounts of water in a small space, whether it's for emergency preparedness or rainwater harvesting. One important consideration when setting up a water barrel is whether to elevate it off the ground. Elevating the barrel on sturdy pallets, wooden planks, or concrete blocks has several benefits. Firstly, it helps to prevent the absorption of concrete fumes or stagnant odours from the ground. Secondly, by raising the barrel, you can take advantage of gravity to increase water pressure and make it easier to access the spigot. Additionally, elevating the barrel provides headspace to accommodate expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Therefore, it is generally recommended to elevate plastic water barrels to ensure optimal water storage and accessibility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Barrel material | Food-grade plastic |
| Barrel capacity | 55 gallons |
| Barrel weight | 460 pounds |
| Barrel colour | Blue |
| Barrel placement | Off the ground, on sturdy pallets, wooden planks, or concrete blocks |
| Barrel storage | In a cool, dark place, like a basement or interior closet |
| Barrel contents | Drinking water, non-potable water, or rainwater |
| Barrel maintenance | Rotate water every 6 months to 1 year, clean and sanitise regularly |
| Barrel protection | Cover with a heavy dark tarp or reflective paint/wraps to protect from sunlight |
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What You'll Learn
Preventing algae growth
Water barrels stored outside should be elevated off the ground on sturdy pallets or wooden planks. This is to allow for expansion and contraction with temperature changes. However, it is important to note that sunlight promotes algae growth, so keeping the barrels in the shade is also crucial.
To prevent algae growth in your water barrels, here are some measures you can take:
- Keep the barrels out of direct sunlight by storing them in a cool, dark place like a basement or interior closet. You can also place them in shaded outdoor areas, such as under awnings, trees, or covered porches.
- Use reflective paint or wraps on the barrels to reflect sunlight and keep them cool.
- Avoid using clear or light-coloured irrigation tubing, as algae require light to grow. Instead, switch to black flex tubing or solid tubing that blocks light.
- Regularly clean your gutters and keep them free of debris to avoid algae blooms. Gutters tend to be the dirtiest after heavy rainfall, so be sure to check and clean them after a rainstorm.
- Use rain barrel screens, which are small mesh screens that fit on top of or inside the barrel, to catch debris and prevent algae from establishing itself. Remember to clean the screens regularly.
- Avoid keeping a full rain barrel for extended periods, as standing water is more likely to produce algae. Try to use the water frequently and refill the barrel every six months to a year.
- Deep clean your rain barrels annually by dumping out the water, scrubbing the inside with a soft brush and a few drops of dish soap or detergent, and rinsing thoroughly.
- If there is significant algae growth, make a bleach solution using 3/4 cup of bleach for every 1 gallon of water. Scrub the inside of the barrel with the solution and then rinse it out before setting it up again.
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Avoiding concrete
When storing water in plastic barrels, it is important to elevate them above the ground. This is because concrete can leach chemicals into the water if subjected to heat. To avoid this, there are a few methods that can be employed:
- Use sturdy pallets or wooden planks to elevate the barrels off the ground. This will ensure that the water is not in direct contact with the concrete and reduce temperature transfer.
- Store the barrels in a cool, dark place like a basement or interior closet. By storing the barrels in a temperature-controlled environment, you can reduce the risk of chemical leaching.
- Use a platform to elevate the barrel above the ground. This method is commonly used for rain barrels to ensure stability and allow for overflow.
- If storing the barrels outdoors, consider using a heavy dark tarp to protect them from sunlight. Sunlight can break down plastic and promote algae growth, so minimizing this exposure is important.
- Construct a platform using crushed stone or gravel to level out the base and elevate the barrel. This method can help stabilize the barrel and prevent it from tipping over when full.
By following these methods, you can effectively avoid concrete and ensure that your water supply remains safe for consumption.
