Collecting rainwater runoff with rain barrels is a simple and low-cost method of water conservation. It’s the easiest and most feasible solution for homeowners looking to save money on water bills. A single rain barrel costs between $120 and $160, but most homeowners spend an average of $140 for a 40- to 60-gallon barrel.
The total cost of installing a rain barrel depends on the material of the rain barrel, the storage capacity, and the labor required for additional installations such as rain gutters, sprinkler systems, etc.
In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average rain barrel costs in 2024
| National average cost | $141 |
| Typical price range | $95 – $140 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $30 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $480 |
Rain barrels typically range in capacity from 40 to 100 gallons and include a PVC fitting, spigot, garden hose, and mesh screen. Rain barrels are much less expensive than cisterns and other rainwater collection systems but cannot hold as many gallons of water.
A typical 40- to 60-gallon prefabricated rain barrel costs between $95 and $140 at any home improvement store nationwide, though homeowners prefer to buy 55-gallon rain barrels, which costs $141 on average.
Rain barrel prices can be as low as $30 and can go all the way up to $480. Expect higher costs if you add or replace fixtures such as a gutter downspout, sprinkler system, or diverter.
Homeowners who want to reduce the cost of rain barrels can:
- Opt for smaller barrel units
- Harness available rebate programs in their water district
- Find out if their community offers incentives for rain barrels
Rain barrel cost estimator by size
The typical price range for rain barrels is between $0.60 and $4 per gallon. Prices can be high or low as per the size and material of the catchment system.
| Barrel size | Average cost |
| 40 | $25 – $160 |
| 50 | $30 – $200 |
| 60 | $35 – $240 |
| 80 | $50 – $320 |
| 100 | $60 – $400 |
Some prefabricated 100-gallon rain barrels you find at your local home improvement store may be very cheap (less than $100). These barrels are pop-up vinyl rain barrels that can be collapsed but aren’t as sturdy.
The material also affects the cost of a rain barrel, and size and material are often related. Some materials aren’t found in large sizes, while others have a wider range of sizes. Here are some common rain barrel materials:
- Plastic is the most common and cheapest. They’re lightweight but can be an eyesore, especially if they’re repurposed.
- Recycled plastic is a little cheaper.
- Vinyl is used for pop-up or collapsible rain barrels and isn’t very sturdy or windproof. However, vinyl rain barrels can be very large.
- Wood is more expensive than plastic but looks better. They’re more durable except against carpenter ants and termites.
- Metal is durable, but more expensive and much heavier.
- Stone and clay rain barrels are more aesthetically pleasing but are usually found in smaller sizes.
The material of the spigot also can influence the price of the rain barrel. They can be plastic or brass.
Other factors that affect cost
There is usually no cost to install a rain barrel. All that is required is to find an ideal location for the rain barrel and place it under a gutter. However, additional features can drive up costs.
P.S. Make sure you know how to install and use your rain barrel properly once you’ve purchased it!
Labor cost
Rain barrels can be installed without the help of pros, but if more extensive work is required, you will need to hire a pro. Hiring a plumber costs between $50 and $160 per hour.
Gutter installation
To get the water collection system up and running, some homeowners will need to install a downspout for the gutter. In other cases, this component is already in place but is worn out or damaged and needs to be replaced. On average, gutter installation costs $800 to $2,480.
Don’t know if your gutters need replacing? Our sister site, Gutter Gnome has an article detailing the 8 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Gutters.
You can contact a gutter pro for installation and other gutter-related services through our sister site, too.
Gutter repair
Perhaps your gutters only have minor issues that don’t warrant total replacement. Gutter repairs cost $164 to $500, with the price varying on the severity of the damage.
If it’s specifically your gutters you have a problem with, then you can repair them, too. A typical gutter downspout repair costs between $50 to $110, while replacement or installation costs an average of $4 to $20 per linear foot.
Gutter cleaning
Over time, gutters accumulate a lot of dirt and debris. To keep your rainwater clean, you should have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year. Getting your gutters cleaned costs an average of $105 to $375.
Water filtration system
Filters are often optional for rainwater collection systems. However, it is essential for homeowners with large rain barrels to install a filter if they plan to convert roof runoff into potable water. A simple filter costs about $75 to $200.
Add-ons
You can add additional features to your rain barrel system to make it more useful and easy to use.
| Add-ons | Average Cost |
| Tank gauge | $42 |
| Pump | $100 – $417 |
| First flush diverter | $23 – $62 |
| Downspout screens | $8 each |
| Gutter mesh | $1.50 – $3.38 per linear foot |
These add-ons do the following:
- Tank gauges tell you how much water is in your rain barrel.
- Water pumps transfer water from your rain barrel somewhere else at a much faster rate.
- First flush diverters redirect the first (typically dirtier) flush of water down a downspout elsewhere.
- Gutter mesh (a type of gutter guard) prevents debris from getting into your gutters.
- Downspout screens function similarly to gutter mesh but are placed at downspouts.
Permits
In some states, homeowners need to get a permit to do the following:
- Harvest rainwater (including from outside your home)
- Collect rainwater over a certain amount (for example, 360 gallons in Hawaii)
- Use rainwater for anything other than watering your lawn
Rain barrel maintenance
Rain barrels must be routinely checked and maintained, especially after heavy rains. Checking the gutter downspouts and filters ensures they are not clogged or leaking. You can hire a landscaper to do the work for you if you can’t do it yourself. The cost is charged by the hour and ranges from $50 to $100.