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Using pallets or blocks
When storing water barrels, it is recommended to store them off the ground on pallets or wooden planks. This is because plastic is permeable and may leach chemicals into the water from nearby containers. Storing water barrels on pallets or wooden planks also helps to reduce temperature transfer. This is especially important if you are storing your water barrels outside, as sunlight will break down the plastic and promote algae growth.
If you are using pallets or wooden planks to elevate your water barrel, it is important to ensure that they are sturdy and can support the weight of the barrel when it is full. It is also a good idea to level the ground underneath the pallets or wooden planks to ensure that the barrel does not tip over once it is full. You can do this by adding crushed stone or gravel to the ground under the barrel.
Another option for elevating your water barrel is to use concrete blocks, cinder blocks, or landscaping blocks. These can be placed under the barrel to raise it off the ground, making it easier to use and allowing gravity to help increase water pressure.
Elevating your water barrel is an important step in setting it up, whether you use pallets, wooden planks, or blocks. By elevating your water barrel, you can help to improve water pressure and ensure that it is stable and secure.
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Increasing water pressure
Water barrels should be elevated off the ground on sturdy pallets or wooden planks. This is because plastic is permeable and may leach chemicals into the water from nearby containers. Elevating the barrel also allows for expansion and contraction with temperature changes.
Now, if you are looking to increase the water pressure in your home, there are several ways to go about it. Firstly, you should determine whether you have low pressure all around or good pressure that quickly drops when you open another tap. If you have low pressure all around, you can try making slight adjustments to your regulator. The regulator will have an adjustment screw that can be turned clockwise to increase pressure. Remember to start with small changes and gradually increase the pressure while testing to see if your home's water pressure improves.
Another way to increase water pressure is to adjust the pressure-reducing valve, which can usually be found close to your water meter. You can also try cleaning or replacing shower valves and showerheads, as mineral build-up can cause blockages and reduce water flow.
If you are looking for more significant changes, you can consider increasing the diameter of the water line, installing a larger pressure tank, or getting a bigger pump. Pipe replacements can also help increase water pressure, especially if you have older pipes that are more susceptible to damage and corrosion. If you have municipal water or well water, you can hire a licensed plumbing contractor to install a water-pressure booster pump, which will target incoming pressure and raise it to the proper level.
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Avoiding direct sunlight
Sunlight, in the form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can break down plastic, causing microscopic cracks in the walls of plastic water tanks and barrels. Over time, these cracks can lead to leaks that are challenging and costly to repair. Therefore, it is essential to take measures to protect your plastic water barrel from direct sunlight.
One way to do this is by erecting shelters or natural barriers to block or limit UV exposure. For example, you can place the barrel under awnings, trees, or covered porches to keep it shaded throughout the day. Alternatively, you can bury the barrel underground, as below-ground tanks are easier to protect from the elements and have lower temperatures.
If you choose to keep your barrel above ground, you can use a heavy dark tarp to shield it from sunlight. Additionally, consider the geographic location of your barrel, as certain areas, like southern states, receive more intense and prolonged sunlight than others.
Another option is to paint your plastic water barrel. Painting the barrel with a primer and spray paint specifically designed to adhere to plastic can provide protection from UV radiation. You can also apply a clear coat of polyurethane to ensure the paint does not chip or fade when exposed to the elements.
Finally, storing your barrel indoors in a cool, dark place like a basement or interior closet is an effective way to avoid direct sunlight. Keeping the barrel sealed with a tight lid will also protect it from sunlight exposure and prevent contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
Elevating plastic water barrels helps to prevent temperature transfer, and allows gravity to increase water pressure.
You can elevate a water barrel by placing it on top of concrete blocks, landscaping blocks, bricks, or a stand.
It is recommended to rotate the water in a plastic water barrel every six months to one year.
Water barrels should be made of food-grade plastic that is BPA-free and UV-coated to prevent light penetration.
Plastic water barrels should be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a basement or interior closet, and off the concrete to prevent the absorption of concrete fumes or trapped stagnant odours.