Below are landscaping services that may be needed before installing rain barrels, as well as strategies to minimize stormwater runoff.
We also included roofing costs as this project concerns rain. Your roof does affect how much rainwater you can harvest and its quality.
Sprinkler installation
To reduce water usage, you can combine rain barrels with a sprinkler system for irrigation. Installing an irrigation system costs an average of $3,270.
Yard cleanup
Depending on the number of rain barrels to be installed and the neatness of the installation area, homeowners who do not have the time or expertise may need to hire a landscaping company to tidy their yard to make room for a new rain barrel. Cleaning a yard costs an average of $318.
Land grading
You may need to level the area where you’ll install the catchment system if the site is not level so you can capture a good amount of water. Leveling a small portion of a yard costs about $310.
French drain
French drains are a great way to capture stormwater and distribute it to any part of your landscape. Installing an exterior French drain costs between $10 and $75 per linear foot.
Concrete sub-base
Concrete is the best base for supporting the weight of blocks and water-filled rain barrels. It does not decompose over time like wood and other materials. A concrete sub-base costs about $10 to $20 per cubic yard of concrete.
Roofing
You need a clean roof to collect clean rainwater. Your roof collects dirt and bacteria over time from the environment, so it’s important to get it cleaned at least once a year. On average, roof cleaning costs between $374 and $606.
Your roof also may have leaks, which is not good for either your rain barrel system or your safety. Getting your roof repaired costs an average of $348 to $1,186, but can be more or less expensive depending on how bad the issues are.
Lastly, your roof may be due for a replacement because of its age. Some roofing materials are unideal for rainwater harvesting, so we advise you to go with metal or asphalt shingles. Replacing your roof costs $5,706 to $11,185.
DIY cost vs. pro cost
Installing a smaller rain barrel can be a DIY project, as most flat-back rain barrels and a few others are almost entirely coupled. In situations where they are not, you can watch online tutorials on how rain barrels work to educate yourself beforehand.
Here is the breakdown of DIY equipment costs according to item prices from Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and specialty rain barrel stores.
| DIY equipment | Cost |
| Brass spigot | $11.90 |
| Cordless drill | $120 |
| Hacksaw | $19 |
| Waterproof sealant | $11.75 |
| Diverter kit | $30.44 |
| Bulkhead fitting/union | $14.84 |
| DIY rain barrel kit | $35.79 |
| Food-grade plastic drum (55 gal., new or used) | $27.40 – $163.30 |
| Screws (50 pieces) | $15 |
| Mesh screen | $9.61 |
| Total | $213.94 – $356.39 |
Going with a DIY rain barrel kit and a used plastic drum will offer you the most savings. If you’re not using a DIY rain barrel kit, you will need to buy a brass spigot, diverter kit, and bulkhead fitting or union.
If your gutter downspout needs replacement, you will need to contact a professional who can also couple the prefabricated rain barrels.
Cost of rain barrel by location
Where you live can affect the cost of a rain barrel. Of the 50 states, only 27 encourage and reward rainwater harvesting. Some states have restrictions, while others simply allow rainwater collection without subsidies.
If you live in places like Texas, California, Washington, D.C., San Jose, and San Antonio, you can be sure to buy rain barrels at a lower price because of tax breaks, rebates, or incentives these cities offer.
FAQ about rain barrels
Why should I install a rain barrel?
Installing a rain barrel comes with many benefits. The main benefits of installing a rain barrel include:
- Easy way to conserve water during droughts (it’s also helpful in trying to achieve an eco-friendly lawn care routine)
- Helps to reduce and manage stormwater runoff
- Saves you money on your water bills
- Prevents water collecting in your yard
- Provides pure, natural water for watering plants
How long can water remain in rain barrels?
Rainwater becomes contaminated after a week or so. However, you can keep it clean by preventing it from coming into contact with insects and livestock.
You also should throw out your water if it has algae, even if you’re going to use it to water your plants.
How much rain can I collect?
The amount of water you can collect depends on the size of your roof and the storage capacity of the rain barrel.
To determine the actual amount, you can use this formula provided by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension of Cochise County:
Square feet of the collection area (your roof) x Amount of rain (in inches) x 0.623
This means that a 1,000-square-foot roof would produce about 630 gallons of water from one inch of rain. You can use annual or monthly rainfall statistics to determine how much rain you can harvest from your roof.
Note: Some states and municipalities restrict the amount of rainwater you are legally allowed to collect, so check local regulations before installing a rain barrel.
When to call a pro for lawn care
A rain barrel system not only provides cost-effective irrigation but also reduces your reliance on the local water supply system and diverts water from the storm drain system, reducing pollution to rivers, lakes, and streams. The benefits of installing a rain barrel are worth the low average cost of $95 to $140.
One of the benefits of rain barrels is that they can be hooked up to sprinklers. If you need help installing a sprinkler system that can take advantage of this, or if you just need help around your lawn, Lawn Love can help. We can connect you with a lawn care pro in your area with just a few clicks.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: Pixnio
